HELP M35A3 TRUCK 510 miles from home

[DONAGUS]

HELP TRUCK 510 miles from home. Driver side axle leak, appears to be big leak, gear oil, boot side of tire. Question 1 How far can I drive before damaging the air shift deferential and or other related parts. Truck in the woods.

Question 2 Can I pulled the drive shafts and get it home.

Any advice would be helpful.

 

[ecostruction]

You would have to pull the drive shafts and the axles so nothing in the differential is spinning. If it's the axle seal, then you are loosing differential oil. Might have to do more diagnosing so others can weigh in. Better wait for the experts to chime in though.

 

[1qwkgoat]

Since the front hubs are always "locked" the axle shafts and diff will turn anytime the front tires turn. I guess if you really wanted to you could pull the axle shafts out and drive it back. It's a pretty good sized job for being on the side of the road. Inspect and repack the bearing while you have them apart to remove the axle shafts. I must say I have never had a deuce axle apart, from what I have seen from other members pics on here I think it could be done.

I however would not recommend it. If you are going to do all that on the side of the road why not just get the seal and fix the problem?

I think your best bet would be to have it hauled the rest of the way. In the end it may turn out to be the cheapest way.

 

[Westech]

why dont you just take the drive shaft off and remove the front hubs. good to roll.

 

[dirtyfingernails]

Where exactly is the truck? Someone may be close enough to offer aid.

 

[DONAGUS]

Madison georga, 30650

 

[TedG]

Check the vent cap on the axle housing. It may be blocked and your overpressurizing the differential. I had this on 2 different trucks so far and one was a new vent cap installed by the military (now I check them all regardless).

On a 5 ton, with full differential oil and repacked bearings and bad seal, I have gotten around 100 miles at 45mph before bearing grease wash out. Your results may vary.

 

[Divemaster920]

I agree....I would pull the vent cap and put some cotton of something in there to keep dust out. If not too much leakage after that then you should be good. I have gone 500 miles on a washout. Not the best thing to do...but if you have to..you have to.

 

[Bill W]

I'm in Brooks, Ga 30205 which is indirectly along your route home and about 75 miles from where you are now. If you need a place to work on it or even drop it off let me know
Bill

 

[Floridianson]

No matter what you pull you will still leak out gear oil from the axle seal. Pull the diff fill plug and if you can at least feel the oil when your second nuckle makes the turn you are good. Run it home.

 

[rwoods]

So far from Home but so close to the GA Rally! From what I've read there be enough talent and stuff there you could be fixed in no time. Seriously, checkout what Divemaster said. If you think that is it after a short run then head towards Bill W. and keep a watch on it. Don't burn yourself checking a hot differential. Ron

 

[DONAGUS]

Bill W
I am close to the GA Rally! I can make it there. Do you know of any one with the parts I need and specially mechanical assistance/help.
This was going to be my first rally anyway .

 

[DONAGUS]

Bill W
I am close to the GA Rally! I can make it there. Do you know of any one with the parts I need and specially mechanical assistance/help.
This was going to be my first rally anyway .

 

[MRTHauling]

if you need the truck hauled please feel free to contact me. I do hauling up to 16000#. I have a 40ft trailer. I am licensed and insured.

 

[Bill W]

I'm not very familier with the A3 but
Teds trucks in Alabama should have the parts, their prices are middle of the road and shipping is super fast '- Teds Trucks N Stuff Store - Military vehicles and parts, milirary surplus items'

 

[BKubu]

Any parts that are A3 specific are expensive and hard to find. The axle seals ARE NOT identical to those on an M35A2. I know because I had to replace the axle seals and was told that the A2 seals would work. Wrong. Call Terry in CA (619-670-426. He has forgotten more than most of us know about the A3s. He literally has built and rebuilt A3s. He has parts in stock, but they are not cheap...kinda like buying directly from AM General IF they would sell to civilians, which they won't.

Cut your losses. Get the truck hauled.

Is there any oil leaking from the CTIS? If so, you have bigger problems than an axle seal. Call Terry. He should be able to help you diagnose the problem and will be able to get the parts. Also, there are tricks to replacing the seals without damaging CTIS components. Terry knows these and can relay the info to you.

 

[DONAGUS]

Any parts that are A3 specific are expensive and hard to find. The axle seals ARE NOT identical to those on an M35A2. I know because I had to replace the axle seals and was told that the A2 seals would work. Wrong. Call Terry in CA (619-670-426. He has forgotten more than most of us know about the A3s. He literally has built and rebuilt A3s. He has parts in stock, but they are not cheap...kinda like buying directly from AM General IF they would sell to civilians, which they won't.

Cut your losses. Get the truck hauled.

Is there any oil leaking from the CTIS? If so, you have bigger problems than an axle seal. Call Terry. He should be able to help you diagnose the problem and will be able to get the parts. Also, there are tricks to replacing the seals without damaging CTIS components. Terry knows these and can relay the info to you.

More info on Terry in CA (619-670-426. tried the number several times, no luck, is this number for a home or business. What does he go by as a number of steel soldier . Thank you for your help , DON

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

I have nothing constructive to add to this thread. I just wanted to APPLAUD and SALUTE the brotherhood of MV'ers ready and willing to jump right in here. I am witness to the purest form of unity here and now.

Thank you

 

[littlebob]

Did you make it to the Rally? I would think that would be a great source of info and help.
As you have the time keep us posted. Hope you find a way to get it home without going bankrupt. I'll try to hook up with you when you get back.

 

[cessnatwin]

fill it and roll, it looks worse than it usually is! It is NO BIG DEAL! they all eventually leak, stop and check it now and again, you will get home fine, I worried my first time too