Real thoughts/experiences with military trucks

[WSBROACH]

In the seventies I worked for Zelligson Truck Co. in Tulsa OK , they salvaged US military trucks from around the world , stripped the chassis down to bare frame and built custom made trucks for half the price of new. every now and then an unexploded lost bullet would go off when they burnt off he body

 

[Hay Dude]

So I got a little more info on the 4900
Has DT466 @225HP…. man that’s low on power…..
Has recently rebuilt Allison MT643 trans
Has tandem axle interlock air shifted
Has locking differentials air shifted
Hi/Lo transfer case air shifted
Has air brakes and air run to the back for air brake trailer
Has aftermarket AC in need of some work
10 nice, matched tires
Current PA inspection

Its a “light duty” tandem. Only rated for 46,000lbs. He thinks it has a 12k front axle and only 34K rears (I’m used to 40k rears). Still enough to haul 10 tons of hay with room to spare.

The truck was formerly an Army mobile hospital. Current owner purchased as surplus with hospital box removed. He installed a hydroseeder on it for several years. Hydroseeder removed and put on newer, more Highway-friendly truck.
Says truck runs excellent and has no issues and no significant leaks

Might be nice with a 20’ flatbed and an air ride seat

 

[wascomatw74]

go to the website steelsoldiers , also has free manual down load.

 

[civilian]

Where I used to work we hauled oversize loads across northern Michigan to the port in Roger City. There the were placed on barges to ship through the Great Lakes. We first used over the road semi tractor, then wanted something bigger. Ended up with a military tractor trailer used to haul disabled tanks. I think it was the M911, or maybe M912. By Oshkosh maybe. Three axles in rear as singles, maybe one was lift, plus front axle was driven, ie 6x6 or 8x8. Been 10 years now. Steel Soldiers had info back then, didn't look there now. 45 mph was tops. And I recall it being over 102" wide, so permits were necessary for the tractor alone. Jon

 

[Hay Dude]

Went to see & drive truck today. Other than 6x6, automatic and aftermarket AC, it’s very basic.
But everything works and it’s in good condition.
Rear axles have Detroit lockers
It was used by the Seabees on a Navy base in Florida, then brought up north 15 years ago. Not used in winter.

 

[4570Man]

I’d like to see a comparison on the off roading ability of a locked tandem vs a 6x6 with the same tires and suspension on each. My prediction is not a lot of difference especially with road tires on the front.

 

[Hay Dude]

The one in the picture has tandem axle interlock and Detroit lockers, so same out back as a 6x4 with lockers.
Given an extra axle up front pulling, a 6x6 would be better. Especially if the front axle is on better ground than the rear axle.

If the traction wasn’t any better, why would they be mass produced? Why would the military and utility companies buy them?

 

[4570Man]

The one in the picture has tandem axle interlock and Detroit lockers, so same out back as a 6x4 with lockers.
Given an extra axle up front pulling, a 6x6 would be better. Especially if the front axle is on better ground than the rear axle.

If the traction wasn’t any better, why would they be mass produced? Why would the military and utility companies buy them?

Obviously it would be better but how many times would it make the difference of getting the job done or not?

 

[bcp]

Having all of the weight on driving wheels improves traction.

Bruce

 

[Hay Dude]

Obviously it would be better but how many times would it make the difference of getting the job done or not?

For me? Almost everytime it’s used
We move a lot of hay in late summer and fall, when the ground is soft.
These single and tandem axle trucks are heavy and have stiff tires and suspensions, so they inherently get poor traction. A live front axle helps.

 

[Hay Dude]

Another bonus you get is a 2 speed transfer case (low range) with the automatic

 

[two_bit_score]

@Hay Dude, you should have bought that truck by now.

 

[Hay Dude]

@Hay Dude, you should have bought that truck by now.

