Driving an AM General M923 1000 miles

[@TexasADV]

I love to see military vehicle road trip videos!!!!. I bought my M35A2 from Boyce Equipment in Ogden, UT and drove it all the way back to Texas over 4 days. It was one of the best road trips in my life.

[@codyramos3200]

i was wondering if people did that... what kinda mileage you get on a full tank

[@Indianahillclimber]

Do you still own it?

[@scottyaklin8226]

sorry for the late reply ... where did you get your M35?

[@TexasADV]

@@scottyaklin8226 Boyce Equipment in Ogden, UT

[@Awesomelord101]

lol... love the fact that a Army convoy drove past while you were in a Army vehicle lol good stuff but I wonder what they were thinkin... lol danm private got lost agian lol

[@kradlinks2880]

no it would be the Lt. got lost again 😊

[@arabcampers9554]

Clorox Bleach I literally see you in every video I watch I'm kind of start to think that you are a KZbin bug.

[@buckrowley1506]

man theres you Clorox and then bleach cowboy theres another I'm sure which one are you ? say drink me

[@RS-tp3uu]

Probly more like ‘crazy fella in an old truck’.

[@dnetne5508]

not same colour - so they were happy to see his beast truck xD

[@Sinister_Reaper]

the bucking is the tires angled and rounding the tread around the outside, i dont know of anyone who could align that but maybe caterpillar, you'd have to get a new set of flat tires to stop the bouncing then have it aligned so it doesnt wear them out anymore, the brakes probably need to be adjusted or have paint on them, just pull off the tires and check the drums and brakes, the brakes may be rubbing slightly against the drums and need to be adjusted, also check the wheel bearings and put new grease in them and check the needle bearing inside that may help with any squealing noises or rough rolling axles, if you notice anything else just give me a holler and i might be able to figure out your problem

[@carllarsen6234]

Next time, take the kiddo.. those experiences are meant to be shared.. I will never forget my first cross-country in a big truck with my dad.. (I was 10 then, almost 51 now.)

[@melanehme3661]

I think a man at any age becomes a kid again with such excitement, I would! 😆🤩🤩

[@ergot57]

After WW2 Dad left the Mighty Eighth and returned home. The AST position for the local National Guard unit was open so he applied. He got the job. Back then it was a good thing to have a government job. His best buddy was a Sargent in the Timberwolves Division during WW2 and saw action in the European Theater and another buddy was a Marine with three island invasions. They now had the makings of a company. Turns out it was an Infantry unit and they all ended up in Korea as part of the Dixie Division. LOL. I grew up riding and smelling these and had many miles before I ever rode in one as a Serviceman. I love them and all of theirs smells and sounds. They to me are home in a way. Canvas wet or dry is heaven on earth smell to me. Well, I say these, but what I really mean are Tactical Military Vehicles of many styles through the years. Later around the early 60s they became an Combat Heavy Engineer Company and the norminclature of everything changed and I got to explore and yes drive all the other new things. Wonderful memories. Thanks.

[@bigman55434]

This brings back memories. I used to drive one in the Army in Korea back in 1988. Awesome truck, and the Allison auto makes it easy to drive. That 855ci Cummins in it could have used a turbo, though. It was a little light on power, especially loaded down. I'd love to take a spin in one again.

[@andycflbulb]

Nothing like a 5 ton, absolutely nothing

[@1naashun]

Awesome ride... Looking into one myself, cant wait to drop my two boys off at school in it!

[@Floof_Factory]

Vantasner Danger Meridian hi saw them online for like 45 hundred. I get that they require oil change frequently and regular maintenance but they have low insurance and they are huge so they are pretty safe. When I have kids I'll definitely take them to school in it.

[@OzcarMike641]

What a ride ! Great looking family, enjoy your truck man.

[@wsucougarx]

Great video! Thanks for taking us along for the adventure!

[@GetMeThere1]

Beautiful truck! Thanks for the video; best of luck with it.

[@michaelwatts7784]

I drove the M-923;M-925 ,an M-930 dump truck .while in the Marine Corps with 7th Engineers at Camp Pendleton ,CA. .1982-5. Idrove those around 500 miles a week.Sometime with Trips out to MCB 29 Palms .So as long as you keep the maintenance up on those .It should be any issues on long trips.

[@EarlRausch]

Great video. I have a 1956 6x6 gas engine I believe it is a 302 but will know for sure this winter when I do an overhaul. I live in SE Wyoming and you are right it is quite desolate. My truck was made the same year as I was born. So to me the truck is quite young :) Best to you.

