Thinking about building a M274 Mule clone

[Cord]

Need to find a M274 (Military version of a plywood sheet with wheels), but I'm only finding parade ready units for big bucks. To that effect, I was thinking of building one. I have a couple of ideas on how I'd do it, but I'd like to hear the boards opinion. If you wanted to invent the M274, what would it look like?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Military_M274_Truck,_Platform,_Utility_1/2_Ton,_4X4

 

[bcp]

Yes, I've thought about it.

Basic idea: Build a suspensionless frame using 2 narrow Jeep 5.38/1 front axles and low only transfer case. Weld the differentials. No decision on engine. That would be about 10 inches wider than the Mule, unless you replaced the long axle side with a short axle tube and shaft.

Bruce

 

[Cord]

That's pretty much where I was too. The getcha is that I really want to use two front axles so I believe the back one will be turning the wrong way. Was thinking of using hydraulics to steer the axles. Would prefer to have a single steer cylinder with a drag link connecting the other axle, but because the axle has been flipped around, I believe the link would need to cross the body. Power would be via hydraulics, but I'm not sure how to connect the motor to the transmission or transfer case.

 

[bcp]

Having each end steered independently would be ideal. You could have normal turns, very sharp turn, or move diagonally.

Most of my daydreaming designs were before car independent suspension powered rear and front ends were readily available. There is now probably something out there that would work better than old Jeep axles.

When you put a front axle in the rear, pinion shaft facing forward, the drive rotation is opposite, so it will still go forward. For example, if in front, driveshaft turning clockwise, top of wheel moves away from driveshaft. Turn it around and put it in rear. Driveshaft now turns counterclockwise, top of wheel moves toward driveshaft.

Bruce

 

[BHD]

not exactly what your use for it would be, but a lawn tractor cut in halv and widened could be a good starting point,

If one could find a old 4 wheeler that could be used for platform, (the engine and transmission) small light weight.

even a small front wheel drive car, stripped down (may want to reposition the steering wheel, (what I am thinking is to just use the front engine mount and build the rear part of the frame kind of a set up like the old ford econoline pickup

for a true 4x4, even some thing like a SUZUKI 4x4 there may be other makes of small suv/pickups one could use for a platform,
a rolled one could be an exelent place to start,

 

[aczlan]

When you put a front axle in the rear, pinion shaft facing forward, the drive rotation is opposite, so it will still go forward. For example, if in front, driveshaft turning clockwise, top of wheel moves away from driveshaft. Turn it around and put it in rear. Driveshaft now turns counterclockwise, top of wheel moves toward driveshaft.

One note, IIRC this will have the gear in the pumpkin turning in "reverse" all the time (reverse is weaker than foward as it uses the "coast" side of the gears). Not a big deal in a low speed offroad application, but problematic in a high speed/onroad application.

Aaron Z

 

[BHD]

wrong thread sorry,

 

[Brad_Blazer]

You could go all hydraulic with a wheel motor at each corner. Edit: or possibly less expensive use a motor to drive each axle and a divider valve as a "differential lock" to drive both axles at the same speed.

1.10 cu in WHITE HYD PISTON PUMP 101018000012

1/2" NPT 8-16 GPM DIVIDER VALVE

5.9 cu in DYNAMIC BMPH100H2KP HYD MOTOR

 

[szki272]

While not geared as low Suzuki samurai axles using 2 short side shafts gets you a medium duty axle that is 48 inches (I think) outside wheel mounting flange to flange on both steering axles and rear non steering axle. Lockers are available as well as lower gears The transfer cases are small light and divorced so any motor trans option will work low range gear options are 2.? stock 4.16 aftermarket up to 6.5 low