Jumping in or falling to death

[digitaldust]

I have never had a truck this large , i have a 5sp wrecker F350 I have rebuilt a 6.9 diesel motor , I have most of the funds to buy a Deuce in good cond.


I'd like to drive this a for fun and in the winter for real on bad snow days . what do you vets have to offer to a real green horn other then read the TM as i 'd see as great reading ,

How much break down is normal ?
Do all Deuce have split rims ,, i seen the post on the bbs related to safety

what kinda insurance do i use
what kinda plates from the SOS michigan
this is my dream auto I'm also looking to be a indentured helper to a local
MIchigan mid state area FNT 50Miles eg., to learn

thanks and great site

 

[panzerjunky]

Welcome aboard
I am not going to comment on your questions as I know there are a thousand more fellas on the board who have forgotten more than I will ever know. But what I can say is Buy a good one buy it now as we as a group can figgure out the details later. As I have learned these fellas on this board are willing and able to help.
Take care
Jerry

 

[Speddmon]

Welcome aboard as well,

I don't mean to sound ignorant, but you will most definitely get a few responses telling you to search for your answers as most have been covered extensively many times before. And some of the will not be as pleasant as mine is.

Now, to help with some of the questions, I'm no expert, but I don't think any of the deuces came with split rims, unless maybe the a3's...someone correct me if I'm wrong please.

insurance, any kind you want...a lot of people use classic/historic insurance, many use commercial insurance. It depends on what you intend to do with the truck, and how much you want to "push" the envelope with the restrictions that you will get with a classic/historic policy.

I can't answer the plate question as I live in Ohio.

That being said, read the TM's and a lot, if not all of your mechanical questions will be answered. And search around the site some and you will get a MUCH, MUCH better answer to your questions than I could provide. Again, welcome, and happy motoring.

 

[clinto]

Don't let em scare you. They are just oversized one tons. If you are familiar with turning wrenches, then it will be no issue for you.

Here are 2 good resources, the Deuce wiki and an introduction to deuces article we put together. Read them and surf the forum some.

Deuce - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Break downs: These trucks have few Achilles heels', head gaskets, axle seal leaks, etc.

All Deuces have split rings, not split rims. Unless you buy a set of aftermarket rims which are available. There are plenty of threads which deal with the safe handling of them and there are even OSHA articles specifically written for them.

There are a MILLION threads about insurance, do a search, I am sure someone in Michigan has posted their experience.

Welcome!




Can't help you with the Michigan specific questions.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Welcome to the mix! Buy one, you will not be sorry. Sales from the Gov't will be drying up shortly but there are plenty in civilian hands to be had. Some members here have a dozen or more. Clinto gave you two great resources on these trucks. Let me point out that these things have a single circuit brake system which means zero brakes if you have a line failure or blow a wheel cylinder. Make sure you have a good brake system before using it. Snow, the NDTs are not great in snow but you can do a few things to help the matter. Chains are always a plus and they can be had at surplus prices. Other than that, a 2000# boulder just aft the axle centerline will make a deuce pretty tough in the snow, 3000# might even make it better. Read on and get the fever just like everyone here already did!

 

[Brock Steel]

I have loved my truck, Hated my truck, won't trade in my truck Insurance through Gulf way is 200 a year no user limitations. The truck is not bad, Information is the key to any vehicle and this web sight is the key. It has TM manuals, People who can help with repairs. Pictures parts, and friends. Thing go wrong on all vehicles this one will be no different. E bay is a great place for parts. Buy and enjoy the experience. We all started at the beginning that first truck Wife calling its time to drive big green meanie to walmart for food

 

[Brock Steel]

Oh yea it keeps getting bigger One thing leads to another, More toys, Got haves, add ons, Thingamabob's, And the list just keeps growing You can always tell yourself, When the world comes to an end I will be able to get there in my 6 wheel drive truck, M34, jeep, bike, Gama goat, 5 ton, wrecker, M37, etc,etc,etc

 

[wreckerman893]

It is far, far better to have a deuce and not need it than to need one and not have it.
I spent 34 years in the Army (in one form or another) and I love these trucks.
When I was in Germany in the 70's I put over 50k miles on deuces driving for the mess hall and supply room.
They all have quirks and the brake system is the weak point......but if you take care of them and stay on top of potiential problems you will find yourself driving them everywhere.
I take mine to car shows, flea markets, building supply stores and of course WALLY-WORLD.
I always get a few thumbs up and an occasional salute......makes me proud to be an American.
Come on in....the water is fine.

 

[ABN173]

It is far, far better to have a deuce and not need it than to need one and not have it.
I spent 34 years in the Army (in one form or another) and I love these trucks.
quote]

Wow 34 years.....don't worry WM "I got your 6" I'm trailing behind you with 22 years.

 

[airmech3839]

Absolutely a must have truck!!! I don't need one but I got one!!! They are awesome and the first couple of weeks you end up driving it everywhere!! I know I still am....dogs to vet, wally world, sams, home improvment stores, ice cream, date night, drive in movie's, park, camping, work, church, and anywhere else you can go in most cars..... Wreakerman is right, come on in water is fine......lifeguards on duty!!

