If you look past the shiny wheels

[Gottlos]

While driving around town today I spotted a deuce parked at a local tire shop. At first I chuckled at the sight of polished aluminum wheels on a camouflage deuce. Since NAPA was right next door I stopped in for a fuel filter and a little look see. I was surprised at what was behind those shiny wheels. Somebody put some effort into this truck.

 

[mich6212]

Wow! I too at first was like:

but then you see all the goodies. Now I am jealous.

Does you have any more information about it?

I agree with what you said about the shiny wheels, but does anyone know some specs about such things? Looks like some sort of Alcoas maybe and some highway treads. Very nice!

 

[wsucougarx]

That truck would look pretty sweet in black

 

[goatijoe]

Notice it has 10 lug nuts. wonder what those Alcoas set them back much less the rubber.

 

[rattlecan6104]

wow that is a pretty slick setup... makes you wonder if something else will end up living under the hood that will put that suspension to the test.

 

[Bob H]

pic #5 says to me that he lost alot of suspension travel/articulation out back.
Yet based on the level of engineering evidenced here, I'd say that was the design intent.

 

[Gottlos]

I'd like to see this truck on an RTI ramp. Provided there is one strong enough to support it.

 

[Bighurt]

There is a reason they went unchanged for over half a century, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

I'll keep mine the way it is.

 

[Bob H]

Oh and WTF? Where are the disk brakes!?

 

[harleyhouse]

I like the single wheel placement and the custom link suspension.
Looks like this is a house movers truck. no flex needed just grunt power.
What is up with the collapsed front bags? why two?

 

[jesusgatos]

pic #5 says to me that he lost alot of suspension travel/articulation out back.
Yet based on the level of engineering evidenced here, I'd say that was the design intent.

Based on the level of 'engineering' evidenced there, I'd say that thing looks pretty cobbled-together.

 

[Westech]

WTF kind of pan-hard *brace*bar is that? flattened exhaust pipe? YUK! I would not drive that.

And if you look at the oil pan.. its the Multi fuel engine.

 

[jerseyjeep2003]

I like it, but, too much bling, and looks really limited for articulation. Man, for what they have into that I could have a few deuces and 5 tons.

 

[jeeplvr247]

It looks like they spent alot of money without really improving it. I second the "if it ain't broke dont fix it" comment.

 

[Trango]

There is a reason they went unchanged for over half a century, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

I'll keep mine the way it is.

I concur that the M35 suspension design has its merits. However, if you were building a truck today, as one example of many, no way would you build a 0* caster kingpin angle on a steering axle on leafs, without a panhard. The rear axle system is functional but even that is sloppy. Even when I was a relatively stock deuce owner, one of my first mods was to the rear bogies, to cut down on the just plan imprecision of that system.

Yes, the M35 is bullet proof, EMP proof, and grunt proof. It's also a shining example of a number of cost, design, and operator-friendly compromises, all dating from a design originating in the late 60's.

And, the point of this forum is to celebrate the best parts of this platform, and take them one step further through creative modification.

Bottom line - nobody is suggesting that the M35 suspension system is at all broke; however, is it fit for improvement? You bet.

Very respectfully,
Bob

 

[Hoefler]

Looks like the rear had a high angle panard bar. The other bar with smashed ends looks like a cross brace thats in a fixed position.

 

[Westech]

.

Yes, the M35 is bullet proof, EMP proof, and grunt proof. It's also a shining example of a number of cost, design, and operator-friendly compromises, all dating from a design originating in the late 60's.

b

Really its a late 40's design. Production started in 1954 I think. Only thing that was changed is the engine. Everything else is the same. (besides a OD gear in the trans and U joints in the front axle)

 

[jesusgatos]

There's plenty of room for improvement, just don't see it in this example.

 

[Trango]

WTF kind of pan-hard bar is that? flattened exhaust pipe? YUK! I would not drive that.

And if you look at the oil pan.. its the Multi fuel engine.

Edit: Everyone is entitled to their opinions. I disagree but I will leave it at that.

 

[Trango]

There's plenty of room for improvement, just don't see it in this example.

I think your driver's seat ESP is more finally calibrated than mine.