Newbie with M51A2 Dump Truck, need info and hints!

[Tototex]

I am brand new to your world. I just found myself with the opportunity to purchase and M51A2 with 400 miles on it for $4500 and I could not resist. Apparently our county bought it and stuck it in a garage for 40 years.

It starts right up, drives around, Bed works great, but is spewing oil like a beast! I tracked the leak to what looks like a bad gasket on the oil filter. I imagine it has turned to dust by now. Finding parts on this has been nuts. Every google search brings me to this site and all the posted links are from years ago and seem to be no longer active.

Based on conversations I've read, the M35A2 and M51A2 seem to have the same engine parts for the most part. I found the oil filter below.


Wix 51133
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

But now everyone is swearing by these spin off conversion kits. I can not seem to find of these listed online. And to be honest, I kind of like the look of the original green canisters covers.

Its needs some TLC. I am also in need of the passenger seat and head light sockets as well as bulbs.

I would love any information, tips and tricks, or just general advice anyone could send my way.

The thing just sat for 40 years, is there anything else I should replace ASAP?

 

[fuzzytoaster]

Howdy and congrats on the truck. I had an M52A1 a few years back and she was a tough old truck. The LDS is very similar to the LDT in deuce and a halfs so most parts are cross compatible. Check the parts reference sticky on the site for more info. There's a lot of conversation about going to spin-on filters and a thread that goes into depth about it as well. Whether you're going for ease, cost, or longevity it's a good way to go. A few members make the spin on adapters and I just searched the classifieds quickly and found this. (I have no affiliation with the seller, just fishing you links asap). A large portion of parts for this truck are direct swap from an M35A2 including your passenger seat, head lights, and bulbs. That sticky ref sheet has NAPA part #s too.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?141296-Spin-on-Oil-Filter-Kits-M35a2


My personal input is drain the fuel tanks, swap all the fluids and filters, go to spin on filters if you plan to use her often, and double check your tires. These G39 series trucks are pushing 50-60 years old and were pushed out of service near 30+ years ago so anything rubber is suspect. If I recall right the transmission is a non-OD (over drive) unit so you won't be going anywhere fast and even less so with a load. The LDS is a step up from a deuce in performance but with your added weight it's actually less nimble than a deuce. If you got lucky and found one with a winch then great! Always good to have. Parts are still out there if you look, I have a few NOS transmissions in a can if you happen to need one. That being said read the TMs and about the "sprag" that's in these trucks. Long story short..if you drive up a hill don't coast down the hill backward without going into reverse first. This kill the sprag.

Enjoy the truck and post pics!

 

[Tototex]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Due to limited time, dealer wants it off the lot, I am replacing the oil and fuel filters with originals. I am hoping this baby will trek the 45 miles home. If not, I have a buddy with a tow truck on standby. The truck probably hasn't ran for more than 10 minutes in the last 40 years. I am a little worried about this 1 hour drive at full throttle.

Here are original oil and fuel filters I tracked down. Surprised there on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I do want to swap over to spin off filters but I need to put a little more research into them. Once she is in my back yard I will have a lot more time to work on her.

I have no idea what a "sprag" is, moral of the story seems to be not to roll it backwards unless its in reverse.

I have no idea what a NOS transmission is or how it will benefit vs the current transmission.

Any recommendations for oil or fluids? Being in near Spokane, WA it can get pretty chilly up here in the winter.

 

[Tototex]

Found my post from this morning... Ha. Guess they didn't like my Amazon links for the oil filters?

"Thank you for posting! Your post will not be visible until a moderator has approved it for posting."

 

[country]

We have 100% parts support for your truck

dave@easternsurplus.net

 

[tommys2patrick]

Hi and welcome from Colorado. Nice to see you saving a great old truck. Drop us some pictures when you get a chance!

 

[m109a2]

Welcome from Lake Charles La.

 

[ageregunner]

Welcome from PA.

 

[Tototex]

I guess my original reply isn't getting approved. I'll write it again and leave out the links.

Thank you Fuzzytoaster for getting back to me so quickly.

I've decided to go with original filters for now. I really like the authentic look, even under the hood.

I am planning on changing out both oil filters, all 3 fuel filters (if I can find them on the truck). I will do an oil change as well. Diesel in the tanks appears fine since they have been running it on the lot. Plus I will top them off right away.

What kind of oil should I use for this truck? Any preferred weight or brand? I am in northern Washington so it will be getting cold here. Also, how much? I heard these things like 6 gallons!

