DRIVING ARMY TRUCKS

All other trucks not mentioned above.
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RANGER
1st Sergeant
1st Sergeant
Posts: 6510
Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2006 6:29 pm
Location: Nearest Motor Pool

DRIVING ARMY TRUCKS

Post by RANGER »

No two 4X4 and 6X6 tactical trucks drive exactly the same. Some seem start easier, some have more response to the gas pedal, some handle better and shift and stop differenty, or run more quietly. Not all who drive an MV will notice this at first, but will pick up on it with experience.

Collectors tend to have different driving habits than the GIs who drove the same vehicles in WWII or Korea.
Soldiers are taught discipline from the day they got off the bus at the reception center, the military has rules and punishment for not operating GI equipment in the prescribed manner, civilians do not.
Many collectors get an adrenaline rush while operating their MV, they tend to blow their horn more to draw attention, and sometimes drive their trucks in a lower gear in order to rev it up and show off their driving skills when there is a suitable audience. The comment on line "see you at the gravel pit" is not unheard of, as many treat their truck as a toy, GIs are taught differently. Army trucks are made for rugged use in the hands of a trained operator and will take much punishment. Army trucks that are mishandled can and do break. Your truck requires scheduled PM and heavy duty truck tools. Some of the surplus dealers have some of the basic tools such as wheel bearing and wheel nut wrenches.
Tools are a good investment, every 6X6 owner should invest in a complete set of 1/2" and 3/4" drive sockets, 3# Machinists hammer, brass drifts, 8 Ton Hydraulic Jack, Gear Oil dispenser, air compressor,and as many special tools as you can buy.
US ARMY HONOR GRADUATE MECHANIC, Restorer of fine Jeeps, MV's, MVPA 40+yrs, DAV, Army Aircrew member, Donor to Military Museums & CAF, MV Hobby since 1945
Other Hobby- Army Air Force & Busting Big Ass Military Imposters-Good at it
WC 56
Technician 4th Grade
Technician 4th Grade
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Re: DRIVING ARMY TRUCKS

Post by WC 56 »

I think, good tools are quite important for a good repair; correct maintenance is much easyer with correct and fitting tools. In addition, good tools are saving a lot of precious time :wink:
Willys MB,Bj. '43
Willys MBT, Bj. '43
Converto dump trailer, Bj. '43
Weasel M29c, Bj. '45

The story of 2 Unimog and their 4x4 friends: http://www.allrad-oldtimer.com
A website for a legendary WWII-vehicle: http://www.studebaker-weasel.com
samason
Technician 4th Grade
Technician 4th Grade
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Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2006 8:58 pm
Location: MISSISSIPPI

Re: DRIVING ARMY TRUCKS

Post by samason »

THAT.......is good advise!..........Thankyou.

Steve A
Ken J
Technical Sergeant
Technical Sergeant
Posts: 1611
Joined: Sat Apr 01, 2006 4:59 am
My garage: 1941 Dodge WC-43 Telephone Installation (replica)
194? K-38 Telephone Tool Trailer
194? Ben Hur Trailer
1968 Kaiser Jeep M35A2 with winch
Location: Southern California

Re: DRIVING ARMY TRUCKS

Post by Ken J »

One of the worst things you can do to a screw is use a loose-fitting screwdriver; either due to improper size or wear.

A screwdriver fit properly if it will stay in place horizontally by itself when inserted into the screw head.

I strongly, strongly recommend using only high-quality screwdrivers by Snap-On, and then possibly Mac or Matco. In my experienced opinion, the worst ones are made in Taiwan or China, and then the ones sold at Sears, Home Depot, and Lowe's.

I would say the same for wrenches and sockets. And if you have a choice, use six-point sockets, not twelve-point. The twelve-pointers have much smaller shoulders to push against the bolt head shoulders.

Don't skimp on tool quality- if the stoopid thing breaks in the middle of the job, now ya gotta stop and go get a new tool. Two of the cheapies plus time and gas are much more expensive than one of the betters!
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