M35A3 Owners unite

[Nightvision]

Bigger tires ??!! If it's got 14.5R20s you have 43"+/- unloaded radius. It leaves about 4 inches between the rear tires. Bigger is not a safe option. Slinging 280lbs. at 50 mph will cause tires to expand another 1" + . I've seen mine do it on the dyno. When running @ full speed , gap is about 1.5" between rears.
If you just spent the 6$-8$k to purchase truck, it sounds like you got the money to burn, do it right - replace the transmission.
I'll have 6 speed kits ready in 3-6 months. I have 5 speed kits available now. They sell for 5$-6$K complete.
Here's your gear ratio's for the AT1545.
1st 3.45:1
2nd 2.25:1
3rd 1.41:1
4th 1.00:1
Reverse 5.02:1
Rockwell 2.5ton axel ratio 6.72:1 There is no know convertions for this axel.
Go to this link for drive train calculations.
http://www.f-body.org/gears/

JR

 

[Pickleskipper]

I'll have 6 speed kits ready in 3-6 months. I have 5 speed kits available now. They sell for 5$-6$K complete.
http://www.f-body.org/gears/

JR

Thanks Nightvision. When you say 6 speed... are you replacing the Allison with the Allison from the GMC Pickups? And If so, I am assuming that this would get me to the 65 mph I am looking for?

 

[Nightvision]

GM uses the Allison 1000 trans for thier trucks.
We use the 2K series for the weight class of these trucks.

 

[Pickleskipper]

Also bumped Cat 3116 output to 220HP on same truck.
Thanks

I have been searching online for systems to up to the output of the 3116. How did you get the extra 50HP out of the engine? Turbo? What kind of costs were associated with the mods you made?

Thanks...

 

[Nightvision]

Turned up the fuel delivery.
Buy the service manual from Cat. It's worth the money. That is where I get all of my info.

 

[jpinst]

This guys has most of what I needed for an M35A3 tune up, filters and all. Mine is a 1999, with 5600mi on it. Everything works! Wondering if i should stock up on some CTIS parts....


Military Truck Parts M35A2 M35A3 M37 M813 M151 M923 M54

 

[jpinst]

This guys has most of what I needed for an M35A3 tune up, filters and all. Mine is a 1999, with 5600mi on it. Everything works! Wondering if i should stock up on some CTIS parts....


Military Truck Parts M35A2 M35A3 M37 M813 M151 M923 M54

 

[jpinst]

where do you get a service manual?

 

[Bob H]

Anyone have 2 extra rims/wheels?

 

[decodeme2]

Dont forget to advance the timeing when you turn up the fuel..Good for 50hp...safely...
Its like a corvette to 55 mph...!...
Take your rig to the local cat dealer...Some of the old farts really know the 3116's...and can make them run like a scolded cat!...
Kevin..

 

[decodeme2]

Its easer to just add a Mitchell 3000-A gear splitter (overdrive/direct) giving a top speed of over 60 MPH, although the main reason for the overdrive is to reduce engine RPM for normal 55 MPH driving. check out Eric's site, he installed one..Thats what i would do..

Kevin..

 

[ClarkeF]

John,

I just bought one on GL. Waiting on the EUC clearance but have been researching transmission options. Can you talk a bit more about your 6-speed conversion?

Cheers,

Clarke

I am seeking other A3 owners for parts swapping and technical info.

Currently upgrading to Allison 6 speed auto on one of my trucks.
Also bumped Cat 3116 output to 220HP on same truck.
Thanks

John R.

 

[sirmrtow]

I am looking to get one soon
could be alot more fun than an a2

 

[Maverick1701]

subscribing....I want/need an A3 very badly

 

[AceHigh]

I am still trying to figure out year of manufacture on mine, SN [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica]504806

The axle tags are all late 1998.
[/FONT]

 

[progun]

For the record... I like 'em! Don't think their ugly at all.

 

[Dustyh]

Hey guys, we did away with the CTIS on our truck so I have 7 valves, covers and counter weights if anyone is interested. We also have cargo cover and troop seats both in good condition. Send me an email if interested.

 

[BigWill1276]

Hey Fellas, I'm patiently waiting for my M35A3 from South Carolina. It's only been four weeks since the win, and three weeks since the EUC was sent to Battle Creek. Keep up the postings, watching to see how to make it the perfect truck ever.

 

[EXITNOONE]

add me to the list of A3 owners.

would be great to have a specialized A3 section within steel soldiers which carries full tech tips & info... and which the A2 guys respect. over time, our select group of A3'ers will be the envy of the mv world. unless somebody ever comes up with a bobbed hemtt.

BIGWILL- i'm right there with you in the waiting game....

NIGHTVISION- i bet we're all interested in more hp with the 3116. can you elaborate on the improved performance you are experiencing? sounds like i need to find a local cat technician and get mine tuned also.

most of what i've read from the A2 guys, and on other diesel sites suggest upping the 3116 hp will cause it to blow up prematurely.

the allison 1545 is also only rated to 235 hp.

does your allison seem to handle the added hp without any problems ?

don't worry, i'm not the guy at the pool who warns everyone not to swim until an hour after eating, i just want to be sure we're all keeping our A3's in top condition with any improvements we come up with on the forum. and full discussion will help for all of us.

 

[rwonsala]

I have (2) M35A3's (1) is a 1996 A3C and the other is a 1998 A3. I would live for some poeple to get together and compare notes.