New toy - Unimog 404 hardcab

[vonsmog]

Disc brake rims will not fit on a drum brake truck. Plus the 11" rims are too wide for a 404, as are 12.5 tires. Sorry but you just don't have enough power to move the taller tires. So 10.5x20 is the size you need to stay with. I don't have any 9" rims at this time to fit drum brake trucks.

[cashflyer]

Given what he reported, and what I found online, I have no argument about the disc brake rims not working.... but there seems to be quite a lot of 404 moggers on Benzworld, Pirate 4x4, and Steel Soldiers running the 12.5" Michelin XL tires.

I actually thought Widebody was even running 12s on his.
Sure looks like it in some of his videos/photos.

[vonsmog]

You can run 12.5's but you will not be happy with them, unless you have done some engine mods or swapped in a diesel motor into your 404 and added power steering. But if you want all of that, just buy a 406 or 406 or even one of the bigger diesel mogs. With Unimogs its a matter of "You get what you pay for"!

[Esel Mann]

Hey CashFlyer, no worries! The key for me here is to ensure that I didn't miss anything or risk damage to the mog. I can assure you those spare rims/tires won't go to waste

Vonsmog, thanks for the input. Even with the 11.00R20 mil tires on the original rims, I felt the mog was struggling more than it should. Sort of like when I had a 4 banger Jeep with oversized tires. My intention was not to run with the newer rims and Michelin 12.5's per se. They were going to be a hold me over while I get the original rims blasted, powder coated, and then proper sized tires/tubes mounted on them. For what I'm using the mog for at this time and what I eventually intend to use it for, I do not need larger tires or more power so the 404 with standard sizing is a perfect fit!

[widebody911]

Originally Posted by cashflyer

I actually thought Widebody was even running 12s on his.

Yup - 12.5x20's. I am considering going to 10's so I can carry the spare in the proper place

[cashflyer]

Just remember, smaller tires give a lower final gear ratio. So, slower.

On other forums, I see a lot of talk about people running Interco IROK tires. I don't know what the load rating is on those tires.

Expedition Imports has a few tires from Continental that they recommend.
Continental Tires

[widebody911]

Originally Posted by cashflyer

Just remember, smaller tires give a lower final gear ratio. So, slower.

Yes, but I'm willing to make the tradeoff, which will make the truck look more "correct" and enable me to carry a spare

[Esel Mann]

Widebody, Esel likes the fattys but has never turned down the skinnys!

I went with the MPT81s (10.5x20). I believe it is fairly close to what was original in terms of overall o.d. (when compared to the spare which had an original replacement). Had the rims blasted (as best they could) and powder coated too. For the combination, I also decided to go tubeless (versus tubed as it was before). IMO, running with the new seems better matched. I can do 45mph and it seems like all is well. Running on the deuce tires, it struggled at 35mph.

One difference from before though is I did not put the spare back in it's original place. I have it flat in the back for now until I can get a vertical mount for it. To my surprise, the Germans decided to route the exhaust right there where the spare is! I can't imagine repeated heat of that degree is any good for rubber.

I also replaced the rear carrier bench planks as well. Shameless pics:

[cashflyer]

Lookin good, Esel.... Glad to see you are enjoying it!

[Esel Mann]

Thanks Cashflyer!

Yes I absolutely am enjoying it. It's a neat little piece of history and have always felt the design was well thought out. It's fun to put around town with it running errands knowing there's nothing I can possibly buy that won't fit in the back.

The pic on your other thread of with the mog next to your M1078 makes the mog look like a smart car! That M1078 is a monster.

The hello kitty bobble-head on the M1078 dash is quite the personal touch if I do say so!