Road Test & Pics of M52A2

[Desert Deuce]

I went to take a close look at the 68 M52A2 today. Drove it for about 30 min. Really like the power steering, early style. Rides nice too. Brakes are missing one adjuster although owner has a new one. Direct drive transmission, shifts perfect. Good clutch. Engine while driving at steady throtle seems to miss a little.

Tachograph - Tach works, speedo does not (don't know how many miles or hours on tractor), clock had an arm fall off (is in gauge). All other gauges good, 60 lbs oil while driving, 30 at idle. Ran pretty cool. Two springer seats.

The bed on the back was installed by previous owner. It's a dump bed with it's ram, though not conected to anything. No welding was done on frame to install dump bed. Frame not compromised. The tractor still has all its tractor goodies installed and functional including pogo. Owner has ramps, 5th wheel & porch diamond plates.

2 new batteries, 2 new front tires. All in all a sweet tractor. Have gentleman's agreement with owner for 1st right of refusal while decision is made.

Price - $4500.

What do you guys think?

 

[ken]

Would you put a 5th wheel back on it? It looks good other than the bed.

 

[clinto]

It's the non overdrive early (gasser) 5 speed?

Other than that, it sounds good. If I bought it, I would convert it to OD for highway cruising.

 

[Desert Deuce]

Yah, it would become a tractor again, real quick.

It's a non OD trans. Would put an OD trans in it.

 

[M1075]

Looks good. Go for it!

 

[ken]

I think it's worth it. Having the 5th wheel and parts is a real plus too. The direct tranny is the correct one for the multi M52. The axle ratio is 6.44 instead of 6.72 like the M35's. So you'll be able to do 55MPH with the 11.00-20 tires.

 

[Djfreema]

Looks like a nice truck, I would say its worth it and I'll help offset the cost by buying the scissor lift/dump cylinder from you, maybe the bed too!

 

[maddawg308]

Nice rig, the bed looks a little weird, but can be fixed. I like the desert looking camo job. Get it!

 

[Knucklehead]

That is a GREAT price for that truck. I. not being a purist, really like that bed set up. The truck looks excellent

 

[area52]

If Devin doesn't take the bed, I would buy it from you.

Nice looking rig also.

 

[OPCOM]

very nice truck! I'd keep the bed myself. The price is very good.

 

[westfolk]

Buy it. It's a little more than I just paid for mine.......but in a hella lot better condition. You have the means it's justified. That's my 2 penny's worth.

 

[Desert Deuce]

Hey guys, thanks VERY much for the great replies. I'm going to do it.

 

[Desert Deuce]

Is there an OD transmission available for the M52A2 or are they all direct drive (DD) 5th. I'm now thinking that if this tractor can do 55 with the DD trans in it, that's fine with me. Want to keep it "as is".

 

[Knucklehead]

I have a 5spd OD unit that I am placing in my M52A2. It is from an 800 series 5T. It is the exact same case as the direct, just the internals are different. The A1 Mack powered 5T also has the OD tranny.

 

[ken]

The OD trans came in the 800 series trucks with the 250 NDC engine. The bellhousing looks the same , And i think it would work. I was thinking of putting one in mine so i could run 60MPH when bobtailing. I don't think the multi has enough power to run in OD while loaded. The direct drive tranny has a lower 1st gear and the raito's are closer.
DD tranny
6352
1st 7.31
2nd 4.08
3rd 2.41
4th 1.43
5th 1.00 to 1

OD tranny
6453
1st 6.07
2nd 3.40
3rd 1.79
4th 1.00
5th .78 to 1.00
If your going to work your truck the orignal tranny is the better choice IMHO.

 

[L7]

if you decide to convert to a tractor and get rid of the funky bed,....i'll buy the tailgate...maybe the bows. thats TKs former truck via GH.....there is no mistaking that, there is only one like it.
pm me if you decide to take that course.