[@tow2gunner]

Awesome! Just got one myself - and am really looking forward to "cruising" in it

[@C17Inspector]

Inspirational video. In the near future, I'll be driving my M35A2C from Costa Mesa CA, to Hawthorne NV, about a 500 mi trip......looking forward.

[@acme663ryo]

7mpg. It gets closer to 8 now that I worked on the aircleaner.

[@joeykunz]

I don't think I would've been able to drive as far as you did without a proper sleep, I'm impressed. Truck looks great, be happy you have the troop seats they are a pain to get later.

[@mattcox1368]

I just got one too and am on the road to fixing her up. I was an infantryman in the military and always road in the truck bed, but it sure is better to ride in the cab now! I plan on restoring it and applying a communications trailer to replace the cargo bed. Anyhow I enjoy learning so don't quite the know how videos!

[@ChevyTrucks3500]

7.5 mpg is not bad at all for a truck this size! Very nice truck man!

[@jamesonline9204]

Great video, thanks for letting us ride along with you.

[@douglashutchison5581]

love the road trip video. would love to own one. thanks for sharing.

[@f.k.burnham8491]

I drove my T925 in convoy from Olympia WA to Barstow CA; Ft. Irwin, and back. Steel Soldiers gave me an 'Iron Ass" award. Mine has the Super Singles. 6 MPG. I did manage to score a full set of paper svc. manuals for mine too! Just wait until you have to repair a leaking tire. Generally takes 2 people and about 4 hrs. Be sure to clean the rim of all rust and repaint it inside. Les Schwab does carry the "O" rings. The parts guy just has to look closely in his catalog. Some are too lazy to. No one I have found will repair a bead lock tire. Its easy, and safe, but those buggers are really heavy! Be sure you have the tire rope hoist in your tool kit too. And a 6' pipe to put on your breaker bar.

[@manbowv8]

Just got home yesterday from an 800 mi trip in a 931A1 and I can still hear that 855 cummins in my ears haha. I know exactly what you mean when you find yourself in a spot where an army truck shouldn't be. Mine was in downtown atlanta flat towing a m1078 in the rain. Talk about stress!

[@charleskittler4330]

Good truck with a little bit maintenance it will last. Drove 5 Tons in Europe ,Africa , Central America Middle East and Conus during my 20 year US Army career....

[@acme663ryo]

They (we have three in the company 'fleet' now) have been serious maintenance queens mostly dropping liner seals in the NHC250 but I think that is more from sitting for a decade before being sold than anything else. Actually most of the issues, seals, bearings etc seem to be from sitting for years. We are hoping that once all of them have been repaired then things will settle down.

[@samdufour1195]

Thank you for your service !

[@joeykunz]

I have a 91 m923a2 I picked up recently off GL, loving it so far.

[@jerrynix5206]

At around the 4 minute mark that sign that said Casa Rd. Is just a few miles to the north of the town I live in. Great place for one of those vehicles.

[@johnmachinemachine706]

Very nice congratulations on your new TRUCK I have a m35a2 smells like a TRUCK should drives like a TRUCK should a lot of work to maintenance but it a labor of love.

[@nicot2436]

Good video!!! The 5Ton looks great too.

[@beboboymann3823]

Testosterone level along the way.........out of control.........bank account level.....loss of control. Experience of a lifetime? Second only to getting married to your wife and the birth of your son. Nothing else you do will stay in the banks of your memory as was this trip home with your monster. Good video.

[@millionairesclubllc3193]

nah i wouldn't say second to marriage.

[@kylethorn6237]

beboboy mann I couldn’t agree more

[@danwilliams3122]

Thanks for the info on the trip, it looked fun and Im used to driving an old M886 Ambulance daily, this will be an upgrade :-)

[@LawnBunny777]

That's a hell of a super cell at 4:11, glad it did not turn into a tornado. I bet your truck wouldn't even move in one though!

[@LeonardCooperman]

That’s so cool! I hope you still have it.

[@punisher1038]

Wow big nice truck !

[@patrickkelly9721]

Looks like you had a cool adventure

[@joshieOle87]

That's and epic road trip ! You're a mad man !

[@Casualplayer]

Holy shit that on the freeway is absolutely a sight

[@sharpone40]

I worked for OK Tires back in the sixties. Trued many a tire. Now the are Big O, don't know if they still true tires or not but what a difference it makes. Errol

[@FreshCoffeeParts]

Great video. I would love to run one of these through Northern Ontario in the winter. What is the heater like in the truck?

[@andycflbulb]

Around 4:30 when you mentioned "brakes" I thought you were referring to the asphalt at first...it does look like it's cracking at first!

