Bobbing an M818

[LanceRobson]

I've been mulling over the possibility of bobbing a 5 ton and mounting a, M105 bed or shortened standard cargo bed on it.

Has anyone done it?

A search of the current forum comes up dry. Searching on the "old" site only comes up with no results at all.

Any info or thread links would be appreciated.

Thanks

Lance

 

[dburt]

Are you going to bob the tractor? It seems it would be easier then a cargo. I don't see why it cannot be done. Talk about one mean truck, put it up on super singles, turbo the engine, put a winch on it, and you will be the envy of everyone. So if you do this, you gotta post updates with pictures!!

 

[wreckerman893]

The thought of bobbing the M52 has crossed my mind but I need a 5 ton tractor more than a big bobber.
I like the idea of power steering and huge tires......I'd have to lose the multi-fuel and put in a big cam 350 and 10 speed Road Ranger tranny. Now that would make the Hummer crown look.

 

[LanceRobson]

My thoughts are that an M818 can be bought for less than an M813, from which I'd yank the bed anyway.

The frame may already be the right length. I'd like to have room for a spare and davit behind the cab and will need to get out a tape measure to see how it'll work. Since I already have cargo trucks, I'd be willing to lose a little bed length to keep the spare out of the bed.

I have a pristine 1986 M105 on 11.00R20 XLs, with fiberglass racks, that I'd sacrifice for the bed and racks.

After riding in some really rough places, at Rausch Creek with RickyOday in his M818, air ride, HEMMETT or CUCV buckets on spring bases are mandatory. CUCV buckets are cheap enough and OLDCHEV4X4 got me some spring bases from Coleman's for $20 each. They sure make a difference, especially on rough ground.

Doghead and I have discussed using a second front axle for the rear axle. In my brain cell I have a fuzzy picture of digging up a used hydraulic contol valve from a Skytrak forklift to control 4 wheel steering through 2 way cylinders.

That would allow regular front axle only steering, 4 corner steering with wheels opposed to thighten the radius and 4 corner steering with the wheels in the same direction to allow crabbing diagonally, all at the flip of a switch.

A winch, a few snatch blocks, chains, clevises, shackles, straps, yadda, yadda, yadda are pretty mandatory.

A turbo would be a definite plus but is well down the priority list. Maybe a winter project a few years down the road?

I think the whole thing could be done without breaking the bank. It'd give the boys and me a reason to work together on something other than antique tractors.

I've got a lot of shop and storage space so if I get this thought through far enough, I'll buy an M818 ASAP and I'll start hunting down an axle, springs and the hydraulics. I'll keep the M818 intact until I'm ready to pull the trigger.

I hope Household 6 lets me sleep in the house after buying another truck without selling one first. I may have to borrow the Number 1 son's motor home until she cools off.

Anyone interested in an M35A2, whistler, winch, hardtop, cargo rack over the cab, sprung bucket seat, singled 11.00R20 XLs (with an XL spare) and hubs flipped? Maybe your wife will let you stay in the house, too.

Lance

 

[TBigLug]

Any progress made on the project over the holiday? I've got this nagging thought in my head of doing the same thing.

 

[Blythewoodjoe]

Keep us posted. I am planning to start bobbing a M54 tomorrow. As for a M105 bed, it might look funny. I did some measuring and the 5 tons are almost 8' wide as compaired to a deuce at close to 7'. I don't know if the 800's are the same as the older 5 tons but I will measure the M813 here tomorrow too. I plan to cut a deuce bed off for the 5 ton. I'll post some pictures and info as I go. It seems like someone did one here a while back? I don't remember.

Joe Trapp

 

[Pappa-G]

I've started rounding up parts to bob my M818. Dave at Eastern surplus has put together a "kit" with all the springs hangers plates shock mounts and stuff needed.
http://www.easternsurplus.net/
You can contact him here.
I havent decided on a bed configuration yet, weather or not I'm putting the box against the cab or keeping the space for a spare tire. If I'm going to use a 105 trailer bed on the truck I was thinking about puting the 5th wheel plate on the 105 trailer remains and having a dolly for the M146 trailer.

 

[LanceRobson]

Any progress made on the project over the holiday? I've got this nagging thought in my head of doing the same thing.

No progress, unless thinking and asking questions is progress. This whole thing reminds me of the old joke about "How do you cook an elephant?"

I'm closing in on finalizing what I want to do. My current intent is to:

Put an M105 bed or shortened deuce bed on an M818 and shorten the frame as needed.

Use an M809 series front axle as a steering rear axle. Control that and the front axle steering with hydraulic cylinders controlled through an off road forklift steering control valve. I'd like to find pics of something similar to figure the geometry and allow for suspension travel.

Mount a set of meaty tires (size TBD) that allow full or near full suspension travel.

I see the hydraulics and steering as, by far, the biggest source of harsh language and dumb looks.

At least I've got enough shop space so that if the project gets started and has to wait for few months, it won't be in the way (or eating any hay)

The rest of the things I'd like to do can be done later or fit in along the way if opportunity arises.

It's time to add up the projected cost, add 50-70 percent and decide if I'm ready to shoot the elephant.

Lance