CMP operation in FWD during convoy driving

Jon Skagfeld · #1 21-12-04, 01:12

In The Canadian Military Vehicle Profile Series, Profile No 7 (the Gregg Series), the following is stated:

"Because of heavy front axle loading on CMP vehicles, it was found that performance was usually better and front tire wear less when operating in four wheel drive. Convoy driving was therefore usually conducted in four wheel drive in spite of the absence of an overriding gear to eliminate flight between front and rear wheels."

Comments from CMP owners???...this is a new one to me!

cletrac (RIP) · #2 21-12-04, 01:42

This isn't exactly the same thing but it's interesting anyway.
My cousin drove an F60L in Italy and used to tell about the Gurkhas driving in a convoy. It seems they were told how to shift up but not how to shiftdown. About half way up a hill they'd power out and then come shooting down the hill backwards. After a few of these episodes they'd stop the convoy at the bottom of the hill and all start off in low gear. That way the Gurkhas wouldn't power out and things went smoothly.

Maurice Donckers · #3 21-12-04, 07:32

It could maybe save tires (wich I doubt) , but would put an enormous strain on transfer case , U-joints, and diffs. Especially at those days wenn the tires on the front and rear would not have the same diameter. So the drive train would suffer a lot .
Maurice