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Light Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
Under 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Subaru etc.
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  #1  
Old 4 Oct 2011
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Mercedes 1017A Diffs

Hi
I am currently trying to buy a Mercedes ( Daimler ) Benz 1017A to convert into an Overland Camper.

Most of these vehicles are ex military and come with Standard gearing in the Diffs which is quite low and slow.

Some however came with higher gearing making them faster and more economical on tarmac.

I am trying to buy one such vehicle , but they are very rare.

I had a thought that an upgrade of the diffs on a standard vehicle might be an option

Does anyone know of a good company in europe (preferably the UK ) who would undertake such a task . Im sure its a relatively simple job , but would require both the diffs to be re built with the higher ratio gears .

Thanks for you help

Neil
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Old 4 Oct 2011
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Hi Neil

As you know we've had good dealings with Atkinson Vos near Lancaster, although they are Unimog only. They do have good links with Merc dealers in Europe, and may also be able to source and fit 1017 parts?

Does the Claas overdrive fit? AV want about £5K fitted for a Mog, but unless you can find second hand parts I would think two new diffs would be more than that?

Atkinson Vos Ltd Mercedes Unimogs - Accessories

Will you put 395 85 R20 as per Bill Caid for more speed too? And more power to suit?

Mercedes 1017A Camper Construction 20100921

Cheers

Jason

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Old 4 Oct 2011
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Thanks jason, I will ring them

The differnce between vehicles with the standard Diffs and the faster diffs is about 10,000 euro so it might be cheaper to get the upgrade.

The tyres I will use are 385x 22.5 ( standard trailer size )

Havent really looked at the claas overdrive, I would probably prefer uprated diffs , less to go wrong.

Got to get one soon the body arrives in afew months .

Speak soon

Neil
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Old 4 Oct 2011
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You may or may not know that the Claas is such a quality item that it was factory installed by Mercedes on Unimogs. However, it is likely that the 1017A has a married transmission (to the clutch housing) and therefore the Claas would be un-fittable.
Think hard before you get those tires. 395s usually come with easily dis-assembleable 3 piece rims and are 10% taller than 385/65R22.5s. That might be enough to solve your gearing problem. 395s (XZLs) can sometimes be obtained for 4-600 euros new in Europe.

Charlie
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Old 5 Oct 2011
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Thanks for the replies

I have tried to contact Atkinson and Voss but I am awaiting that elusive phone call back.

I would probably not consider 395 tyres because of availability.

A good friend of mine has 395's and has major difficulty sourcing them in remote parts where as the 385 / 65 22.5 is a standard size for Artic Trailers so you can always get a tyre. ( maybe not the tread pattern you hoped, but I think you will get out of trouble easier.

I will let you know my findings

many thanks


Neil
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Old 5 Oct 2011
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Thumbs up

The 1017A faster axles (Daimler Benz) have also been fitted on MAN's and probably other Benz trucks (such as 911) too. This German 4x4 forum has a few people who know about 1017A axle details.

Have a 1017A - 1983 (fast axles) for sale currently located in the Netherlands.

Cheers!

Arno
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Last edited by nomadic; 6 Oct 2011 at 07:29.
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