grantshire : Introduction and Input Request

Introduction and Input Request
Post by grantshire on Jun 14, 2006, 6:40am

Well, I have joined up! Will pick my ex-fire truck up in about a week so I thought introductions were in order . My name is Richard but I go by "Grantshire" on the boards (IFSJA & CJ-8) and I live in Richmond, VA. I am 54 years old and have a serious Jeep habit (62 Willys SW, 74 Wagoneer Custom, 79 Cherokee Chief, 81 CJ-8 Scrambler & 90 YJ). The board shows me as a recent member but I was here before the crash trying to learn about the M715 (don't know why I had to re-inlist). My 715 was purchased as a highway tow vehicle for my Jeep trailer/car hauler. As such it will be a modified vehicle (that's why I bought a fire truck instead of stock) with a modern drivetrain capable of safely towing my other rigs at highway speeds. It will see limited off-road use, mainly winter snow (yes, it does snow in VA), NC beaches and some mud.

I have read most of the information on this temporary site but still have many questions. I am a FSJ guy and have many FSJ parts that will find their way on to my 715. However, I don't believe in re-inventing the wheel and am not shy about asking for input and advice. You guys know these vehicles and have already done about every modification imaginable. I will be seeking your input and guidance on building my rig.

Re: Introduction and Input Request
Post by kaiser715 on Jun 14, 2006, 6:50am

Welcome, Richard

This is the "Pseudo-Zone", the real zone crashed back around April 1st. This board was setup to just run "a couple of days" till the Zone returned. Lots of tech info was lost. Jon and others are getting some stuff put back (the links at www.m715zone.com), but the "real" forums will be a while longer.

We're gonna try and get the local guys together at Uwharrie again this fall, stay tuned.

Re: Introduction and Input Request
Post by bluesman2a on Jun 14, 2006, 9:36am


Quote: <TABLE class=bordercolor cellSpacing=1 width="90%"><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%"><TABLE class=quote cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">I am a FSJ guy and have many FSJ parts that will find their way on to my 715. However, I don't believe in re-inventing the wheel and am not shy about asking for input and advice.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Welcome Richard!!! I too came to 715's by way of SWB and FSJ's. Think of the the 715 as an FSJ with all the fru-fru crap stripped off then given a healthy shot of steroids, designed by somebody who wanted to make it home alive... Then add a dash of military freakishness and you have an M-715!

You would be surprised at all the FSJ stuff that will fit with little to no modification.

Re: Introduction and Input Request
Post by elwenil on Jun 14, 2006, 11:28am

If you plan on towing with it on the highway you might as well plan on doing a CUCV axle swap or something similar. Also, might as well locate a NP205 to match whatever trans and front axle you end up with. If the wiring is as bad as some of the firetruck conversions I have seen, you may want to start over with a Painless harness. Give us an outline on what your plans are and we can point out whatever problems and solutions have been encountered before.

Re: Introduction and Input Request
Post by fisherman on Jun 14, 2006, 10:30pm

Welcome aboard, Fisherman