New member, few questions about deuce

[MattS]

Well after registering the 13th and reading all 9 pages of threads I think I'm almost ready to go pick up my new deuce!!

It's a 1969 M35A2 Vin: 32521093, Miles: 43554, Hrs: 418, powered by LDT-465 and it has the air-operated front axle. With the newer style tires I wanted.

I have read thru the pre-check thread and have a pretty good idea of what I need to do. I also have the 140 point inspection checklist. I don't know how long it has been sitting but I know it was driven to the DRMO and parked. I should know more later this week or early next week.

I have never been in or around these trucks, although my dad was in the motor pool @ Ft. Ord in Monterey, CA. So hopefully he will remember some stuff.

Few questions.

1. Can I somehow get a service history on this. I have contacts at the base but have not been able to get ahold of them.

2. is pre-lubing the turbo necessary?

3. anyone got a guess on why it has so low hours and so many miles? Some of the other trucks had twice the hours and half the miles. Since idling is bad I choose a higher mile lower hour one.

4. LDT-465 motor is rated at 140,160, 180 hp from the searches I have done, which is it?? Anyone bumping this up some? And only 305 tq?? Out of 478 cu. in talk about low numbers! I plan to intercool it and add a larger turbo and see what happens. My last truck was a 03 dually Dodge with a CTD. 398/801 at the rear wheels on the dyno so this thing is going to feel like a real dog!

5. Anyone have a general starting instructions?

6. Anyone have some re-powering options. I'm thinking a turned up 12 valve CTD would be great. Lighter, smaller and 4 times the HP.


I can't wait to get it home and start playing. This website has been a great source of info. I hope to add to it someday soon!


Here's a few pics of it. <img src="speech/icon_speech_yeah.gif" border="0">
<img src="http://pirate4x4.net/mstevens/Deuce/6x6_1.jpg" border="0"><img src="http://pirate4x4.net/mstevens/Deuce/6x6_3.jpg" border="0">
<img src="http://pirate4x4.net/mstevens/Deuce/6x6_4.jpg" border="0"><img src="http://pirate4x4.net/mstevens/Deuce/6x6_2.jpg" border="0">

 

[Desert Rat]

Matt;
One reason why your Deuce has low hours is probably because the motor has been swapped out. You can figure 50 mph times hours, hmm, let's see 418 hours so about 20900 miles tops could have been put on the truck with this motor (not including stopping, warming up or cooling down the turbo or waiting in traffic etc.). So I'd say the motor isn't original to the truck. By the way, iding is not bad for the motor so long as the rpms are around 800 to 900. Below this level idling won't hurt the engine either.
Starting the truck is easy. Push in the engine stop lever (twist 90 degrees first), flip the little power lever over the engine lever to gain electrical power and press the start button. With the proper battery power, and all systems working properly, idle for five minutes to lube up the turbo (five minute cool down too and if you stop somewhere for more than 30 minutes then it's ok to shut down the truck, if not, let the truck idle, it's much easier on the turbo) then your'e off and running.
Remember, these are military trucks designed for extreme off-road conditions. By intention they are not overly powerful. The last thing you want to do is put more power to a muddy situation and get stuck axle deep in goo! Reduced powerplants give more torque to help get the soldier (or marine or airman or navy person) unstuck in combat situations. Yeah, she'll be a dog going up hills, but she'll always get you there without worrying about breaking down!
The different HP raitings are derived from non-turbo, 1C turbo, 1D turbo and the 5 ton engine (at least that's what the Armory told me.
Putting in some Slick 50 or Slick 50 turbo formula will always help the turbo. However, don't add it all the time. Teflon will turn into an acid over time and eat away the seals. "Washing" ro "rinsing" the engine with untreated motor oil every other oil change extends the life of engine seals without giving up the effects of Slick 50.
History on the truck is catch as catch can. I got lucky in one of the soldiers at the Armory in Evansville knew the detatchment the truck came from and this detatchment always got their trucks from another particular detatchment that always had new trucks. So getting to know some people at your local Armory might be able to help with the search. Good luck!
Remember, have fun and enjoy your Deuce!
Now I need to run to class!