1990s MB truck owners. Looking for some details!!

[sprocket3]

That was the number that the prior owner spent on converting as he bought new Hutchinson aluminum wheels ($1000+ each) and brand-new XZL tires ($1300 each). Along with 80 new wheel half bolts to get the clearance he needed. Add in shipping and labor for someone else building them up for him.
On the other end of the spectrum for spare tires (2) I bought used Aluimum Hutchinson wheels for $125 each (they have to be a specific model not any MRAP wheel works, see this post HERE for what works) and used XZL for $125 (+$125 shipping), so $375 per wheel/tire for spares.

That's more like it! There's usually a cheaper way if you put the work into it.

 

[mog]

That's more like it! There's usually a cheaper way if you put the work into it.

To put the 'low end' into perspective.

Rims- I had looked for those Hutchinson 'Atlas' rims for almost 3 years with no luck whatsoever. It was only after I sold the truck, with complete luck that a guy 8 miles from me had tons of US military surplus (trucks, trailers, engines, wheels, tires, etc) and I went over just to buy some cheap 20x10 steel rims ($80 for 4) to use as stands for my camper jack and saw those Atlas wheels. He had not even listed them as he only had two and figured no one would want them. So I bought them for the guy that bought my 1017. I would not count on the same luck.

Tires- The military surplus tires are super cheap BUT my friends who have been running those surplus tires have bitten the bullet and paid the crazy price to buy new manufactured ones to replace the surplus ones they had. Too many failures were directed related to the surplus tires age and conditions under which they were stored. Hopefully, infinitely more experienced members like @charlieaarons will chime in on surplus tires.

So the short version, don't use the high end ($10,000+) or low end ($1,500) as your budget. You will want to check ahead if you get a truck from Europe as it might be cheaper and easier to at least get super single rims over there. And you need to decide between 22.5 or 20 inch rims, a whole different story.

And another tidbit for your search. A German friend of mine who worked as an engineer for MAN (in Switzerland) for over 30 years bought a 1995 MB1120 for his 'explore the world truck'. When I asked him why he was a 'traitor' and did not buy a MAN, and the fact he could buy any year truck as he lives in Europe, why a 1995? He said he thought that Mercedes has the best support throughout the world, and 1995 was the last year that Mercedes trucks were all mechanical. YMMV

 

[Joe917]

One note on singles.
There is no question the 20" rim is the way to go "off road".
If you plan on driving "bad roads" seriously consider going to the 22.5" rims. There is a large selection of tires available (used in logging and construction) that will give a quieter ride than 20" mil tires and will have far more tread life.
Tires for 20" rims are not available in South America. If SA is on your list go with 22.5" rims.

 

[skjohans]

"You will want to check ahead if you get a truck from Europe as it might be cheaper and easier to at least get super single rims over there."

Custom wheels made in Germany:

Felge 9.00x22.5, 8 Loch BMZ BAT 9x225 900225

Felge 9.00x22.5 8 Loch ET120 BMZ Einzelbereifung Felge 9.00x22.5, 8 Loch BMZ BAT 9x225 900225 - Felge 9.00x22.5, 8 Loch, LK 275, ET 120 - BAT-Trade LKW-Einzelbereifung

lkw-einzelbereifung.de

LKW Einzelradbereifung mit Spezial Felge 9.00x22.5 - 8 Loch LK275/221 ET120 BMZ TL Traglast 4000 kg / 100 km/h pro Felge (8000 kg. Achslast) LK und MK

53 new items · Album by BAT-TRADE Inh. Frank Flick

photos.google.com

 

[Geo.Lander]

I really should order those up, any chance you have the part number handy?

Sorry, I could not find them in the end as we disposed of the bags they came in..

 

[Geo.Lander]

One note on singles.
There is no question the 20" rim is the way to go "off road".
If you plan on driving "bad roads" seriously consider going to the 22.5" rims. There is a large selection of tires available (used in logging and construction) that will give a quieter ride than 20" mil tires and will have far more tread life.
Tires for 20" rims are not available in South America. If SA is on your list go with 22.5" rims.

Also, if you want proper winter compound tires, 22.5 is the only choice!

 

[sprocket3]

One note on singles.
There is no question the 20" rim is the way to go "off road".
If you plan on driving "bad roads" seriously consider going to the 22.5" rims. There is a large selection of tires available (used in logging and construction) that will give a quieter ride than 20" mil tires and will have far more tread life.
Tires for 20" rims are not available in South America. If SA is on your list go with 22.5" rims.

Do you think i can get Super Singles for these MB truck in the US easily, or should i try to buy those when i get the truck in Germany?

 

[sprocket3]

Does anyone here have seat time in an SK truck like an 1835 or similar?

Can the gear ratios be easily changed in the hubs of these like the LMTV? It looks like most have a planetary hub.

 

[DiploStrat]

Do you think i can get Super Singles for these MB truck in the US easily, or should i try to buy those when i get the truck in Germany?

In my experience, not a prayer in the US.

Edited to add: This is for 8 lug wheels. 10 lug might be possible.

I bought Accuride/Kron Prinz rims from: fabian@expeditions-lkw.de Great price and service and the wheels are perfectly round - unlike MRAP and other efforts. Only caveat, he indicates that he can no longer get rims. Ask.

 

[Joe917]

Our truck came with singles from the factory, It is the only one I have ever seen with that option. I would get everything you can dealt with in Germany before you ship it.

 

[sprocket3]

Are you sure about this? If so, please post up a link to a thread from somewhere legitimate like Steel Soldiers.

How about two links. I talked to a guy who called them Eco Hubs. I honestly didn't look into it a great deal and just assumed it was a different gear set, but i guess they delete the reduction set.

Eco Hubs

For anyone that has or is considering a Stewart Stevenson for adventure camping etc. Eco Hubs replace the 2:1 gear reduction with direct drive. This simple modification increases fuel mileage or vehicle range. Increases comfortable cruise speed to over 65/70 mph. reduces engine temperature...

forum.expeditionportal.com

 

[sprocket3]

Our truck came with singles from the factory, It is the only one I have ever seen with that option. I would get everything you can dealt with in Germany before you ship it.

That's what I was thinking, but i want to get the gearing/tire size correct.

 

[Madoxen]

I have an 1835 2001 modle and i would not think you would need to mess with the gears as it will sit at 100kph electronically limited. All day up hill down hill it makes no odds . Well down hill u can find ur self doing alot more.

 

[sprocket3]

I have an 1835 2001 modle and i would not think you would need to mess with the gears as it will sit at 100kph electronically limited. All day up hill down hill it makes no odds . Well down hill u can find ur self doing alot more.

That's good. What sized tires are you running?

I'd love to hear details on engine/trans and MPG you're getting. I've heard 6-12mpg from different sources.

One of the sellers I talked to said his had "high speed gears". Which makes me think they have different gear sets.

 

[Geo.Lander]

I can send you a link for super singles for these trucks and tires. By far the cheapest around.