 

[Verkstad]

One amusing thing you may observe,,
When I drive one of my trucks in town and someone on the sidewalk sees it coming, about 80% will take a step backward as they watch me drive by. But to see the same from people as a citybuss or OTR truck goes by seems less prevelant.
Have fun,
Jakob

 

[swbradley1]

Oh good grief people, he needs to buy more than one.


Welcome to the site.

Unfortunately for you, just like swine flu, there is no shot yet for OD Fever. But then again why the heck would you want one.........



sw

 

[army70deuce]

I'm always asked, but what do you plan on doing with it.

"Whatever the **** I want."

 

[Varyag]

I hate the "what ya gonna use eet fer" question. If they have to ask, they won't understand.

 

[TIGERFANS2]

I have never had a truck this large , i have a 5sp wrecker F350 I have rebuilt a 6.9 diesel motor , I have most of the funds to buy a Deuce in good cond.


I'd like to drive this a for fun and in the winter for real on bad snow days . what do you vets have to offer to a real green horn other then read the TM as i 'd see as great reading ,

How much break down is normal ?
Do all Deuce have split rims ,, i seen the post on the bbs related to safety

what kinda insurance do i use
what kinda plates from the SOS michigan
this is my dream auto I'm also looking to be a indentured helper to a local
MIchigan mid state area FNT 50Miles eg., to learn

thanks and great site

Obviously you've been on here long enough to know that your fears are well founded. It's all well and good that you have the funds for a deuce but how about that 5 ton wrecker you're going to need (....want) and the tractor, do you have a place to park it too? Trailers? Generators?

You are so screwed.....

 

[jimm1009]

And it goes without saying if you are married or other wise attached, you have to plan for her reactions too. Notice! I put an "s" after reaction meaning "Way More Than One" to ensue. lf you don't believe me then just read some of the other recent threads on other owners situations regarding their spouses.
Now that you have been warned, plane on parking for more than one because they do multiply and also plan on insurance and registration issues.
Explore these issues in advance to alleviate most heartache and have a Blast when the first O.D. Green toy arrives.
Read your TMs several times and ask questions as needed.
We are here to support you in your time of affliction for which there is no cure. You are sadly now terminally ill so relax and make the most of your time.

jimm1009

 

[wiggall]

We got THE BEAUTIFUL BEAST three years ago. So far no more trucks have popped up, but trailers that is another story. I have gotten the standered QUESTION WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THAT? Lets see 10 yards compost in ONE LOAD! 5 ton gravel in ONE LOAD! A BIG LOAD OF FIRE WOOD in ONE LOAD! Lets see you do that with your pickup! PLUS up here pepole get THE F#*K OUT OF THE WAY!

 

[SETOYOTA]

I believe the corrct term is lock ring wheels. Not split rims or split rings. Lock rings are still common and most heavy truck people will deal with them at least in my neck of the woods.

 

[saddamsnightmare]

May 10th, 2010.

Digitaldust:

Most of the guys above have covered many essential points, but permit me to reiterate.....CHECK & MAINTAIN THE BRAKES!!!!!! These are fairly primitive trucks, but they can raise holy h--l if they are not kept up. They are not as agile as a civillian truck, nor are they as fast, so you will have to keep you head on a swivel and your brain running very fast to handle unexpected events... mostly from other drivers doing really stupid maneuvers around your truck. AND when you need new tires, they will be 10 @ $50 to125.00 each!
Chains can save NDCC's for snow, but Goodyear G177's 1100R20 radials are probably better road tires and fairly good off road tires. With the NDCC's beware of mud and snow on cross or side slopes (off road) as they will guaranteed slide you sideways down slope....

Other then that, use good sense, do your PMIS, and as the saying goes with boats and horse racing... it takes a large fortune to start, to end up with a small one in MV operations.... I would say an S404.114 Unimog might be easier to deal with, though the parts can be a little more expensive.

Good Luck

 

[jollyroger]

**** the torpedos!!!!!!! Full speed ahead!!!!!!!!! Intrepid I say!!!!!!!

The absolute best thing I ever did was to buy my own M-37 so I did not have to "borrow" my Dad's anymore ........ And then the best thing I had ever done was to get my first deuce........That is right up to when I met my lady.........And then I had to get some trailers so I could do some stuff around the farm with the deuce.........And then the best thing I ever did was get a M-817 dump truck.......And then the best thing I ever did was to buy a M-818 tractor........And then the best thing I ever did was..........

My point is that my MV's have enriched my life more than I could ever describe to someone. I am sure it would be the same for you. My dad and uncle have had their M-37's since 1964 and those trucks have been a huge part of our lives. They are like the greatest dog you could ever own. They will become family after a while. So go for it and never look back.

Seriously though the best thing that has happend to me is my lady BECAUSE..... she never asks me "What are you going to do with that?". She is always thinking about the jobs she has for the equipment And has gotten quite attached to it all. In fact she has named several of my trucks. So far she has not wanted to own one yet because she can always pick from my fleet BUT someday that might change. She totally digs all the recovery adventures we go on. Having the right lady to begin with really helps with EVERYTHING.