Driver certification on M35A2

[UH1Huey3113]

I'm here at Eglin about to hopefully gain some really good instruction and training on driving the M35A2, beloved Deuce and a half, from the Ground Combat Training Squadron. I've always wanted to and now I think I'll get that chance here. What sort of particular things I should be paying attention to so that I don't break this **** thing and grind gears into a dusty disaster? I can tell you that I have driven a stick before. Not too often, but I do know the basics, and probably nothing this quite big yet.

 

[Clay James]

If you've driven stick before it won't be hard to get used to driving a deuce. I learned to drive stick on a deuce Just remember to shift slowly and smoothly with these transmissions.

 

[armytruck63]

What he said. These aren't sports car transmissions.

 

[Ripcord01]

Nor are they fast by any means. The only thing fast about a deuce is the way money flies out of your pocket when you own them.

 

[Flyingvan911]

And keep your fingers out of the steering wheel. Especially if it is manual steering. If the wheels decide to turn and the steering wheel jerks, it will hurt.

Other than that, just remember it's big and heavy. Give yourself room to maneuver and think ahead. Know when you need to slow down for curves, etc. I know it is common sense but when you get into a curve going too fast it is a little scary.

 

[UH1Huey3113]

Wonderful. Thanks for the heads up guys! I'll let ya know how it comes out, hopefully Thurs.

 

[UH1Huey3113]

Manning the Mule at the MCAS Cherry Point airshow, 2006

 

[Billy Bobbed]

Heres the deuce 5 speed transmission shift pattern,remember that 3rd to 4th gear shift.

 

[Stonepicker1]

Also, make sure the parking brake works and you know were it is. If your brakes fail(brake pedal goes to the floor)you can use the parking brake to stop(had do this a few times)

 

[UH1Huey3113]

Oh! Ok, um...I was expecting reverse to be on the righthand side, but I think I can manage. Just gotta try to remember that about 1st, 3 and 4. I can handle it. Thanks! If I can, I'll see if I can post a video of it.

 

[UH1Huey3113]

Should I expect the parking break to be a hand break or a pedal?

 

[Billy Bobbed]

Handle,its left of the drivers seat.

 

[319]

Read this:

 

[UH1Huey3113]

Perfect! That'll help out when I have to stop and start on a hill. I'm not an expert on manual trans so I'd rather NOT jack up government property, expecially since it's from someone elses squadron.

 

[UH1Huey3113]

I have that on disc back at the house, so I'll take a look at it.

 

[AGE|kshaufl]

Are you telling me you never had to get a Gov't Drivers Lic.?

BTW Semper Fi ! I was stationed at Cherry Pt in the 80's/90's. Still Miss It Every Day.

 

[KsM715]

Does anyone else find it strange that they are still doing drivers cert. on a vehicle that at this very moment is supposed to be out of service. (I know there are still a few floating around)

Good luck, its not that hard. Do not slip the clutch to hold the truck on a hill. In first, unloaded, you can dump the clutch and not stall out.

 

[Big Z]

That'll help out when I have to stop and start on a hill.

Just use your service brake like any other vehicle.
Here's just a few quick things:

These trucks are easy to drive as far as trucks go. The transmissions are synchronized and will shift easily. Regardless, I would recommend you be aware of the reasons behind double-clutching and why float-shifting (shifting without using the clutch pedal) works in case the need arises.

Always do a quick walk-around to check for flat tires, leaks, etc. Check fluid levels reasonably frequently. Always allow a warmup and cool-down time. Never push an engine that has not warmed up. Don't shut off hot engines without a cooldown period unless necessary (ie breakdowns). Keep an eye on your gauges and mirrors. Remember, diesel engines in general can not safely run very high RPMs. Use your senses to detect problems; stop and check, rather than wait til the next destination. And of course, have fun, but not too much. Our VFD got a deuce. I had too much fun and then had to buy one. You don't wanna be one of those guys

 

[Beerslayer]

Learn double clutching. If you don't know how, they can teach you. Very useful for shifting balky old transmissions with damaged synchros.

Edit: Slow on the button push! What he ^^ said.

 

[Billy Bobbed]

Just use your service brake like any other vehicle.
Here's just a few quick things:

These trucks are easy to drive as far as trucks go. The transmissions are synchronized and will shift easily. Regardless, I would recommend you be aware of the reasons behind double-clutching and why float-shifting (shifting without using the clutch pedal) works in case the need arises.

Always do a quick walk-around to check for flat tires, leaks, etc. Check fluid levels reasonably frequently. Always allow a warmup and cool-down time. Never push an engine that has not warmed up. Don't shut off hot engines without a cooldown period unless necessary (ie breakdowns). Keep an eye on your gauges and mirrors. Remember, diesel engines in general can not safely run very high RPMs. Use your senses to detect problems; stop and check, rather than wait til the next destination. And of course, have fun, but not too much. Our VFD got a deuce. I had too much fun and then had to buy one. You don't wanna be one of those guys

1st gear is not synchronized.And trying to get it in 2nd gear at a stop sometimes dont go in,so you have to shift from 3rd to 2nd to get the gears align to go in 2nd.I take off in 2nd gear all the time.