US M923/M923A2 Qn
- Thread starter Chemist
- Start date
Hey Ryan this guy may have some info. Too bad for you its in BC. http://www.cariboo6x6.com/
Jasonsmack
CGN Regular
- Location
- Sask - Southwest
I have imported and sold a few now through my business, in fact I have one for sale right now. I have a hell of a lot of fun with them.
What sort of questions or concerns do you have?
What sort of questions or concerns do you have?
TV-PressPass
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Mountains, Alberta
My only comment: Riding in the back of one for 8+ hours is uncomfortable
- Location
- East ontario
that would make one hell of a snow plow!!
Jasonsmack
CGN Regular
- Location
- Sask - Southwest
Some of them get rust/rot from sitting, especially the ones along the east coast.
Rear suspension rubber bushings can be prone to dry rotting and needing replacement.
I would not worry about the ABS either way. It generally is there on all of the 923's, 923A1, and 923A2 trucks. The US military decided to upgrade all the trucks with ABS due to them having excessive brake force in non ABS form. I can imagine that some of the very old trucks might have got missed in the upgrades. It really does not matter or affect the driveability anyway if you plan on driving it with reasonable respect.
Shop around. I have seen some of the Kijiji advertisements in Ontario and they seem to be fairly spendy, sometimes as double what they are really worth. I often see them advertised before they are even imported, and the pictures they attach to the advertisements are the thumbnails from the military auctions. It is pretty tough to get a good idea on the condition of the truck from those images.
The CTIS is pretty cool on the A2 trucks. If you are into some serious off roading it comes in handy to increase the contact patch of the tire in low traction conditions. I have not had any problems with the CTIS on my trucks, but some people (including military mechanics) say they can be trouble prone.
The parts for these trucks are pretty much only available in the USA. So if you do need to take care of some mechanical work expect to buy the parts down south and wait for the shipment. In your business I am sure you can understand the frusteration of sourcing items and dealing with shipping.
The M923 with the Goodyear radials (dual rears 11.00R20) will top out about 55mph. Any of the trucks with the super singles will move along quicker due to the larger tire diameter. All of these trucks have the same differential ratios in them. The NHC250 (855cid) and the newer 8.3 turbo cummins engines work well. Some people say that the smaller turbocharged engine in the A2 trucks get better fuel mileage. Neither set up will feel overpowered, but they did design these trucks to be abused and survive the treatment that most teenagers will dish out.
So the bottom line is that you (or somebody you trust other than the seller) should give the truck a good inspection. Check for rot/rust. Check to see that it starts well after the truck has been sitting and cooled off. Check the suspension and steering components. Check for leaks on the powertrain and engine. I would even go as far as checking the oil in the differentials, transmission and transfer case for metallic material and/or low oil levels. There is rubber inspection plugs on the backing plates for the brakes. It makes it easy to see if the brakes are in good condition without having to get real invasive removing parts.
They are very easy and fun to drive
And no matter what the internet says, you can get them stuck. I have experience and proof
Anything else, feel free to ask.
Jason
Rear suspension rubber bushings can be prone to dry rotting and needing replacement.
I would not worry about the ABS either way. It generally is there on all of the 923's, 923A1, and 923A2 trucks. The US military decided to upgrade all the trucks with ABS due to them having excessive brake force in non ABS form. I can imagine that some of the very old trucks might have got missed in the upgrades. It really does not matter or affect the driveability anyway if you plan on driving it with reasonable respect.
Shop around. I have seen some of the Kijiji advertisements in Ontario and they seem to be fairly spendy, sometimes as double what they are really worth. I often see them advertised before they are even imported, and the pictures they attach to the advertisements are the thumbnails from the military auctions. It is pretty tough to get a good idea on the condition of the truck from those images.
The CTIS is pretty cool on the A2 trucks. If you are into some serious off roading it comes in handy to increase the contact patch of the tire in low traction conditions. I have not had any problems with the CTIS on my trucks, but some people (including military mechanics) say they can be trouble prone.
The parts for these trucks are pretty much only available in the USA. So if you do need to take care of some mechanical work expect to buy the parts down south and wait for the shipment. In your business I am sure you can understand the frusteration of sourcing items and dealing with shipping.
The M923 with the Goodyear radials (dual rears 11.00R20) will top out about 55mph. Any of the trucks with the super singles will move along quicker due to the larger tire diameter. All of these trucks have the same differential ratios in them. The NHC250 (855cid) and the newer 8.3 turbo cummins engines work well. Some people say that the smaller turbocharged engine in the A2 trucks get better fuel mileage. Neither set up will feel overpowered, but they did design these trucks to be abused and survive the treatment that most teenagers will dish out.