I know, I feel that way, too. Really worried about the economy and the future right now. There’s also more than a few things I don’t like about the truck. I can deal with a few of them, but the drawbacks are:
1. (6) Chinese tires. Although I looked up the brand “Arisun” and they get decent reviews.
2. Seeping oil on front inside axle seal.
3. Unknown cost of 20’ flatbed (guessing 10 grand +)
4. 34,000lb rears, would prefer 40’s
5. A bit underpowered & small displacement (DT466 @ 250/680)
6. 4 speed automatic with no park pawl.
7. No exhaust brake

I can change 1-3 with more money. Can’t change 4-7 at all or without lots of money, which will all likely be spent on 1-3.
Might be able to eek a few more hp out of the DT466. I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Went to see & drive truck today. Other than 6x6, automatic and aftermarket AC, it’s very basic.
But everything works and it’s in good condition.
Rear axles have Detroit lockers
It was used by the Seabees on a Navy base in Florida, then brought up north 15 years ago. Not used in winter.

View attachment 723458

Well that's certainly different than your first truck pic in your first post. I guess I missed the part where you're looking at this one now.

This one may well do what you're looking for more efficiently then the army truck.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I know, I feel that way, too. Really worried about the economy and the future right now. There’s also more than a few things I don’t like about the truck. I can deal with a few of them, but the drawbacks are:
1. (6) Chinese tires. Although I looked up the brand “Arisun” and they get decent reviews.
2. Seeping oil on front inside axle seal.
3. Unknown cost of 20’ flatbed (guessing 10 grand +)
4. 34,000lb rears, would prefer 40’s
5. A bit underpowered & small displacement (DT466 @ 250/680)
6. 4 speed automatic with no park pawl.
7. No exhaust brake

I can change 1-3 with more money. Can’t change 4-7 at all or without lots of money, which will all likely be spent on 1-3.
Might be able to eek a few more hp out of the DT466. I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

The tires may be ok, depending on how severe the off road conditions are. The rest seems minor. The no parking pawl on the A/T is actually a good thing. Way too easy to break off a parking pawl with a load on it. All of our medium duty wreckers were set up with no park on the trans, but either air brakes (and the air brake "park" if you will) or there was a separate park brake on the driveline. I would prefer using the air brakes for "park" myself. I'm guessing it's air brakes on this truck?

Engine exhaust brake can be added more than likely, but yeah, that's not going to be cheap.

 

[Hay Dude]

Air brakes
S Cams on back
Wedge up front

 

[Hay Dude]

Well that's certainly different than your first truck pic in your first post. I guess I missed the part where you're looking at this one now.

This one may well do what you're looking for more efficiently then the army truck.

Looking at lots of them. Military buys a lot of different configurations and brands, but the basic theme for me is a long chassis 6x6.
Drove 2 used ones so far, made calls on a few more that are far away.
Got wacked with an unexpected repair last week. Gotta see how bad a beatin Hay Dudes bank account takes next week.

BTW: got a quote on a 20’ steel flatbed with 54” cab shield installed for $9000. Old stock from last year
New one is $11,500

 

[Rustyiron]

I see lots of beds in Lancaster Farming (take offs) that are very cheap, particularly in those longer lengths.
Are you over in the s/e corner of PA? I remember a picture over the tractor hood in DE.

 

[Hay Dude]

I see lots of beds in Lancaster Farming (take offs) that are very cheap, particularly in those longer lengths.
Are you over in the s/e corner of PA? I remember a picture over the tractor hood in DE.

I have been thinking about used flatbeds, too.

 

[QRTRHRS]

On the IH, I would ask the current owner how the tires perform in the field. From the pic, it would seem to me that they would mud up? Does it have dual brake chambers to provide the emergency brakes? If so, as long as the brakes are properly adjusted, you won't have to worry about a parking pawl. I have only driven a few auto's, none had a pawl. Nothing wrong with a used body that a little paint and maybe a little welding cannot fix. Good luck with your search.