1974 Kaiser M35A2 Custom Fire Department Mods

1974 Kaiser M35A2 — overview and factory-standard features

Overview
The M35A2 is a military-spec 2½-ton 4X4 tactical truck built to perform reliably in rugged conditions. The 1974 Kaiser M35A2 described here is equipped with an inline six (I6) multifuel powerplant (diesel preferred), and retains the core factory systems and layout that characterized this model line: a heavy-duty ladder frame, two driven axles, simple rugged crew cab, and a versatile cargo platform designed for rapid adaptation to mission-specific equipment.

Powertrain
- Engine: Factory-installed inline six multifuel engine designed to run on a range of fuels (including diesel, kerosene, jet fuel and other approved fuels), with diesel operation preferred for performance and economy. The multifuel design emphasizes high low-end torque, durability under varied fuel quality, and simplified logistics in field service.
- Cooling and intake: Conventional front-mounted radiator with mechanical fan and robust coolant plumbing sized for heavy-use duty cycles. Air intake and filtration are designed for dusty and austere operating environments.
- Fuel system: Military-style fuel system built for compatibility with multiple fuel types and for straightforward field maintenance.

Transmission, transfer case and driveline
- Transmission: Manual multi-speed gearbox as factory standard, paired to a two-speed transfer case. The combination provides multiple forward and reverse ranges (high/low), enabling low-range crawl capability for off-road mobility and higher-range on-road operation.
- Transfer case: Two-speed unit engages front and rear drive for full-time 6x6 traction when required and provides selectable low-range gearing for steep or difficult terrain.
- Driveline: Heavy-duty driveshafts and universal joints feed live axles front and rear. The drivetrain layout emphasizes robustness and ease of maintenance.

Axles, suspension and wheels
- Axles: Solid beam axles front and rear, designed for heavy loads and off-road use. Rear tandem axle layout for load distribution and traction.
- Suspension: Multi-leaf spring suspension on all axles with heavy-duty shackles and mounts. The system prioritizes load-carrying capacity, durability and predictable behavior under trailer or cargo loads.
- Wheels/tires: Military-pattern rims and heavy-service tires appropriate to the chassis rating. Wheel and tire assemblies are sized and specified for off-road traction and load capacity.

Brakes and steering
- Brakes: Heavy-duty drum brakes on all wheels with a military-grade pneumatic/hydraulic control arrangement (designed for dependable service under load). Parking/emergency brake provisions are included as part of the factory braking system.
- Steering: Power-assisted steering available on most factory configurations to reduce driver effort, with a rugged steering linkage and a high-angle turning geometry suited to off-road maneuvering.

Cab and controls
- Cab: Steel two-person (sometimes three across bench) cab with simple, utilitarian ergonomics. Doors are robust and often removable; many units featured a fold-down windshield for reduced silhouette and improved visibility in certain operations.
- Instrumentation: Basic instrument cluster covering speedometer, engine temperature, oil pressure, charging system and fuel level; switches and controls are straightforward and military-standard for ease of use and repair.
- Heating/ventilation: Heater and defroster provisions were included; cab ventilation and plain-weather sealing prioritized functionality over comfort.
- Lighting: Factory military lighting including headlamps with blackout lighting circuits and protected lenses for field use. External marker lights and reflectors conform to military standards.

Cargo area and chassis fittings
- Bed/Platform: Flatbed cargo body sized for a 2½-ton payload with wood or steel floor slats and reinforced side racks. The bed was configured to accept troop seating, cargo tie-downs, and a removable t