Bobbed Deuce as a Possible Expedition Platform? $7500

[mrwizard]

Just read through this posting over on Pirate4x4.com and was intrigued by the concept:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=719365

and here's the site of they guy in Cali selling them:

http://www.100dollarman.com/trucks.html

i don't think the 55" tires would be ideal, but the smaller tires with only one rear axle could be a starting point...thoughts?

 

[jcbrandon]

Pros:
Lots of capability for not a lot of money.
Simple as dirt.
Tough as rocks.
Kids will love you.

Cons:
Too big for most trails.
Need ear protection.
Primitive.

All told, one heck of a lot of fun for just a few grand.

 

[mrwizard]

i've hear they are loud as all get out...is it just exhaust noise or are the engines that loud? could you muffle the intake and exhaust better?

 

[ntsqd]

Local guy did something similar with a radio (ambulance?) truck, only he went to air springs in the rear.

 

[adventureduo]

Man i want that rig.

 

[adrenaline503]

Damn, thats very cool.

 

[crazyjane]

The noise pretty much comes from everywhere. There is no muffler for the exhaust and the firewall is straight sheetmetal. I'm sure with some time and energy you can quiet them down to a more manageable level.
As for anyone possible buying one, the ARMY did a modification to the IP and took away the multi-fuel aspect on the later ones to only burn JP-8(diesel) since there isn't anything that really burns MOGAS in the inventory any longer. Going to one common fuel. There is a sticker on the IP that states so.

 

[btggraphix]

How long from cab to end of frame I wonder? Would they allow a custom choice of length? I also wonder what sort of fuel mileage and top speed they have. Those are awfully cool...and for $7500 amazingly cheap. Seems like another 5-10K of customizing the cab with sound proofing etc. you could have a serious beast of a platform for a camper on the cheap.

 

[mrwizard]

How long from cab to end of frame I wonder? Would they allow a custom choice of length? I also wonder what sort of fuel mileage and top speed they have. Those are awfully cool...and for $7500 amazingly cheap. Seems like another 5-10K of customizing the cab with sound proofing etc. you could have a serious beast of a platform for a camper on the cheap.

if you read through the posting on pirate4x4.com someone says they averaged 10-12 mpg with stock tires and anticipated better mpg with larger tires (which this has) and the elimination of the second rear axle...so conservatively a gain of 1-2 mpg?

i think if i was going to do it, i'd buy an un-bobbed one and bob it myself. shouldn't be too tough. the axles are easily removed, the box might take some assistance (some sort of lift?) and you would end up with a ton more metal, tires and rims that could be used for spares...not to mention the price is a ton better. that would be my thought anyway.

 

[mrwizard]

oh, and stock top speed is 50 mph, but would be faster with one less axle and larger tires.

 

[bahndo]

oh, and stock top speed is 50 mph, but would be faster with one less axle and larger tires.

Is that governed speed by gearing/rpm's (like mogs) or is it out of power at 50 mph?

 

[j_nigrelli]

when i read the title of this thread, i was thinking "'32 Ford".


what a bitchen' ride that would make!

 

[btggraphix]

if you read through the posting on pirate4x4.com someone says they averaged 10-12 mpg with stock tires and anticipated better mpg with larger tires (which this has) and the elimination of the second rear axle...so conservatively a gain of 1-2 mpg?

i think if i was going to do it, i'd buy an un-bobbed one and bob it myself. shouldn't be too tough. the axles are easily removed, the box might take some assistance (some sort of lift?) and you would end up with a ton more metal, tires and rims that could be used for spares...not to mention the price is a ton better. that would be my thought anyway.

That's a good point....you'd get a spare axle right? And who cares about the box anyway, if you are making it for a camper. Pretty good MPG too. I think my wife would have me bobbed if I bought one though..... Man are those cool.....

 

[mrwizard]

Is that governed speed by gearing/rpm's (like mogs) or is it out of power at 50 mph?

i think you're out of rpm/gearing.

That's a good point....you'd get a spare axle right? And who cares about the box anyway, if you are making it for a camper. Pretty good MPG too. I think my wife would have me bobbed if I bought one though..... Man are those cool.....

pretty sure my wife would too! she might even be thinking about it just cause i'm lookin' at the fool thing... :bike_rider:

 

[crazyjane]

The top speed according to TM 9-2320-209-10 is 56 MPH. When I drove mine I could cruise about 59 flat out. Each one is different. Some came with a 1:1 top gear ratio and some came with an overdrive transmission. All 5 speeds.