Thinking about getting an M35A3

I know this topic has been discussed a lot, but I really wonder if M35A3 is such a great truck as opposed to M35A2. These are the reasons I hesitate to get an M 35A3:

1. I am not a fan of automatic transmission in any military vehicle and like to shift my gears when I decide to shift, not the transmission.

2. The maximum road speed of a stock M35A3 is simply too low. I can live with almost 60 MPH, but 50 MPH is not tolerable. Being forced to swap over to larger tires to achieve close to 60 MPH on an M35A3 is a nuisance and additional expense.

3. I do not like the CTIS system because it tends to be troublesome and develops leaks. Is it difficult to deactivate the system or to make it work properly and reliably?

4. The air assist power steering on M35A3s does not impress me much. Why they did not go to a hydraulic system is a mystery.

If I could convince myself that I can live with an automatic transmission and lower speed and potentially leaky CTIS, I would probably get an M35A3.

I also understand that parts and maintenance items are more expensive for an M35A3. Can 395/85-20 tires be mounted on the stock rims without any mods?

I guess M35A3s accelerate faster to speed than the old M35A2s with multifuel engines and are much easier to drive in traffic.

I would appreciate if you could list pros and cons for both trucks. I read several threads on the subject, but I may still be missing something. I know that M35A3s have more creature comforts, backup lights, most come with cabin heaters, and have better driver's suspension seats.
Is that CAT engine and auto transmission reliable and durable? What are the biggest problems with them?

You pretty much covered the bases with your original post. If you were to get an a3 you can mount 395's to stock a3 wheels no problem. Thats exactly the tire/wheel combo I'm running on my a2.

An a3 with 395's may achieve 55mph going down hill. My a2 on 395's will go 63-65ish all day long.

Really both trucks have shortcomings when you compare them to each other. Just which shortcomings are you more willing to live with. Or, how much money are you willing to throw at the feature you wish to add to one truck or another?

A2 for life here. Had to use A3's overseas and the cris just killed us we crimped the lines off and it help some. Also convoy with an A3 is not so fun as they are deadly slow. Compared to fmtv we used, doing hydro conversion on either is an option for sure easier on the A3 as the mounts can be used for cylinder (for the most part)

depends on what you are going to do with it really. A3 is probably more livable day to day with a few simple fixes mods. The cat is a good engine and the Allison is tuff as nails. The old A2's are more manly IMO takes work to drive and they bitch and moan and throw fits, it is rewarding to for me to tame

No need for hesitation, just get one! LOL! All MV's are awesome machines.......all have quirks. I personally do not like CTIS. As soon as I get the opportunity and the right price I'll probably add one to my motor pool. Of course, I'll tell her (the wife) that's her truck! That's about the only way I'll get away with it!��

Get an a3, then sell it and buy an a2. The a3 is inferior and ugly. Only thing you need from the a3 is the wheels.

Jeepsinker said:

Get an a3, then sell it and buy an a2. The a3 is inferior and ugly. Only thing you need from the a3 is the wheels.

Click to expand...

I already have an A2 and had it for years. I am quite familiar with the quirks of the old deuce. As crude as it is, it never broke down on the road to date. I was ready to try something new.

I bought an A3 as my first MV. I had one leaky CTIS at the left rear wheel. Took about 5 minutes to fix. Everything else has been good so far and I have had it for about 18 months. If you do get one, make sure to service the hubs/bearings and inspect everything. The wheel bearings are crazy expensive if you smoke one. You can convert to the A2 style with some simple mods if it were ever necessary, but you will lose the CTIS. So far I'm glad I bought it.

Someday I would like to add an A2.

I have one of each, two different trucks. Both fun to drive and work on. The CAT 3116 will last forever.

Z71 said:

I already have an A2 and had it for years. I am quite familiar with the quirks of the old deuce. As crude as it is, it never broke down on the road to date. I was ready to try something new.

Click to expand...

Well, if it is something new you want, why not select something from the 939 series. I just got an M927A1 two days ago. I love my deuce but that 5-ton is competely different. I had also considered the M35A3 but let's see: Cummins engine, check (big un too!!!); automatic tranny, check; power steering, check (real hydro!!!); 6x6, check; super singles, check; does 55 mph easily, check; decent parts availability, check; no CTIS headaches, check. A 5-ton sounds like an M35A3 without the shortcomings.

Granted, my XLWB truck takes an acre to turn around on, but there are shorter variants. A 5-ton tractor with shortened deuce bed would be quite comperable to am M35.

Been running an A2 and an A3 side by side on a daily basis for a couple years and A3 is easier in town but A2 is faster at the top. Depends on the truck. I love the A2 more though.

The CAT 3116 will last forever.

Click to expand...

Any engine painted yaller is going to cost big money to fix or replace. For what you will spend on an A3 you can buy a nice 900 series cargo truck or tractor. I moved up to the M927 and haven't looked back. I still love deuces but a FUBAR left knee requires an automatic now.

I own two A2s and have driven a couple A3s the most bang for the buck now days is a 939 series 5 ton. Faster on top, its got a Cummins engine, power steering, very comfortable to drive, very impressive piece of machinery!
Good luck
KK

I vote A2. I like the old iron and the simplistic nature of it. As others have said, you could get either one and make it what you want.

thinking about getting a M35A3

I like my A3 , but then I LIKE all MV's LOL . The deal NOW is the 5 TONS , you can pick up a 5 ton for less money then I paid for my Deuce . I picked up my A3 because of the CAT engine , PS , and auto trans. It has been a good ride , but if I was to do it again I would go the 5 ton route . Good luck in your search .

I have owned an A2. Now own an A3, and a 5 ton. After I got my A3, I found the A2 was parked more. I use my trucks mostly for fun and homeowner, land, farm stuff. The A3 seems better suited to daily stuff. The A2 is more authentic, and simple and honkin loud. My 5 ton is even better for work stuff. I have purchased a lift for the bed which will make her even more of a work mule. The A3 I have serves mostly for volunteer stuff.
pete