You see, the problem is that you guys are having so ****ed much fun with your M35s around town that I’m getting jealous. In many ways my M109A3 is not as useful.
One big question that breaks down to several smaller ones, “If I had a cargo bed (35Ax style) how difficult would it be to switch back and forth between the two?”
Secondary questions, “Are the frames the same?”
“Do the beds mount on the frame the same?”
“Are there cargo beds readily available?”
Looking at the box and at weight tables I estimate the box without any adornment weighs in at 2500 to 3000 lb. I am guessing that a cargo bed comes in at around 2000. Assuming that I have suitable sized jacks, etc could I lift the beds off the way people do with pickup campers?
The bottom of the box looks like skids. I was thinking that after disconnecting everything, I could cable the box to a telephone pole, etc and pull it back 2 – 3 ft (or drive the truck forward). Then I could jack it up an inch or so and build a support structure out of timbers. Then I could drive the truck forward until 2 ft. was left on the frame. Then I could jack that end up 1 inch and build another suitably strong structure under it for storage.
It’s either that or find a way to convince my wife that I need another deuce.
Oh, by the way, I got a job today!! I haven’t seen the salary terms yet, and they don’t know it, but I like the job so much that I would take a cut in salary to accept it. I had my 2nd face-to-face interview today and we spent 20 minutes talking about my deuce and other projects. I will get to wear blue jeans to work, too. For a software engineer without a pony tail, that is something.
ida34,
DRMO in Ft. Carson, CO has an M109A3 that has been stripped; no wheels, drums, etc. The box looks good. I don't know how long they stay in DRMO before they move over to GL, but keep watching.
I remove mine with a small forklift on one side and a backhoe with bucket forks on the other... becomes a one Soldier job with the right equipment...2 lifts and drive out from under it.
http://steelsoldiers.com/index.php?n...;p=55823#55823
for extra challenge do it on a slope.
If you try to slide the bed forward over the wood spacers it may just shove them(don't ask how I know) forward. I would try to get the bed as close as possible to it's final location and then lower it into place.
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Georgia
I still have some jerry cans
If I had to do it over again, I might have gotten an M35 and then just upfitted a com shelter for camping. The shelter could be removed when not used, or even put on a trailer to keep the truck bed usable for hauling and still have the camper.
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1970 M45A2
1989 M932A2 and Hiab crane trailer for sale
Can you swap an M109 box for an M35 bed
