You did see that there were many variants, didn't you? And they have a 2 ton payload? I don't want a giant truck to bug out in. I want something with a decent payload, good fuel economy, that can squeeze through some tight places, and it has to be capable in almost any situation. These vehicles are not the same thing as an M151 military jeep from 30 years ago (when I was in the Army). Spend some time researching. You'll see these are pretty awesome vehicles.
Didn't see any variant in the first link that had a 2 ton payload.
Could you point out which had it. After download several of the PDF's the highest payload I saw wa 2,7xx lbs. Just under 1.5 tons.
International Scout or the 50's Jeep Kaiser would get my vote. The mid 80's military surplus blazer diesels are also an excellent choice. Affordability is a factor to consider.
First off, from what I've heard those VM diesels (like they put in the 05,06 Liberty) had timing belts...not good for a BOV.
Even though they aren't sold to the public, you could built one easy enough. Get yourself a 4bt Cummins and a Dana 44 for the front and a Dana 60for the rear; put the stuff on your civy Jeep and you got the same thing (except with a much better engine.)
I wonder if the actual military vehicles have timing belts? That 4bt is pretty loud, isn't it?
I've seen those in Toyota FJ60 with good results. I think you have to put in a lift kit due to the height of the engine though.
Pretty sure the military has never actually purchased one of these things. Also, a 4bt is known to viberate, but mounted in proper engine mounted and tuned correctly it will run just as smooth as any 6bt in a Dodge truck.
For what it's worth when I saw a few of these examples at a defense industry trade show I had noticed that the few I inspected were all assembled in Egypt.
I drive by the AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) shop on my way to work. They do some awesome mods to jeeps, but they are pricey and filled with electronics.
If it's any guide, the old Chevy/Ford/Dodge pickup in half ton or 3/4 ton size will be what is around fifty years from now, probably even rustier and more beat-to-hell than now, but that is the nature of the game....
The m715 is a great choice to have in the real world.Not for the ear ringed quiche eaters or the p.c. starbucks crowd ,but for the real world 4x4 you can`t go wrong with your pick.
Timing belts are not bad,they have a long service life and you just change them at the factory recommended schedule.You just need to plan ahead for the maintenance.
look into a bmw 524td engine. they are timing belt but they are smooth,quiet, and will run 35+mpg. not the torque of the 4bt but better economy. They will run 200k miles dependably. How many more do you need?
With the correct gearing a 4bt will get 35mpg...shoot, my buddy had a 6bt in his truck, 3.07 gears in his full-size 1 ton 4x4 chevy and got 38 mpg! That was on the highway cruising a 55mph...he got 30 around town.
Also, timing belts can certainly be changed at 75,000 mile intervales; but there are some Dodge Cummins owners that have 500,000 miles or more and have never done anything with their timing chain.
Gear drive would be better than chains...many engines offer that as an aftermarket upgrade, my 6.5TD is over $400 for a timing gear set while the chain is around $100.
Gear drive, most reliable, chain second most, and belt is the least reliable? Or am I completely nuts?
You can certainly offer alternatives...also, what is the price of your BMW engine? Which transmissions while it bolt to? All things to consider.
Common sense would say the timing belt is the worst option, but it outlasted the timing chain in my 6.2 so toss up there.
I bring up the BMW for lots of reasons. You can buy a whole donor for less than $1,000. In most cases less than $500. That already beats out many alternatives. BMW is very good about product support. You can still buy almost every part for this engine. It will bolt to any BMW tranny, auto or manual. If you cannot build an adapter then you can use a divorced transfercase.
It uses a bosch ve pump just like the older cummins 12 valve, 4bt, or the old vw's, so it is a common simple pump with easy to find repair parts. Like I said earlier it is lighter, quieter and more fuel efficient.
A better option yet would be a mercedes for economy, but you will not purchase one nearly as cheap.
For a simple easy swap for someone without many skills that is on a budget get the overlooked 5.7 diesel from the early 80's. It will bolt to any TH tranny. '82-'84 were actually a very good engine. You won't build the HP of torque of the previous two options but you can buy them for $200 or less and they are a dependable engine for up to 200k miles.
I guess I just don't see anyone needing to drive that far after SHTF or there after. 30K miles more than enough get you anywhere on that you can drive to in the western hemisphere.
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