Really miss my Deuce, but can't drive a standard any longer - Automatic Conversion?

[joesco]

All,
I have been without my Deuce for a couple years now and miss it, a whole heck of a lot! Due to a chronic (and very rare) illness, I have lost the strength in my left leg, so I can't shift or drive a standard any longer. I am looking at an M35A3, but it is a beast that I am not familiar with. I am also a bit nervous about (any engine with yellow paint on it) the the Cat engine with the Allison transmission. But the A3's do have some other creative comforts like power steering, heat and upgrade wipers.

So my question....

Has anyone adapted an automatic transmission to the M35A2(s)? If you so can you share? Thanks!

 

[steelandcanvas]

Suscribed

 

[Scarecrow1]

Do what you need to do to be happy. Have you thought about a 5 ton ? They really are nice to drive. Good luck to you .........

 

[gimpyrobb]

Just so you know what your getting into, The A3 does NOT have power steering, it is air assist. There is a big difference.

 

[joesco]

Thanks did not the A3's were only power assist. Also, a 5 ton is an idea, I believe it has the Cummings 250 with the Alison??? Another thought has any one bobbed an M931 as I believe those also have the Cummings / Alison???

 

[Hoefler]

I have had a Duece and A3 at the same time. Both nice trucks-I found I drove the A3 much more than the Duece. A3 is easier to drive-automatic and assist steering. Its quieter too. Sold the Duece-am spending more time with the A3. Have been working it too.
Pete

 

[Ferroequinologist]

I would highly recommend going with a 5 ton 900 series truck. The 250's are dang near bullet proof if you take care of them and the allison is a common transmission for heavy duty applications if I'm not mistaken.

The first time I drove a 5 ton and backed a M105 trailer with one hand on the wheel... it was soooo nice.

Sorry to hear you can't drive a manual anymore, all of my trucks are manuals besides 2, I don't know how I would get along.

 

[joesco]

Thanks, can the M9 series tractors be bobbed?

 

[Ferroequinologist]

Yes, lots of guys are doing that to the tractors.

 

[gimpyrobb]

I forgot about that too. The A3 bearings cost VS anything else(well, maybe gold) are insane. A 900 series looks real nice right about now. I think that might be your best bet.

 

[m16ty]

I had a load of gravel delivered out to a jobsite awhile back. When the dumptruck driver threw open the door to talk to me I noticed his left leg was completely gone. I got to talking to him and he had installed a hand clutch somehow. He spread that load of rock as smooth as anybody. he worked the clutch with his left hand.

 

[joesco]

Hand clutch, never thought of that. Thanks!
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.

 

[goldneagle]

I would suggest a M931. They are going cheap right now and are easy to drive. You don't need to bob the M931 its already short as a M35. You can get the 5th wheel removed and put a M105 bed on it easily. Easy equals cheap.

 

[joesco]

Exxxxxxxxcellent idea goldneagle! Appreciate the advice!!!!!

 

[Blendmaster2002]

Joesco, as far as your question about an automatic in an a2 deuce, I have not done a conversion and do not have an auto behind a diesel, but saved a link to a company that sells an SAE 2 to GM adapter 18-01020, here’s the link: http://www.phxgrp.com/transGM.htm , I stumbled across the link somewhere maybe on SS a while back. You still would need to have a custom input shaft made, custom linkage, get an appropriate torque converter and I think a vacuum pump or full manual valve body etc. Plus work to the truck like a custom shaft to the transfer case and possibly depending on trans length move the transfer case back etc. Then with the above adapter to GM your best choices would be depending on cost, 4l80e which has overdrive same or slightly better road speed, turbo 400 no overdrive so even slower road speed, 700r4 which has overdrive same or slightly better road speed although lighter duty trans but cheaper to work with than the 4l80e and with the low powered Multifuel and deep axle gears would probably hold up fine if built accordingly. Any way you slice it, it will cost some $ though.

 

[joesco]

Thanks for the detailed info, but it looks like a 5 ton tractor (930 series) will be the route to go. Thanks again!