Newbie from upstate NY

[Jeeper10]

Hi everyone my name is Dave Miller and I'm a newbie to this site and considering purchasing my first military vehicle. I'm trying to talk myself out of buying and M35A2 lol. No luck so far as I think I've caught the bug. Any advice anyone can give on the basket case I'll probably end up purchasing I would love to hear it. Everything from problem areas to look for to what's a good price would be very welcome information. I currently have my eye on a 1972 last rebuilt in 1991 by Letterkenny army depot. Honestly it doesn't look like much else has been done to it since then. Thank you in advance and look forward to this new venture.

 

[CUCVLOVER]

Welcome to the addiction.
If you don't have much mechanic experience a Cucv or jeep might be a good start. Then go up from there.

Welcome again from west Tennessee.

 

[Jeeper10]

Your advise is sound and I'm certain I'm getting in over my head on the m35 but it's something i've wanted for quite some time. I am what I would consider a very good Shadetree mechanic and have done nearly all of my work on my cars (and 5 jeeps) over the last 20 years but the deuce is a different animal altogether and to be honest I have zero experience with large vehicles and diesels in general. But nothing ventured is nothing gained, my wife and most of my family think I'm crazy for wanting one too lol.

 

[jerry v]

welcome from michigan

 

[jimk]

Hi Dave,
Most of those early 70's trucks were made for Vietnam. Most never made it there. Some saw very little use. A lot of them went to the sandbox, The ones that came back got more use (and abuse) in 6 months than the former got in 30 years. I have one of each. I have done little to one and it is very nice. I have done a lot to the other and it is still ratty. Big trucks need big garages. in your climate a garage is nice, especially if you have a nice truck and want it to stay that way. Jeeps take up less space, are easy to work and chicks love 'em, so I've been told. Jim

 

[ageregunner]

Welcome from PA. I too had no big truck experience and my only diesel experience was with farm tractors. I bought a deuce and have never looked back. With the TM's and advice you will get from this forum, you will have no trouble working on your new project. Bigger tools and the manuals. I also agree, a big garage or pole barn is a real plus. I built an addition onto my barn this past summer to house my deuce.

 

[AZK9]

... I'm certain I'm getting in over my head on the m35 but it's something i've wanted for quite some time. I am what I would consider a very good Shadetree mechanic and have done nearly all of my work on my cars (and 5 jeeps) over the last 20 years but the deuce is a different animal altogether and to be honest I have zero experience with large vehicles and diesels in general. ...

Hi Dave...

What you wrote reminds me of myself not too long ago. I had no experience with large vehicles... let alone a multifuel military vehicle.
I love learning about how to maintain and use my M35A2 and this site is a great place to help make that happen. The folks here are the
best and there's just about nothing they won't help you through.

BTW... I used to think my M35A2 was a big truck, that was... until I parked it next to a 5 ton!

I say, go for it! You'll be glad you did!

AND... Welcome from Arizona!

 

[Jeeper10]

Thanks all. I'm sure I'll drive everyone nuts with questions if I pull the trigger on it. The place that owns it is supposed to get the battery charged so I can hear and see it run on Monday. I can post pics if anyone has interest in it.

 

[CUCVLOVER]

Hehe

 

[theeDIZ]

Deuces are fun if you can turn a wrench you can fix most anything on it with help from the tm's . It's cheaper in the long run to get one someone has already done work on , and find a truck with all the extras you want already on it cause they add up quickly $ ! Best of luck and welcome from MD.

 

[Jeeper10]

 

[Jeeper10]

 

[Jeeper10]

Not even sure what the reservoir box even is. The one image is a problem area I noticed behind several wheels

 

[theeDIZ]

I see it has backup lights a heater and a muffler already, that axle boot looks like brake fluid on it that could be a problem

 

[Jeeper10]

I'm concerned about it too but it seems to possibly be coming from the boot which I assume is/was filled with grease. The stuff leaking is very thick and I can see a tear in both front boots. The brakes are my biggest concern as I currently don't have the means of getting something this big off the ground . The engine is filthy almost like mud all over but doesn't seem to come off. You all are amazing already thank you for all the help

 

[AZK9]

.... I can post pics if anyone has interest in it.

Thanks for posting those photos! You'll be kept pretty busy with a project like that.

It looks a lot like mine did when I first got it. Since I love working with wood, metal
and paint... mine now looks like this:




After a while... the whole family got involved with it! We all love it!

BTW... Pretty much everyone here like pics!! The more the better!

 

[Jeeper10]

That looks sweet. I'm pretty sure my whole family will help with the cosmetics. I'm concerned I'll never get it to pass inspection but I'm a worrier lol

 

[tim292stro]

Welcome from California

Don't do it! Get a 5-ton instead...

 

[Recovry4x4]

Bigger toys require bigger tools, that's all. Very doable. Thinking that might have been a liftgate truck before.

 

[Jeeper10]

Lift gate? Is that what that box may have been for? Thank you for the info