So the bottom line is that you (or somebody you trust other than the seller) should give the truck a good inspection. Check for rot/rust. Check to see that it starts well after the truck has been sitting and cooled off. Check the suspension and steering components. Check for leaks on the powertrain and engine. I would even go as far as checking the oil in the differentials, transmission and transfer case for metallic material and/or low oil levels. There is rubber inspection plugs on the backing plates for the brakes. It makes it easy to see if the brakes are in good condition without having to get real invasive removing parts.
They are very easy and fun to drive
And no matter what the internet says, you can get them stuck. I have experience and proof
Anything else, feel free to ask.
Jason
P0WERWAGON
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- burnaby BC كافر
http://www.100dollarman.com/
for more ideas. i wanted to build one, but air/hydraulic cannot get insured here is from out of province, plus i was told US military surplus cannot get legal export from the states. that cariboo4x4 is a rip off compared to the US prices of $2-5K
we could sleep in those suckas even on dirt roads bouncing around, if ur wearing a helmet tie your helmet to the rail just behind ur head keeps u sitting up and prevent u from falling over from the bumps.... of course the poor fellow at the end of the back could fall out if u hit a bump good enough....
- Location
- Hudson Quebec Canada
They seem to be able to go anywhere...
It took me a few seconds to realize that this truck is under water. . . . Lol
LOL. Follow the pic link and you will read all about the development and water testing they did. All kinds of pics with the driver wearing scuba gear..... crazy "good ole days" lol!
They had some with several driveshafts linked together... a push pull system where the "dry" trucks would be pushing the ones in the water to ensure they would not get stuck. As they emerged on the other side and where now the "dry" trucks they would pull the other ones through the water to ensure they would not get stuck.
- Location
- Norman Wells,NT
GET IT. Chop off frame and rear axle for a bobbed off road beast.
The following is my opinion only, although I speak from experience, having owned a number of military vehicles. The M923 is considered a 5 ton truck in military terms - based on its max load going cross country/off road even though they are capable of much more than that. M923's have the 250 Cummins engine and 11X20 tires with duels on the back. M923a1 have super singles all around, 14x20 I think, same engine. M923a2 have the Cummins 6CTA8.3 engine with super singles and CTIS (Central tire inflation system). That is the basic difference in versions but not written in stone as I have seen some that have been partly upgraded.
I have owned a 5 ton M54 and sold it. I still own 2 M35a2's and a m35a3 and a m105 trailer. I found the 5 ton to be to big for one and harder to work on for another. For me I had no problem finding parts for the m35 and they are readily available. I found M923 parts a little harder to come across. Of course I bought all my parts from the states and if you shop around prices for m35 parts are reasonable. Also, Bigger truck=bigger and heavier parts if your back aches like mine. Lots of state siders out there modding the m35 as well, for example better fuel and oil filters, front locking hubs, bobbing, ect.. I find the M-35 easy to drive and no problem get around town with (i.e. get groceries with ect.). One thing that must be considered is that the M923 has air brakes and you must have the proper license (the M35 is hydraulic - air assist and a class 5 will do).
The CTIS is something that is great for the military as they have endless amounts of money to maintain it, but the average Joe will probably rarely use it. It can be hard to maintain and is hard on axle seals. It does make a great conversation piece.
I have come close to buying a M923 and M931 a few times but I have a nasty gun collecting habit that gets in the way. Military vehicles are really fun no matter what you get so enjoy.
I have owned a 5 ton M54 and sold it. I still own 2 M35a2's and a m35a3 and a m105 trailer. I found the 5 ton to be to big for one and harder to work on for another. For me I had no problem finding parts for the m35 and they are readily available. I found M923 parts a little harder to come across. Of course I bought all my parts from the states and if you shop around prices for m35 parts are reasonable. Also, Bigger truck=bigger and heavier parts if your back aches like mine. Lots of state siders out there modding the m35 as well, for example better fuel and oil filters, front locking hubs, bobbing, ect.. I find the M-35 easy to drive and no problem get around town with (i.e. get groceries with ect.). One thing that must be considered is that the M923 has air brakes and you must have the proper license (the M35 is hydraulic - air assist and a class 5 will do).
The CTIS is something that is great for the military as they have endless amounts of money to maintain it, but the average Joe will probably rarely use it. It can be hard to maintain and is hard on axle seals. It does make a great conversation piece.
I have come close to buying a M923 and M931 a few times but I have a nasty gun collecting habit that gets in the way. Military vehicles are really fun no matter what you get so enjoy.
