LMTV 1078 Camper build concept

[Coachgeo]

Is this being done in your LMTV to help with the rear drive shaft angle? I am under the impression that due to the transfer thing-a-majig that allows the 2nd rear axle to have a driveshaft feed this will level the rear drive shaft angle for less wear and tear on the U-joints and possibly reduce the drive-line vibration.

ding ding ding...... we got a winner. sorta...

any horizontal running drive shaft has less vibrations; and will transfer less vibrations that due occur thru it. Less forces thus equals less wear and tear on drive shaft components like U joints. The key though on the FMTV is any big to large vibrations for long enough time period; say 6-8hr drive, or medium vibrations over longer periods can causes other issues that lead to extremely expensive repairs.

PS-the thingamajig is a Power Divider and it is essentially a differential with a locker BETWEEN the middle and rear axle . NOTE- this is NOT between left and right wheel as commonly thought of but it works like that type of diff, in that the one with most slip gets the power.. but in the case it is slip between the two axles not slip between left and right wheels.

 

[Badmiker]

Wicked!

We are looking at the 1083/1086 for our build as we will be living full time in it for several years to many years. We also want room for a garage for a pair of motorcycles, fully enclosed. So I have been researching the heck out of them. I've finished several of the TM's but still plugging away at them.

We'll be following your build both here and on SS

Mike

 

[Coachgeo]

Update axle 2- keeping it all in same post..... small update to axle work at: https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/lmtv-1078-camper-build-concept.163129/post-2513050
more to come

 

[DarkBladeRunner]

I have to ask: how bad are lmtv trucks as far as MPG? I keep reading 6 mpg. Coachgo: is this what you have observed? Are you doing something to improve mpg and if so what are you expecting it will end up being?

 

[Coachgeo]

6-7 mpg is norm..... 8-10 with high speed gear* swap in axles (for me... in the works) theoretical 10-12 with taller tires (53") to bring the ratio closer to "optimum"

* high speed is oxymoron .. lowers engine rpms and gives you better cruise... yet not optimum for either...... but presently that gear set is ONLY choice of other gear ratio change for axles available and the sources to get them.... is basically.. DEAD. there is light in the horizon though... some are looking to get enough folk to have custom made R&P's at optimum ratio for primarily highway rigs.

 

[DarkBladeRunner]

Thanks for letting me know. Mind sharing the ROM cost for the regearing ?[assuming I can even get new gears).

 

[b dkw1]

Thats a big mill!

Actually, that is a rather small mill. When you can get up and walk around on the table, that is a big mill.

 

[Coachgeo]

Actually, that is a rather small mill. When you can get up and walk around on the table, that is a big mill.

you can't walk around it and there is no table to speak of... more of a deck. It is enclosed on three sides... overall it's about size of a small car and ain't talking a Smart car

 

[b dkw1]

With flatbottom shovel scooping chips into a two yard skip.

This guy knows what I'm talking about LOL.

Still, having a mill to cut that down is a huge win. That would suck with any sort of hand tools.

 

[Coachgeo]

Thanks for letting me know. Mind sharing the ROM cost for the regearing ?[assuming I can even get new gears).

ROM??? in my world that means "range of motion" no clue what it means in your world?

 

[DarkBladeRunner]

ROM??? in my world that means "range of motion" no clue what it means in your world?

Rough Order of Magnitude. Sorry. I'm in land development/water parks.

 

[Coachgeo]

Rough Order of Magnitude. Sorry. I'm in land development/water parks.

cost or regearing ranges greatly based on who does the installing of the gears. Cost of gears (which right now is actually whole center chunks with better ratio gears already in them) is just under 2 grand - 2.5 grand.. matters shipping. I suspect that price has skyrocketed though since it appears non are left out there.

 

[Ovrlnd Rd]

Someone on Steel Soldiers (from OK, I believe) stated they could get new gears (not takeouts) installed for $4k per axle. That seems like an awfully high amount for your ROI (Return On Investment ). So you can do 65mph instead of 55mph. Getting 80 miles closer after driving 8 hours isn't that important to me. I'd rather spend the money elsewhere. And as your MPG will likely decrease with increased MPH you'll need it for diesel.

 

[Coachgeo]

Someone on Steel Soldiers (from OK, I believe) stated they could get new gears (not takeouts) installed for $4k per axle. That seems like an awfully high amount for your ROI (Return On Investment ). So you can do 65mph instead of 55mph. Getting 80 miles closer after driving 8 hours isn't that important to me. I'd rather spend the money elsewhere. And as your MPG will likely decrease with increased MPH you'll need it for diesel.

believe that quote was from manufacture....... but person did not do it. That price would definitely justify.... "slow down and smell the roses" . For me.... am exploring living in mine for few years. The overall cost of the Camen 3rds, plus larger tires to bring rpms down more will probably end up at a grand less than that cost.... but save on MPG and most of all....... save on wear of engine thus.... think with that I mightttttttt....... break even over those few years........ and end up at a cost saving over longer time period

 

[DarkBladeRunner]

believe that quote was from manufacture....... but person did not do it. That price would definitely justify.... "slow down and smell the roses" . For me.... am exploring living in mine for few years. The overall cost plus larger tires to bring rpms down more will probably end up at a grand less than that cost.... but save on MPG and most of all....... save on wear of engine thus.... think with that I mightttttttt....... break even over those few years........ and end up at a cost saving over longer time period

Indeed. What I'm finding so far is that if I can figure out how to import an LMTV to Canada, I'll probably end up leaving it mostly stock and only "upgrade" if I find I absolutely cannot live without it. Cost seems to add up quite quickly and the whole point of building an expedition vehicle is to leave the rat race behind.