New Owner - 2001 MK25

[dlynes]

Hello,
Thank you all for your wealth of knowledge so far as I dove into buying an MK25. Having known absolutely nothing about them as I was shopping for a generator and came across the auction listing for this truck with just minutes to bid.

I had always wanted a deuce in half but never mustered up the funds. Aside from owning many tractors, combines, backhoes, this will be my second military truck. My first is a 1953 Dodge M37.

Well aside from the fun of gathering parts, trying to learn about these trucks, and the EUC wait, my truck was attempted to be delivered to me this. Having bought a non runner, I regret that I was unable to get the brakes released in efforts to unload it. I was told it was rolling but after trying to take delivery, I learned only the front axle would roll. The caging bolts I purchased only fit one of the other 4 wheels and the compressor/generator combo I atttempted to use in efforts to fill the trucks air tanks would not take air. After 2 hours of playing around and wasting the drivers time, I had let the truck go back to the hauling companies shop in hopes they could get it started for me.

I have no idea if the ECM is working. I replaced the batteries with two new, well charged batteries but the truck would still not turn over. I reset the fuses but didnt confirm they or the relays worked. I was very happy to learn the TIM system worked.

I will start with the basics. Check the ECM, test the fuses/relays, then begin checking the starting system. TIM reported only .40 volts at the starter. Knowing nothing about a 24V system, I assumed it would need 24.8 to start??

My dream is make the truck into the an overlander and begin camping more. It has been almost 20 yrs since I posted videos to youtube often but I will start posting more at www.youtube.com/@dlynes



Submitted 10/24
Review 10/31
Submitted 11/13
SF97 TBD

 

[Mullaney]

Hello,
Thank you all for your wealth of knowledge so far as I dove into buying an MK25. Having known absolutely nothing about them as I was shopping for a generator and came across the auction listing for this truck with just minutes to bid.

I had always wanted a deuce in half but never mustered up the funds. Aside from owning many tractors, combines, backhoes, this will be my second military truck. My first is a 1953 Dodge M37.

Well aside from the fun of gathering parts, trying to learn about these trucks, and the EUC wait, my truck was attempted to be delivered to me this. Having bought a non runner, I regret that I was unable to get the brakes released in efforts to unload it. I was told it was rolling but after trying to take delivery, I learned only the front axle would roll. The caging bolts I purchased only fit one of the other 4 wheels and the compressor/generator combo I atttempted to use in efforts to fill the trucks air tanks would not take air. After 2 hours of playing around and wasting the drivers time, I had let the truck go back to the hauling companies shop in hopes they could get it started for me.

I have no idea if the ECM is working. I replaced the batteries with two new, well charged batteries but the truck would still not turn over. I reset the fuses but didnt confirm they or the relays worked. I was very happy to learn the TIM system worked.

I will start with the basics. Check the ECM, test the fuses/relays, then begin checking the starting system. TIM reported only .40 volts at the starter. Knowing nothing about a 24V system, I assumed it would need 24.8 to start??

My dream is make the truck into the an overlander and begin camping more. It has been almost 20 yrs since I posted videos to youtube often but I will start posting more at www.youtube.com/@dlynes

View attachment 939187 View attachment 939188View attachment 939189View attachment 939190

Submitted 10/24
Review 10/31
Submitted 11/13
SF97 TBD

.
Even though yours didn't run - at least yours came with doors and a covered roof! Lots of others before yours came out without doors. Chances are you will get her running. The caging bolts are something you can buy at the local NAPA or most any other truck parts place - and you need them for "just in case" situations.

Good looking M37 there too!

 

[dlynes]

.
Even though yours didn't run - at least yours came with doors and a covered roof! Lots of others before yours came out without doors. Chances are you will get her running. The caging bolts are something you can buy at the local NAPA or most any other truck parts place - and you need them for "just in case" situations.

Good looking M37 there too!

Hey thanks so much!! I admit I spent little time trying to cage them as it was my last resort but quickly gave up. I bought 4 caging bolts that most people said were standard / universal in size. My passenger rear third axle caging bolt that was still installed on the can, in the hanger spot was rusted and seized in. but comparing my new ones to that one, the original were much smaller in diameter. I was only able to cage the driver rear third axle.

 

[dlynes]

Using my external compressor and a generator, I hooked an air line to both the front on each side (red and blue) and the rear (red and blue) gladhands, one at a time but was unable to fill the tanks. I did not have the correct fitting to plumb into the Supply Reservoir as I hoped I could.

 

[Mullaney]

Hey thanks so much!! I admit I spent little time trying to cage them as it was my last resort but quickly gave up. I bought 4 caging bolts that most people said were standard / universal in size. My passenger rear third axle caging bolt that was still installed on the can, in the hanger spot was rusted and seized in. but comparing my new ones to that one, the original were much smaller. I was only able to cage the driver rear third axle.

.
The caging bolts for the Mk25 are more like regular air brake chambers. Too long shouldn't be a problem - compared to the M108x and M107x series. They have a short caging bolt in there because they will run into the shocks. They should be easy to do and fairly quick to install.

 

[aw113sgte]

Sorry you weren't able to unload!
No idea why it wouldn't roll with air applied to the red front gladhand....that will release the brakes. (Although won't be controlled).

Not sure why the fittings for the tank fittings didn't work, look like the very standard 1/4 NPT size

I did see a recent video where someone had issues with caging bolts and had to grind them a little. I ordered mine from the manufacturer of our brakes ..I'll need to test them.

 

[dlynes]

update - @aw113sgte was spot on for the parts and process he recommend to use supply air valve on the driver side to air up the tanks with a compressor. I regret that, the first attempt to unload it off the trailer, we looked at the factory valve and assumed it was 1/2" and our 1/4" would not fit. The second day and my next attempt to get the brakes released, I immediatley went back to valve and within minutes had it plumbed correctly and the tanks filled!!! got brakes released.

To my amazement, having only hoped to get the brakes released so we can load it back on trailer and haul it to my land for my second delivery attempt, we actually got it start and were able to drive it instead of having it hauled.

A whopping 20 miles. Unlike most, I was shocked how smooth it drove and how nice the air seat was. Granted, I have extremely low expectations after spending most of my time on 1960's tractors and combines where create comforts did not exist. The headlights were as horrible as everyone said, looked great facing the truck but actually from driver seat, I could not see more than 1 car length at best.

Having spent the first half of my life, driving and chasing fast cars and motorcyles, as I've aged, I've enjoy driving slow machines now.

 

[BKubu]

Congratulations!