Anyone owned one? Giving semi-serious consideration to buying either a bobbed M35a2/a3 or a M109 shop van.

I'm handy with a wrench and have some limited access to fabrication.

Do you have to step on top of adjacent cars to get out after parking?

The Fife said:

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Do you have to step on top of adjacent cars to get out after parking?

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Nope, we have spots that open to grass areas. Most of the trucks park in that area.

chimpanzee said:

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LMTV!

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This is what my dad wants me to buy. I've been comparing the M1079 with the M109.

The Wonderer said:

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chimpanzee said:

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LMTV!

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This is what my dad wants me to buy. I've been comparing the M1079 with the M109.

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Think of it as a medium duty delivery truck with a wicked lift and 4WD! After watching water rescues for a week or so there, I was shopping them myself. There's a Dirt Every Day episode on YouTube where the dude drives one around in Utah. Totally practical.

I have an M35A2. I did a rebuild/restore on it. Pretty simple trucks. I will say I do not like the brakes on it. They have been troublesome. But that might just be my truck.. Also no power steering. It takes some muscle to turn the 46"s I put on.

The LMTV as an RV build out? Allow yourself plenty of extra travel time. The ones I've been in limited out around 55 mph iirc

Kenneth_2003 said:

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The LMTV as an RV build out? Allow yourself plenty of extra travel time. The ones I've been in limited out around 55 mph iirc

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That's the downside. They're slower than an M109 running 46s from what I've read.

sts7049 said:

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really trying to make sure you don't lose your next car in the floods eh?

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Yep!

If you can pick it up in good shape with good tires it won't lose value while you play with it. I had one and a 5 ton. Ended up selling them but loads of fun in the dirt. Scary on the road.

Boyce FTW

https://instagr.am/p/BVnbLLHl6dj

reddog90 said:

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Boyce FTW

https://instagr.am/p/BVnbLLHl6dj

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Actually looking at them if I go the bobbed route.

Just spit balling, but what do these usually go for price wise? What type of work and maintenance would need to be done after purchase?

BTW... If you're wanting to keep stock wheels on your rig I know we've had trouble in the past obtaining OEM tires for the super singles. When the DOD got rid of the A3's they were the last customer for that particular tire size and Michelin quit making it. The best we could do were 10 yr old "new" tires.

aggie4231 said:

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Just spit balling, but what do these usually go for price wise? What type of work and maintenance would need to be done after purchase?

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The market for M35A2s is kind of inconsistent since there aren't many A2s coming out of auctions these days. So prices have been trending up for trucks that are in better shape. For one that is original and driveable around $6000. If the truck has a winch add another $2000.

Like any used vehicle filters, fluids, belts, and leaks should be addressed right after purchase. Mine had an injection pump leak that was a quick fix, the pressure plate bolts backed out, and a few other things. Every truck will have some minor issues from age.. Checking the brake fluid, hoses, and wheel cylinders are important as well.

There's a lot of good info online about these trucks. I usually go to steelsoldiers.com

Kenneth_2003 said:

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BTW... If you're wanting to keep stock wheels on your rig I know we've had trouble in the past obtaining OEM tires for the super singles. When the DOD got rid of the A3's they were the last customer for that particular tire size and Michelin quit making it. The best we could do were 10 yr old "new" tires.

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https://patriottires.com/

The guys from Diesel Brothers started their own tire company.

Haven't had a chance to really look into them yet, but just found them a few days ago.

Damn that's awesome. Where do you live that you can keep that thing at your house? Did you buy it already working great or did you have to do anything to it?

Out on land. I bought it in pretty good shape besides the fuel leak and pressure plate issue. The engine runs clean and tight. Issues on these trucks are largely due to age and sitting up for years. The engine, trans, and axles have been largely untouched other than fluids filter and gaskets. The body and frame was sand blasted and repainted. The cab and fenders were swapped for cleaner parts, and the winch was rebuilt. Everything is real simple to work on. I did everything but the sand blasting.

How was the title process? Did you get antique plates? The one I'm chasing is titled and tagged in another state, so I'm assuming the transfer will be easy. How did the tax get handled? If I can swing the logistics, I'm probably picking something up later next week or the week after.

Title process was simple for me. The seller and I went to the tax office together. Taxes were like any other vehicle. The truck is registered as a Former Military Vehicle. Registration is $50 for 5 years. They give you one license plate, which you can even apply to have the number stenciled on the vehicle. Also there are no required safety inspections for Former Military Vehicles.

I don't imagine there being an issue with an out of state truck. But I have no experience on that end.

I find this relevant to my interests...

So I don't want to register it as a former military vehicle because that limits your ability to drive it. This thing will be something that I'll probably drive at least once a week. Would antique plates be the way to go?

The Wonderer said:

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So I don't want to register it as a former military vehicle because that limits your ability to drive it. This thing will be something that I'll probably drive at least once a week. Would antique plates be the way to go?

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There is literally no difference in registration between former military and antique. Both have the driving limits. Good news- regular maintenance is an allowable use. So , as with all older vehicles, regular maintenance is required on every drive, just keep a few screw drivers or wrenches in the truck. Test drive for the day (to work and back) is normal as part of the maintenance required when adjuting brakes, bleeding air out of injector lines, etc.

I've got antique plates on a vehicle cops would love to pull over. I've never once been pulled over, nor have I heard of anyone being questioned about it. And I got those plates in highschool, upping the cops desire to pull that vehicle over. I would advise the antique over military just due to the fact that your insurance company will be familiar with the antique status and your rate will be pennies. If they aren't familiar with formar military reg then there is a chance your rate won't be as low.

Seems like a good place to copy/paste my History Board post:

Well, crud, just now heard about this, and missed their Amarillo stop.. An owners group who have old military vehicles is on a cross country trip. If you are anywhere west of Amarillo, you might see them in the next few days.

http://amarillo.com/local-news/news/2017-09-29/military-vehicle-preservation-association-convoy-rolls-through-amarillo

http://www.convoyontheair.org/index.html

I want one.....no where to park one