About to buy a Deuce

[Ride2Kill]

I found an M35 A2 that seems like its in great shape. 15000 miles, forgot how many hours. The guy had about 20 to choose from, this one being the cleanest one in the bunch. Im out in VA working and plan to drive it back to CO. Other than things like brakes, tire pressure, fluid levels, steering componets, is their anything major I should be looking at before I start this way to long of trip??

I looked at most things like hoses and belts, looked for leaks, driveshaft slop, radiator cap... I feel like I've went though the thing pretty good. I don't really have the tools to check wheel bearings or anything like that. Any of you guys have any advice when it comes to checking one of theis things out?? Do you need more details?? Thanks for your time.

 

[yeager1]

Sounds like you've checked the obvious stuff.
Printing the manuals would be a good idea. Get an ipod or radio with the in-the-ear headphones, and wear ear muffs over them. And bring something to sit on, those seats get old after 500+ miles.

 

[Divemaster920]

Do a search and look for the recovery list. There is a great list to go by(buy). Welcome to VA.

 

[Carl_in_NH]

Good advice above - read the TMs, read the recovery threads. Buying this from a private seller takes a little of the risk out of the recovery - more if this person is in the business of recovering and going through the trucks before the private sale. Talk to the seller - ask questions about what he did to the truck to get it ready to sell.

Are you a person with a large truck background - or only cars? That changes the answers to your question a little.

Are you going this alone - or will someone be running chase with you? Extra battries for your cell phone in case of breakdown...

Tools, tools, and more tools - along with some of every type of fluid the truck uses. Make certain you've got a spare tire or two - and a proper jack and lug wrench to make it possible to change.

You're going to have a backache when you get done with that trip; it's a lot of miles in a truck with less than zero comfort - at 50 - 55 MPH maximum.

One of those portable 12V 'car starter' gadgets is handy if it's got a lighter socket on it; while you won't be starting a deuce with it, you can use it to charge your cell phone and GPS receiver - two things I'd never go cross-country without now-a-days. Oh, and a digital camera so you can take pictures during the sojourn and post 'em here!

 

[GoHot229]

get a cushon to set on, or two

 

[bulldog_mack13]

Are you buying it from a person in CO?

 

[LanceRobson]

Metered hours and miles will not always tell the whole story due to engine replacements, tach replacements, etc. The general condition of the truck is the most important thing. A look at that many trucks parked together will give you a clear idea which ones belonged to units with effective maintenance programs and a decent parts budget. (not every unit that really cares about maintenance has a decent parts funding stream)

That said, expect a cargo deuce to have right around 30 miles on the odometer for every hour, if all the parts are original. A shop or fuel truck will have a higher hour to miles ratio due to increased idle time. Most cargo 5 tons will show 40 miles to every hour with tractors at 45-50.

At 15,000 miles on a cargo deuce you should see something close to 500 hours on the hour meter.

Hope this helps you.

Take your time inspecting the truck. Don't be rushed. Try to take it for a 30 minute highway test drive. Any major problems should show by then and it will let you check bearings and brakes for overheating etc.

You've got a long drive ahead and an in expensive truck can get expensive fast if you need roadside help.

Lance

 

[Ride2Kill]

Thanks to all for your replys and imformation. Id hate to get stuck in the middle of Nebraska with a smoked turbo or something. This should be an interesting trip.

Thanks,
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