[@Chorizo915]

Looking into buying one soon. Thanks for posting!

[@chriswoestman9119]

that is beautiful rig you got there i would absolutely love to own it i plan on buying one myself in about a year from now once i get out of basic training/AIT and i'm in for a few months

[@jjuggernaut3218]

You get used to it pretty quick. Get some front spotter mirrors up front, huge help!

[@clay125]

Bad ass! Definitely a dream truck! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@vicval7895]

nice looking truck

[@MrLeftlane1313]

Cool truck..great video.thx

[@David-ll8bt]

I'm glad we finally made it home. I spit up 6 times.

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

my 36 foot fleetwood expedition with a 5.9 ISB300 gets 8.5 mpg...... that is one heavy beast with some low gears you have!

[@acme663ryo]

It is but then it is a 14 liter motor so the milage compared to the 5.9 is about right. It is old tec from a time when mpg was a secondary thought.

[@REAL4wd]

What do you use the truck for ? my other question is, if the truck unloaded can’t maintain 50 mph how can it drive on the highway with full load on small grades ?

[@cutweldngrind]

My wife said I cant have as a daily driver lol....Wait till one pops out in Texas for sale....

[@MrJohnsonx3]

Where you at in Texas?

[@cutweldngrind]

MrJohnsonx3 Next to Laredo Texas, was looking into a Duece first. I believe I need a cdl for the 900 series but still looking to see what pops out.

[@millionairesclubllc3193]

listen to your wife. no daily driver.

[@Doug_M]

I drove those in Germany. Scariest ride was when you had to get on the autobahn and there were cars whizzing by you at close to a hundred mph. Not very comfortable at all on long trips either. My primary truck was an M926 I think(it had a winch on it).

[@bengrosser8722]

Can't wait to get the 69 Kaiser m35a2c home that I'm buying

[@danwilliams3122]

Thanks for the info ended up shipping, but next one I am on the road!

[@m35a2lover]

I'm not scared to take off cross country In an army truck ! As soon as I get one I plan to drive it from here in Missouri to Canada and back !

[@SuperMattstube]

I remember seeing military convoys all the time when I was a kid I don't think ive seen one in over 30 years

[@epiphaknee]

That was a fun video! Too bad you didn't have a little duct tape for the cab hole! What is the transmission arrangement? Do you have a three speed transfer case couple with a five speed? Too bad you didn't have some star boards with three or four stars when that convoy came by! They would have put you right in the middle then!

[@Vsshooter]

Memphis Equipment Co. supports this truck. Ask for John in the parts dept. I have a 1953 M-211 and a couple of years ago they quit supporting the truck with parts and rebuilds.

[@AugsterA]

Well I made it to Oregon on 4/18/14 and bought my M923. Well long story short as I was heading east on I-84 and car dollying my car behind this big truck when all of a sudden this sound-sounded like a stiff dipstick getting hit by the fan but it was the lifters ratting away. It didn't sound like a rod just like the lifters. End result, truck is still in Oregon..

[@acme663ryo]

I am thinking of having the oil in mine tested in hopes of some warning before major motor issues. I hope it isn't major but... sorry for your bummer. Post an update when you know?

[@AugsterA]

NelsonStudios I certainly will keep you posted. I'm hoping to find something out this week maybe.

[@kenjohnson8854]

"It's a real big thing to drive in traffic"... Yeah, better not try to drive an M35A2 in Los Angeles, brother. ; ) Nice vid, thanks for posting it.

[@bambiajkorakim9416]

This is a great video clip. Thanks.

[@adrianeverett7168]

I learned a week or two ago online that all diesel engines military and civilian were deliberately made to never achieve full potential. Air Flow was Restricted and then they were Detuned to get crappy ass MPG and Low Horsepower. all you have to is have your truck diesel engine be given unrestricted Air Flow and have the engine tuned up to meet really good MPG Levels and also get some ass haul horse power.

[@blinko656]

Excellent info, happy for ya..

[@bassaddict1231]

what mpg did you get?...or gpm

[@drrocketman7794]

What was the burning brakes smell? It wasn't paint burning off the manifold?

[@acme663ryo]

I watch the RPM's and never let it get above 2000 if I can help it. Since this was a 923 converted to a 923A1 without the spedo correction 62 or so on the GPS is about 50 on the speedometer. Cheers.

[@kslinthesand]

@NelsonStudios, Great video, I hope she is still going strong.

[@acme663ryo]

I think it is from keeping the RPM's low, I see a real connection between low MPG and RPM's above 2000. That said, those that want to run faster and are willing to burn the fuel to get it, so be it.

