How hard are deuces to work on?

[kcimb]

A guy on one of my other forums says that jeeps are super easy to work on. I'm wondering if Deuces are the same.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Super easy as well, just heavier.

 

[FreightTrain]

yea,They are a beeze if you have a good back and BIG tools.There is nothing to them really.Can't get any more bare bones and still have something that functions.But,standard vehicular repair kits just won't cut it.Pick up a minimum of a 1/2" ratchet but preferably a 3/4" with sockets and a minimum of a 3/4" impact.There are some 1/2" impacts that will work but I like the extra balls of the 3/4".....then there is the Mother of all impacts the 1".If you can't get it off with that then best to just red wrench it and replace it.Most of the stuff is actually cheaper for a deuce than a Civy ride since it is Government surplus.But don't be fooled,you can get a deuce stuck.....Just cause it is Huge and 6x6 doesn't mean it is unstopable.When you get it stuck......YOUR STUCK!

 

[WillWagner]

They are all nuts and bolts. I think they'reeasier than gas.

 

[David_4x4]

So far I think they're pretty easy to work on.

However Ive yet to have to swap the motor or transmission....

 

[clinto]

Pretty easy. At least you can get to everything............but some components are heavy.

 

[Manstein]

The Deuce is actually very simple. It is though, a mental test in that you must use clever common sense in moving around the heavier pieces. You will blow a number of discs in your back if you think you can just toss stuff around. But, even working alone you do most anything as long as you think it through.

 

[nf6x]

Like others have said, the deuce is mechanically simple, but you'll need bigger tools... 1/2" and 3/4" impact wrenches plus sockets, big jack stands, big bottle jack, wheel lift, and a strong back. Here's one of my deuces (long since sold) when I was rotating the tires:

http://www.nf6x.net/greentruck/truck1/p11.jpg

The wheels weigh over 200 pounds each. Here's a pile of them, with a Ford Mustang in the background for scale:

http://www.nf6x.net/greentruck/truck1/p12.jpg

Even things like brake drums and hubs are awfully heavy:

http://www.nf6x.net/greentruck/truck1/p18.jpg

 

[SierraHotel]

Compared with today’s trucks, they are easier (less stuff).
Compared with today’s trucks, parts are cheap.
Almost all of the mechanics manuals are online hear, so you shouldn’t have any questions. However, if you do, it has probably already been asked on here.
For a toy, they are absolutely fantastic!

 

[OD_Coyote]

Compared with today’s trucks, they are easier (less stuff).
Compared with today’s trucks, parts are cheap.
Almost all of the mechanics manuals are online hear, so you shouldn’t have any questions. However, if you do, it has probably already been asked on here.
For a toy, they are absolutely fantastic!

They are fantastic for hauling fire wood, gravel and other misc things as well.

 

[sailor2000]

Plus... beast that they are, they are just plain COOL to drive!!! LOL!!

yes.. everything is BIG and HEAVY... but, you can get at everything... no jack needed to get under it... and there are no EXTRA do-dads to break... a perfect example of form following function!!!

 

[FrankUSMC]

One more plus, sence they were used almost forever in the military, it is not that hard to find some one who worked on one while in the military. If you stop by the VFW and ask for help do not go into shock if you see grand pa, and a teenager step up to help you.
One of the few, Frank USMC Ret.

 

[kcimb]

I ask because I notice that a lot of trucks on GL do not run...I am interested in getting a deuce (most likely a 5 ton truck) but I was somewhat worried about doing it myself.

 

[emmado22]

KC,
One word.. INSPECT, INSPECT, INSPECT anything you want to buy at GL.

 

[jasonjc]

A 5 ton even bigger and havery parts. You mite want to get a crane and fork lift.

 

[jimk]

Try working on a British vehicle. JimK

 

[reom34]

For me is more easy work in my M34 than my MB jeep.

 

[willysmd]

Try working on a British vehicle. JimK

Nothing wrong with "brit" MV's jimk is there?

 

[kcimb]

A 5 ton even bigger and havery parts. You mite want to get a crane and fork lift.

I have access to an engine lift and I do have a dolly.....

 

[acetomatoco]

Remember that you do not need any impact wrenches to work on the Deuces..or 5 tons for that matter... A 3/4 socket set and a breaker bar and a piece of pipe will suffice... Impact tools are noisy and require a compressor bigger than the on board one for most jobs... Peace of mind and tranquility reign with mechanical advantage... Nice sturdy hand tools will do the job each time... you are not in a race in the pits.... I can still skinny down a 10 ton alone with no power tools at my age...65 next January (However, you do need the hard copy manuals for your particular truck to study in bed each night)