Bobbed Deuce as a Possible Expedition Platform? $7500

[LowTech]

Bobbed

We have a 109, like Mr Gato, as well as a basic cargo bedded M35. In the last year we've put over 2K worth of miles on just one of them (the M109) and right now have both of them, plus a M105, in motion.
Photo Blog here

The one thing that I don't understand is why I would want to lose the ability of having that walking rear axle set up. Singled out w/ only 6 wheels means I have only 2 more tires than a 4x, but the tandem axles lets me go through things that would be much more of a challenge if it was only one rear.


The bed, or box, rides so smooth and gentle with that the stock set up. I'm sure that I "might" get another mile or two per gal but that's not a big deal if your running on collected waste fuels. As it stands we are 400+ miles into this trip and I've not spent a penny on fuel for mine. We did put about 30 gals of diesel/gas mix into my lady's 109 because we were having some fuel issues and wanted to thin the waste motor oil some. Two BIG trucks, one trailer, 400 miles = 30 gal fuel paid for . . .:wings::smiley_drive:

 

[nk14zp]

I like both mine. One is stock one is bobbed.

 

[zaphos]

How about a Deucenburb or SubDeuce?

I am a Chevy Suburban lover and a diesel guy but the bobbed Deuces make my knees weak.

So I got to thinking (I know, bad idea).

The problem with the Deuce is the body, you can't really live out of the thing. The Suburban is a perfect expedition body (Especially with an enormous roof rack).

You see where I am going so I looked up some specs:

73 - 87 Suburban (can be sourced for $1000 - $1500 all day long)
Wheelbase: 129.5
Track (Front/ Rear): 65.8/ 62.7
Frame width: 34"

Bobbed Deuce:
Wheelbase: 129.5 (reported but not confirmed)
Track: 69.5 (Rockwell axle spec)
Frame Width: 34"

Now I am starting to think bad things but:

Does it look to you like a Suburban body might be able to drop on a Deuce?

I am assuming a ~ 3" body lift might be necessary to clear the trans.

Anyone seen or heard anything like this? Guys have spent 100s of hours and thousands of dollars modding their deuce to be livable, this MIGHT be a very easy way to do it.

Let me know what you think.

./Mark

84 6.2 Diesel C20 Suburban

 

[Lynn]

How about a Deucenburb or SubDeuce?

I am a Chevy Suburban lover and a diesel guy but the bobbed Deuces make my knees weak.

So I got to thinking (I know, bad idea).

//snip//

There was one on eBay a while back with a Chevy extended cab grafted on:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/87716-Best-looking-Deuce-I-ve-ever-seen-on-eBay?highlight=deuce

 

[zaphos]

Thanks for the heads up.

That looks nice!

Definitely going to keep researching!

./Mark

 

[Martinjmpr]

Those are the A3 models and I'm pretty sure that the Reserves and Nat'l Guard still have those in the inventory. Those are the only people I see around here(Ft Bragg NC) driving them. Eventually to be replaced by the FMTV series of trucks. They also have powersteering.

When I was in the Guard we had a lot of trouble with the CTIS on our A3s. A2s are more reliable but (a) slower (b) manual tranny and (c) manual steering.

A manly-man's truck, for sure, but one that is better suited for a 20 year old private than a middle-aged "adventurer."

OTOH, I much preferred the deuce to the 5 ton, even though the 5 ton had an AT and power steering. It was just too damn big for those tiny German roads! Deuce's fit much better.

 

[zaphos]

I looked and found some information on disabling the CTIS which seems to be the way to go. If I were lucky enough to find a bobbed A3, I think the other items make up for a goofy CTIS. With a full bodied Suburban you have softer seats, more insulation, etc. I think it would be much less uncomfortable.

From what I have been able to gather so far, it looks like it would need to be a firewall back conversion. I don't think the engine would fit under the suburban hood without a ridiculous body lift. That would explain why the crew cab conversion above did it that way.

./Mark

 

[Kohburn]

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.

they bypassed the fuel density compensator due to it leaking fuel into the crank case when seals go bad-

however this only equalized the fuel flow for thicker and thinner fuels. the multi-fuel aspect comes from the design of the engine itself. it is not a traditional diesel in that it sprays the fuel in a stream down into a hollow bowl in the piston than then boils out and ignites. it will still run all the usual suspects - i run anything from straight used motor oil to oil/atf/gasoline mix to straight diesel in mine.

 

[Kohburn]

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

56 actually but that is at redline (most common type of failure on the engines if rod caps being pulled off from rod bolt failure: rpm and or reused bolts when rebuilt)

 

[Grasslakeron]

Also when you bob it, it will lose some capabilities on slopes. Look at youtube video on them. The 6x6 does better.

Ron

 

[zaphos]

The bobbed deuce is quite a bit lighter than the full size so I am hoping the combination of taller gears and tires will get me to 65 - 70 cruise speed. There are a few different kits I have come across for the trans.

./Mark

 

[Kohburn]

by quite a bit I hope you meant about 2000 pounds - because that is what most seem to lose when bobbing - 13,500 before about 11,500 after

if you go to taller tires then you won't need the regearing. however you will need more power - most wont exceed 65 unless going downhill.

honestly I'm contemplating selling mine and just getting a Fuso to swap rockwell axles and a transfer case onto with some 395/85/20's

 

[zaphos]

Probably a rhetorical question but has anyone played with making more power out of the Deuce multifuel engine? Should be able to do SOMETHING at least.

It has the displacement and a turbo so turning up the boost (don't know stock boost level), water injection, increase fuel pressure, injectors, high pressure studs/ head gaskets, the usual diesel power mods ???

Is it THAT bad?

Otherwise the Ford 7.3 IDI and Cummins are big favorites of mine and MAY allow the Suburban front end to go on. Also, both the Cummins and the International engines are ~1000 LBS. where I saw the Multifuel listed at ~2000 LBS. More power for half the weight and size, pretty compelling. Now we are getting pretty close to 10K LBS.

And down the rabbit hole I go...

 

[Kohburn]

yes - atleast one guy had the engine properly balanced - then added a better turbo and a fuso intercooler - significant improvement in power

stock the deuce has a limit to how much fuel you can push before running too hot (need to monitor EGT) it also should not be run at redline but kept below 2300rpm for maximum life span.

so taller tires, and mods to lower charge air temp, injection timing, etc will provide more power safetly. it just takes money.

 

[Czechsix]

Not worth dialing up the deuce motor, put your money into a Cummins instead and just do a swap.

Better yet - buy my deuce, buy my 24 valve Cummins and there's your project!