[@dewayneneidigh1192]

Where did you find it in denver? I've looked, I don't find any 5 tons in denver

[@acme663ryo]

It was an online sale that happened to be in Denver.

[@Mr00934]

what mpg did you get? use gas or diesel or either?

[@RESISTCONTROL2]

maybe you some day can but a abrams m-1 when they get out dated, i supplied the combat control panels for all the first ones

[@ambermcglothlen7805]

Nelsonstudios does the 5 ton have a locking differential? If not I'm guessing it would be very expensive to get and install.

[@acme663ryo]

Amber McGlothlen This one no. Some of the marine 5 tons did standard. Lockers can be had for less than to might think but still a bunch. Places like Eastern Surplus or Boyce Equipment might be able to find them for you.

[@ambermcglothlen7805]

NelsonStudios Thanks for the info! Looking for my husband.

[@Strelnikov10]

Fuckin' subaru's out here would have deserved it.

[@acme663ryo]

I connected a bootleg 12v outlet to just one of the batteries with alligator clips and stuffed cardboard under the passenger seat to keep the frame from cutting the wires. Now I have an outlet under the dash.

[@billkramer1853]

You've got balls driving her that far by your self

[@johnconnor1389]

Did you get this at an Auction by Government Liquidity services? If so, did you need to fill out an EUC (end user certificate)? Nice truck! I'm looking for one myself.

[@RidesFromAngels]

Just curious on the price Nelson I'm about to buy one and my trip will be only lol only 2,249 miles

[@Sprocket-js4nr]

Hi Nelson, I've seen your vid several times but am now close to being able to purchase my own M923. Who is Brett and how can I get in touch with him? Thanks Scott.

[@acme663ryo]

He was just a guy, not a wholesaler. You can check out the auctions like Iron Planet if you want to roll the dice on a surplus truck or check the classified ads for a private sale. I have done it both ways and got a better deal on a private owned truck, but not by much. Eventually I will sell one of my three but it will be a while.

[@Sprocket-js4nr]

@@acme663ryo Thanks - the ones I've seen advertised run anywhere from $7k to $8k for trucks that're rust princesses to $20k for really nice looking ones with new & refurbished tops, winches, air compressors, etc. Does $20k sound reasonable for a refurbished M923?

[@Gusto222]

Where in CT are you, I'm thinking about picking one up as well. Any issues w/ registering it in CT?

[@danwilliams3122]

I just bought a M923A1 in DE (live in CT) do you think it would be a good adventure to drive it up here? This makes me want to do it!

[@ChrisJones-xk4db]

Do you have to have CDLs tp drive these? Are they easy to get a tag and insurance? I've been eyeballing a few of these and ready to buy one

[@acme663ryo]

In my state CDL yes. Insuring them as a collector toy was east with state farm for me, insuring it commercially was a royal bitch.

[@robertneighbors4091]

What does insurance cost ? How many mpg's ? How much tags cost to register this beast ?

[@acme663ryo]

I am using it commercially so it is different. Insurance is $2000 year and I have to tag it at about $130 year. For personal use insurance would be $200 and tags $130. This is in Montana so your mileage may vary. oh and actual MPG is about 4.5.

[@marjeeao]

I need one of those

[@VTwin4Christ]

Drove a flu419 from Tennessee to Ohio on state routes. 13 hours straight thru. Talk about a journey. Lol

[@73h73373r357]

They might not be out of round, they could just be unbalanced. Mine does that two and I've been through two sets of tires.

[@4750548]

was wondering if you ever looked into trying to replace the rear end gears for a better highway speed? .. is that even possible to change the rear end gears for maybe a 10 mph gain?...

[@acme663ryo]

fire storm not that I am aware of. you can go with larger tires

[@4750548]

would more an highway tire help vs an of road tire the the truck comes with Mather ?

[@acme663ryo]

fire storm absolutely but if you find any be sure to tell me where because I can't find any

[@4750548]

OK i don't own one so i bet you did your homework lol i was going to buy one for an go to work truck since i an live 8 miles from work an short 60 mph high way trip down town where everybody bumps your car or hits your car with every door and don't care

[@patb9375]

it is an all wheel drive, so you need to change gearing in all axles the same.

[@FloppyHatPhotos]

The one in the pics his hand is on is the one you drove home. Anyone know how I came to that? No it was not a guess. I would have bought some cheap driving lights for that trip. Your a brave man as I dont think AAA would have towed that thing in for you.

[@Dodgeram591]

I would love to get one of these

[@BadgerM6]

That truck would be perfect to travel down the Dalton highway aka(The HAUL ROAD from ice road truckers) up in Alaska. From Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay and back should be little to no problem when properly planned.

