New mule owner

[Digger09]

Picked up a nice 1968 M274A4 mule a couple weeks ago. Just needs a little TLC to be 100%. I already removed the engine guard and with a little heat was able to get it straightened out pretty good. I have all the rails and data plates and plan on getting the correct bed bolts if I can find them. Couple seals weeping a little but not bad. I plan on replacing over the winter months. Also plan on trying to find the elusive correct NDCC tires for it. Should be a fun project that doesn't take up to much space in the garage. Any pointers or advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[clinto]

There's a guy on eBay with the bolts, look up the MS # in the TM and search eBay for it.

Supposedly Coker is making or is going to make the correct tires, there's a big thread on g503 about it. I think they will be able to be ordered through Summit Racing as well.

 

[emmado22]

PM sent. Unless your going for 100% factory look, I wouldn't worry about the tires. They get chewed up fast.

 

[Digger09]

Part of my reason for thinking of changing back to the NDCC tires is I have heard the extra contact patch on the ground with the NDT's could put extra strain and wear on the steering components espcially the steering gear box. I may just leave them for a little while and wear them out some more. Well see. It has all new tie rods I just need to do an alignment on it to help it track correctly. I have heard to toe in the front a quarter of an inch on the front to aid in steering. I will try to do some more research to see if that's the right move.

 

[emmado22]

I have never heard the extra contact makes it wear faster. Interesting.

The alignment procedures are in the TM's, and you now know here to find them!

 

[Charlie]

Toe-in is 1/8" front and rear, see TM 9-2320-246-20, page 2-58 for several ways to set and adjust.

 

[emmado22]

Check for rats nests and leaky fuel pump.. VERY IMPORTANT! Unless you like to swap out engines..

 

[Al Harvey]

Good looking Mule

 

[The Auto Shop teacher]

I bought 4 Coker mule tires from Summit racing equipment and they look great, just like the originals.

 

[GUNNUT in Iowa]

Looks like the appropriate size for the Driver.
Might have to move the pedals closer to the seat.

 

[Charlie]

Actually, the correct tire is not an NDCC, but a NDMD, but nobody's every been able to tell me what that stands for! Coker Tire has the correct tire, and you can get a set of 4 through Summit Racing with free shipping right now. Myself and several other mule owners here and on the G503 have just recently purchased sets of these tires.
The danger in using non-standard tires, especially on 4-wheel steer mules, is the fact that the mule does not have a differential, only a ring gear and pinion, which means if one wheel turns, they all turn, at the same speed. In a hard turn, the outside tire must be able to slip. An aggressive ATV-type tire does not slip very well and can cause excessive stress and wear on the drive ine components, especially the pinions and drop axle gears. You can get away with big tires in mud and soft ground, but on hard surfaces like pavement and concrete, something will eventually break.
Good luck with your project and please post photos of your progress.

BTW, the M274A4 was actually built as an M274A1 in 1963-64, and converted into an A4 model in 1964-65. Only A5's were built in 1968.

 

[Digger09]

Progress report. Dug into it pretty good the last couple of weeks. First thing I did was order a full set of manuals then after some reading began work. Got the alignment correct drained and refilled all fluids, cleaned and relined the fuel tank, did a full tune up and fixed a couple good sized oil leaks. Its running like a top now and this weekend will get a motorpool ready paint job. I plan on doing a complete rebuild next winter but for now want to get some hours on it and see if anything else turns up. Also built a battery box.