More Deuce info./help

[Oilleaker1]

I plan on picking up the Deuce with a big wrecker so I only have to make one trip, and will have no insurance or issues. I so far understand that I just need to put the transmission/transfercase in neutral for the tow. If they drained the rear diffs, what wrench and where is the fill/level plug at? 90 wt. OK? The wrecker friend knows it's 13,800 and we are taking the "big one". Also, I do all my own mechanics and desire the printed complete shop manual. Which TM do I need for the M35A2 and where do I get it? The tow is 50 miles. Preview is by appointment only and there is no escort!!!!! I 've hung myself out before and done OK and this one has all the signs of being a good one. All I have to do now is get foolish! Green Disease you know! John

 

[KsM715]

All the TM's you need are on this site, at the top of the page under the SteelSoldiers banner. Click on resources then on tech manuals. TM 9-2320-209-20 will get you started. It takes a few minutes to open but once its open on your computer you can save it to a disc then just print out what ever pages you need.

LO 9-2320-209-12-1 (lube order) will tell you what you need as far a lubricants are concerned. 80/90wt for the diffs. If I remember right you only need a 1/2" ratchet to pull the plugs to check/fill the diffs.

There might be a paper copy of the TM in the truck when you get it. Both trucks I got had them in it.

When towing, if your going to lift the front off the ground I would just pull the rear drive shafts.

 

[WillWagner]

Just do the trans to rear end shaft. The fill for the differentials is a 1/2 sqare drive, Bring a hammer and chisel just in case, sometimes the drive is rounded out. 90 wt will do. I can't remember if the diffs neet MT1 rated lube or not.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Just take a 3/4 socket with you and pull the axles out of the rears and pull the spline caps off the front. Now the only thing moving is the wheel bearings. No need to worry about gear oil or the trans dropping into gear while in tow.

 

[KsM715]

And pictures of this recovery are MANDATORY.

 

[PackRatWrecker]

If you are worried about the differentials, pull the axle shafts.

If your wrecker buddy doesn't have the plastic hub caps, here's a trick I've used on the side of the road, before.

Tape across bottom half of the hub flange. Be sure to leave enough tape, to lay over the side of the hub a couple inches.
Shoot some oil into the hub cavity.
Tape the rest of the hub flange. Double layer, for strength, and to keep the gear oil from soaking through.
Make a couple wraps around the hub, to tie down the ends of the tape.

If you are nervous about the oil running back down the axle tube, stuff a grease rag in there, before you tape it up.

This scenario takes all the driveline and differentials out of the equation. The only thing left to wreck your trip, would be a bad wheel bearing.

I pull axles on commercial tows, when there is a bad differential, and I can't pick up the rear, due to a loaded trailer, cab fairings, etc. Most of the time, if the differential is still full, I only pull one shaft per axle. The spiders still turn, but there's no load on them.

 

[poppop]

Duece wheel bearings are grease packed so no need to put oil in hubs.

 

[Oilleaker1]

Thanks much for all the input ! I went to resources and looked at the TM's. Wow. I thought the M37 had allot of different TM's but------------Wow. I'm very thankful for the access to them here. I'm leaning towards removing the main driveshaft and checking the gear oil for my short haul. The front will be up. All I have to do is buy it and endure the EUC process. I bought a M37 through GSA auctions and was done in about 15 minutes. I guess these vehicles are already surplus from uncle sam and they have been removed from all liability. Much different then dealing direct. The yard I picked up my M37 was full (about 125) M35A2's and 3's. The manager said he was turning away more, just didn't have room. Ha------I should volunteer my services to him huh? What a candy store. He was in charge of repairing and "issuing them" to fire departments. The good old M37's were/are being replaced. Can't save them all, but I am working on # 5. I asked if I could go out into the gated yard and look at them, and he said yes, but he'd have to pat me down as I came out. My kind of humor. John