Mercedes Overland Building/Tuning

[RoamIt]

Well, to be honest I was starting to think this was not going to happen. I wired money on 10/28/21 for the truck and today 4/6/22, it arrived in Jacksonville FL. It still needs to clear customs. I have no idea how long that will take.

I've decided that I will fly down and drive it back the 800+ miles to Ohio instead of shipping it here. Done with shipping things for awhile

It's been gone through, so hopefully no problems. I can't exactly take all my tools with me on a plane, not that I have a clue about a vehicle I've never laid eyes on. I don't know what condition the tires are in (as in age), so I'll have to check those. I'm sticking with the existing rims/dually set up for now, but depending on the tire situation I may get some taller tires installed, don't know how tall I can go with the stock body/height (?). The engine work I had done raised the rev limit. With a little taller tire plus the extra rev's I should at least be able to avoid being a rolling road block. But this is all just conjecture on my part.

Any suggestions on what perhaps I should have on hand for the drive would be appreciated.

I'm thinking I may install a dash cam/back up camera when picking it up. Of course, I'm planning on a navigation set-up, but not worried about that just yet. I'll track the mileage as best I can to get a clue about that. Of course that will all change once the modifications begin. but a baseline will be a nice to have, especially since I added a significant boost to HP/TQ

Should be a good time of year for the drive, it has a cab heater, but no A/C. I am expecting it to be loud, bumpy ride! Haven't convinced any friends to make the crazy road trip with me, so it's going to be a long drive....

 

[MogsAndDogs]

Should be fun.

Does it have a spare tire?

 

[RoamIt]

Great question, I have no idea

 

[MogsAndDogs]

You know, on my truck, the owners manual has been invaluable. They fit everything into that little book. That would be something you could fly with - or get the digital version.

 

[RoamIt]

It does come with all the manuals and service records. I bought the parts CD's as well.

 

[Joe917]

Are you familiar with air brakes and how to use the exhaust brake?

 

[DiploStrat]

Some things to remember:

-- Parking brake will not release until you have air pressure. May take two or three wall clock minutes.
-- Must use exhaust brake to stop engine; key won't do it. N.B. Battery will drain if you do not use key to turn off electrical system.
-- Truck has next to no engine braking. Shift down and use exhaust brake. Drum brakes fade faster than discs when hot. Don't overspeed the engine when downshifting - very easy to do.

Truck will be happier at 80 kph than at 100 kph.

 

[DiploStrat]

Thats odd.
All my M-B diesels switch off by putting its injector pump to the off position.

How do you do that? I don't have an injector pump control in the cab.

 

[MogsAndDogs]

Mine only shuts off via exhaust brake or lifting the accelerator pedal. No injection pump switch.

 

[RoamIt]

Are you familiar with air brakes and how to use the exhaust brake?

Not really, never had them before, just googled about them.

 

[RoamIt]

Some things to remember:

-- Parking brake will not release until you have air pressure. May take two or three wall clock minutes.
-- Must use exhaust brake to stop engine; key won't do it. N.B. Battery will drain if you do not use key to turn off electrical system.
-- Truck has next to no engine braking. Shift down and use exhaust brake. Drum brakes fade faster than discs when hot. Don't overspeed the engine when downshifting - very easy to do.

Truck will be happier at 80 kph than at 100 kph.

Very good tips! Thanks!!!!!!

 

[RoamIt]

One thing- this has an auto trans.

 

[VerMonsterRV]

One thing- this has an auto trans.

@jaleel_da_sheik has an 1120 with the auto tranny. He may have some advice for you. I have read that at times the auto can shift a bit hard, but have also read it can be adjusted by someone that knows what they are doing. There is a thread on the LN2 forum about it.

 

[RoamIt]

@jaleel_da_sheik has an 1120 with the auto tranny. He may have some advice for you. I have read that at times the auto can shift a bit hard, but have also read it can be adjusted by someone that knows what they are doing. There is a thread on the LN2 forum about it.

As I understand it, there were 2 types of auto's used in the 1224AF one being a German unit and the other being the Allison. This one has the Allison, which I saw as a plus as it is a very widely distributed industrial trans.

 

[DiploStrat]

Two of those Unimogs.
A lever on the dashboard whats connected into the throttle linkage drops the injector pump to the off position.
The other, is a plunger on floor near the shift stick. Does the same thing with the throttle linkage.

LN2 is not a Unimog. (Thank the Lord! ) No dash lever.

Do have the floor button - operates the exhaust brake and serves as engine kill through the throttle linkage.