Xtreme 4x4 Season 2010 Episode 5 Military 6x6 Bobbed Deuce Part I
- March 13, 2010
In episode 5 of Xtreme 4x4's 2010 season, titled "Military 6x6 Bobbed Deuce Part I," the crew takes on a unique challenge as they work on transforming a military vehicle into an off-roading beast.
The vehicle in question is a M35A2 “Deuce and a Half” army truck. However, the crew has a twist in store for this already impressive vehicle. They will be "bobbing" it, which means they will be cutting off the back section of the truck to make it shorter and more manageable on the trails. In addition to the "bobbing," they will be turning the vehicle into a 6x6, making it even more capable on rough terrain.
To get the project started, hosts Ian Johnson and Jessi Combs head to a military surplus auction to find a suitable M35A2 truck. They then transport it back to the shop where they begin the "bobbing" process. With the assistance of a plasma cutter and some skilled welding, they cut off the back of the vehicle, leaving it with only two axles. The process is time-consuming, but the crew is motivated to complete the project before the deadline.
Next, the team focuses on adding a third axle to the vehicle. This will require some custom fabrication as they have to lengthen the frame and install a new drive axle. They also need to make sure all axles are aligned correctly so they make sure it drives straight.
Once the additional axle is installed, the crew moves on to beefing up the suspension. They install new shocks, leaf springs, and custom sway bars to make the vehicle more stable on rough terrain. They also add aggressive off-road tires and new, wider wheels to ensure maximum traction.
As the crew continues to work on the vehicle, they encounter some unforeseen challenges. The original brake system isn't powerful enough to stop the now-heavier vehicle, requiring them to upgrade the entire system. They also run into issues with the steering system, but they are able to troubleshoot and fix the problem before it becomes a major setback.
Overall, episode 5 of Xtreme 4x4's 2010 season is a thrilling look at the transformation of a military vehicle into a capable off-roading machine. With plenty of custom fabrication and problem-solving required, this episode showcases the skill and dedication of the Xtreme 4x4 crew. This is only part one of the project, so viewers will have to tune in to see the final results in the next episode.