Should I check/replace any other liquids? Hydrolic brakes, power steering (please tell me it has power steering...), transmission fluid?

I need to do what repairs I can on the lot and than I have a 45 mile journey home. I am afraid it wont make it as its been sitting so long. I would tow it but that looks real expensive! Might be doing that anyway.

I found cheap 7" 24v headlights on Amazon and wiring harnesses at Napa. I'll splice that over to avoid the 60 dollar original headlights.

I also just found that none of the gauges are working...

Any advice welcome guys!

 

[fuzzytoaster]

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?77614-TM-s-for-the-M39-Series-5-ton

Read-read-read! Everything you need to know about your truck and to answer your questions in great detail. If the Army did one thing right it's these TM's.

Double check the brakes as they are a single-circuit system. You lose a line, cylinder, or etc then you're not stopping! If you question the brakes it's better to have it hauled/towed. Nothing like a 22,000 lb speeding brick on the highway. It does have power steering yes.

 

[OilfieldRoughneck]

On my M52A2 I have had good luck with eastern surplus and cc surplus. Between the two they have pretty much everything for these trucks

 

[srodocker]

Where in washington are you located? Congrats on the truck cant wait for pictures!

 

[Tototex]

Where in washington are you located? Congrats on the truck cant wait for pictures!

Newport, WA.

Just moved back from Federal Way 5 years ago, so I used to be near you. Can't say I like the city life.

 

[Squirt-Truck]

Welcome from Georgia.
We have several dump guys here, both with A2's and the original gassers.
We LOVE pictures. . . . .

 

[Tototex]

Alright, I finally figured out the albums on here.

I didn't have a lot of time to take pictures, but here they are.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/album.php?albumid=3795

 

[Tototex]

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?77614-TM-s-for-the-M39-Series-5-ton

Read-read-read! Everything you need to know about your truck and to answer your questions in great detail. If the Army did one thing right it's these TM's.

Double check the brakes as they are a single-circuit system. You lose a line, cylinder, or etc then you're not stopping! If you question the brakes it's better to have it hauled/towed. Nothing like a 22,000 lb speeding brick on the highway. It does have power steering yes.

You've been very helpful, thanks a ton. Been reading through these manuals. I feel more confident in being able to check the braking system now. Although I am not sure I would know how to bleed the lines. I will need to do some youtubing I suppose.

Im confident in changing the oil and transmission oil after watching some youtube videos on the m35a2. I will just pick up whatever oil Napa/O'reilly's gives me.

Steering fluid, and braking fluid are still something I need to look up as far as where to access and what to change them with.

 

[Tototex]

On my M52A2 I have had good luck with eastern surplus and cc surplus. Between the two they have pretty much everything for these trucks

I am finding what I need on both these sites but wow, are they expensive or what!?!?!

I've been finding videos on youtube where they use harnesses for the lights and stuff so you can buy other 24v headlights. Look the same and cost $10 a piece. I ordered the parts for that already.

Other issue I have is shipping. Im on the west coast and all these parts are in the east. Instantly doubles my prices. I know some local military nuts over here. I think I will need to bug them to try and find some local parts.

 

[srodocker]

Where the heck is newport? lol. Yea Im on acreage now in the city. We should be having a mini rally here next month sometime where we meet up for some lunch. Your defiantly invited to bring your beast. We dont have many to many dumpers.

 

[Tototex]

Where the heck is newport? lol. Yea Im on acreage now in the city. We should be having a mini rally here next month sometime where we meet up for some lunch. Your defiantly invited to bring your beast. We dont have many to many dumpers.

Its on the border of Washington and Idaho north of Spokane. I don't think I will be lugging this 5 mpg beast over there anytime soon I am still trying to prepare it for the journey to my house. I sure would love to find some groups thought. I have two friends with M35s. Just the three of us that I know so far =)

 

[Tototex]

After a lot of manual reading and forum searching, I figured I should post my conclusions.

I am going to put 22 qts of 14-40w oil in the engine
I am going to put 9 qts of GO 80/90 oil in the transmission
I am going to put 5.25 qts of GO 80/90 oil in the transfer case.
I am replacing both oil filters and all 3 fuel filters.
Primary Fuel filter - Wix 33511
Secondary Fuel Filter (Need 2) - Wix 33512
Oil Filter (Need 2 ) - Wix 51133

Will make sure brake fluid is at level.
Will make sure steering fluid is at level.

I wanted to replace the differential oil but this looks like to much work to do on the lot. I will do this once it is home.

I than will need to drive it 45 miles home via the highway. Wish me luck!

Am I missing anything here?