[@SteveKluver]

Thanks for taking us on this journey with you! I'm shopping around for one myself. What year model is this one, and do you mind letting us know what you spent?

[@acme663ryo]

+Steve Kluver This is a 1983 M923. I paid extra for a clean bill of health and had $12,000 in the truck plus the drive.

[@SteveKluver]

Thank you NelsonStudios​.

[@donsgotmoney]

Was your brakes the problem or was it clutch surface material riding against the pressure plate. Just curious,,,,great looking truck.

[@acme663ryo]

+Don's trains and more Just a rattle in the drivetrain someplace. Continues to do it to this day.

[@kradlinks2880]

+NelsonStudios Yes thank goodness you didn't hit that car you might have scuffed the paint on your bumper😊

[@Wolfgang1224]

I've been wanting an Army truck for years. From what I have researched so far, I like the M35A2 better because of the flex-fuel engine. Were you always wanting the 5-ton or did you make the choice after comparing with the 2.5-ton?

[@acme663ryo]

Availability for one, price the other. For most places the M35A2 does not need a CDL or air brake endorsement that drives the price down. No EUC from GL either. There is nothing I am doing the M35 could not do just fine and in some situations better/cheaper. That said the physical size of the M923A1 is impressive and works to our advantage with the tour company.

[@Wolfgang1224]

NelsonStudios Thanks for the info. To impress customers, I agree size and strength would be good motivators. Good luck in your new business.

[@GTFORDMAN]

wished we had those in Australia!

[@GriffXJ]

Any other way to increase fuel economy? I'm looking into one and if I could drastically increase the mpg that would be AMAZING! Even something as little as 2 or 3 mpg

[@williamkenny1445]

im totally getting one. on the back there will be a sign that says "this is my emotional support vehicle" haha

[@acme663ryo]

"This truck identifies as a Prius"

[@Dailydieseldose315]

Enjoyed the video! Great!

[@funshootin1]

this is on my to do list.. get a deuce or 5 ton.. epic journey home.. was looking at 100dollarmans chopped deuce deals ..

[@southerndiesels]

what power source did you use for the GPS?

[@blinko656]

What did you do for a vehicle license to drive it? Im in the process of looking for one..

[@acme663ryo]

+blinko656 Varies from state to state. In Montana I needed a commercial class B license to use it for our business.

[@kraut5023]

+NelsonStudios is it the same if your just using it for recreation not for business? i can't find a clear answer anywhere even on the DMV website or it says you need a class b for it if you want to use it for a business but doesn't answer whether or not you need it to drive it in the first place.... But i know it varies by state im in ga btw.

[@acme663ryo]

+mak In Montana because it has air brakes it is class b. In your state just ask about a collector vehicle with air brakes. if you are also using commercial then you WILL need air brakes on your license to move the truck at all.

[@kraut5023]

NelsonStudios ok thanks for the info and for the quick response. Ps love you vids.

[@anthropicandroid4494]

The brakes are snappy, i think, because one should be using the gearbox until the last 5mph

[@acme663ryo]

+Andrew Byrne It is an automatic. Downshifting alone isn't enough.

[@ElaBellll]

I'm not sure about the m923. But a deuce m35a2 likes to purr down the freeway at ~2000 rpm in my experence.

[@SnowsGarage8v92]

I just won the bid on one of these 5 tons did you ever get stopped by DOT and do you have to have a cdl

[@acme663ryo]

johnpaul Snow Been stopped? No but I do have DOT inspection every year because it is a commercial truck. CDL rules vary state to state so you will need to check where you live. A CDL is always a good idea because it helps you understand how they drive and stop. Besides, you never know when having a CDL will come in handy for friends or work.

[@kevino3866]

johnpaul Snow From all the videos I have seen on here and the comments made, you don't need a CDL. In New York State (where I am from) you only need a CDL for gross weight of 26,001 +. BUT keep in mind you may need to be certified/qualified for the air brakes. NYS requires that but it is nothing more than a class/written test. Not hard and easier to get then a CDL.

[@dawndopf6273]

I was wondering how many miles per gallon you were getting on the freeway. Corey in Boise, ID.

[@acme663ryo]

About 7.5 but I didn't push it hard and made sure to always keep the RPMs below 2000 regardless of road speed.

[@dawndopf6273]

Thanks a lot. I used to live in Thornton CO. Drove 25 to 80 then west. I am also looking all over for a similar rig to yours. may drive it back to Boise, ID where we are now. Thanks again. Corey/ UgleeStik.com