Test Drive UAZ 469 1972 - HB SUV

High-free clearance

The military know many things that civilians do not even think. For example, what should lie in the bedside table with a soldier, what is the size of the ports and, of course, how the commander car should be arranged. It is for them that we are owned by the fact that UAZ 469 received a rather rare solution in its class - bridges with wheel gearboxes.
Today, the UAZ with reducer or, as they often say, military bridges are available to everyone. It is worth this pleasure on average 5 thousand rubles. Theoretically, all the main for and against was already set out in the journal (SM, 1999, No. 10), but we decided to believe the theory of our own experience, armed with measuring instruments and towing cables.
Seven times die, once believe
Before us, a couple is quite peaceful, if you judge the color of paint white night, UAZ products 31514-012 and UAZ 31514-032. The latter, which with reducer bridges, above is 55 mm. Currency machines in the simplest configuration: no external hitch, without power steering, new engines and synchronizers on the first and second gears. All amenities are a metal roof and improved seats. However, we are not talking about today. To begin with, load the car in accordance with the instructions, check the tire pressure and measure the ground clearance. In fairness, we note that the difference in cars with collective farm and military bridges was slightly less than in the documentation. However, gear bridges should be included with the wea-192 toothp tires, and we are not so evil I-245-1 on both machines, which are 14 mm on the outer diameter. It turns out, from 80 mm of the claimed advantage of gear bridges, 65-70 mm remained. Slightly more matchbox! It would seem, because of what the garden is to burn? But we will not hurry.
On the way disappointment
Subjective impressions are brief as such: UAZ with military bridges is more fun, but he keeps the road worse and slows down. The devices were confirmed that it was once again pleased: at least now there is no metaphysics. The fact that the machine with gear bridges is strongly explained by an increased gear ratio (5.38 against 4.63). And therefore, not too powerful, but the direct motor allows you to go on a direct transmission already from 30 km / h, while UAZ is pulling with conventional bridges only with 40. The maximum speed of cars, oddly enough, almost the same - a little per 100 km / h. Medium handling is also quite understandable: with wheel gearboxes positive shoulder run-in more. It also causes a tendency to dig in the braking - the steering wheel must be kept hard.
Where the infantry will not pass
On a good road, UAZ causes little positive emotions, however, the worse coverage, the more respect for this car. When the deep ruts were issued ahead, it was time to warm up the hubs. The first stage did not reveal an explicit leader. Both cars easily overcame a plot capable of causing genuine horror at the owners of passenger cars, and frozen in front of a huge puddle. To the right or left, do not collapse, round the forest. Deep? Yes, where by the knee, and where and ... deeper. There, in muddy water - a rut and an impressive comb left by the tractor. But this obstacle was on the teeth of both UAZ. Is that a military gearly drifting more often, and the footnight almost did not sleep. Then went other adventures: sandy and clay rhesis, lifts, ditch, but also the skill and experience of drivers played a much larger role, rather than the differences in cars.
But then there were flowers. In the lowland, on the edge of the field, we finally found that they were looking for a dirt road detached tractors. However, even here, roaring the motor and desperately rotating the wheels, the collective farmer climbed to a firm place. Military at this obstacle reacted and completely calmly: drove almost without slipping. Here you are the difference in matchboxes! And yet, to finally determine who is Hu, cars must be planted. Where to plant? Of course, in the field. Fortunately, not far. But first we estimate whether the obstacle is worthy.
Of the two walking scouts, one, which is easier. The second, bootier, the clay captured, and to save his shoes the rest had to work a shovel. The discussion flared up: if we put, what will we drag? For happiness, the MTZ tractor with a long cable turned up.
You can start. Bets are accepted! For further 20 meters, no one will leave ... So, the collective farmer and military - who is who? The first went! That's the times! Already lying on the belly, and still crawling! Runs back, again crawling ... Really ..? Not! All sailed. Well, even the doors can be opened. Who is there today in rescuers? Get out to cling the cable, look at the second!
While the tractor pulls out sown under No. 1 to solid soil, measure the result: 61 meters passed. The result is more optimistic forecasts.
Now the military queue: ten meters, twenty, sixty, eighty ... all? No, still crawling. It seems to be erupting - still fifty meters, and there it is already easier ... Fans rejoice: the participant under the number 2 costs without the help of the tractor. A convincing victory of reducer bridges!
When things go to the mountain ...
...this is good. If, of course, it is not about the preference. Our military and collective farmers do not go to the mountain - go. For a start - lifting 10%, fourth gear, 80 km / h input speed. The collective farmer was barely climbed, the military only down to 65 km / h. The same with a speed of 70 km / h. Here at the UAZ with ordinary bridges the chances only on the third.
Finally, the military executed almost a circus trick: elementary took the rise of 50% without acceleration and without inclusion of reduced transmission! The collective farmer is better not even trying to: slide from the middle of the slope 50% risky - on the wet concrete tires barely hold. Everything is simple here - turn down reduced and forth.
Where is gasoline?
It happens that through a badly wrapped drain plug directly to the ground. But usually still in the carburetor. How are we with expenses? We know what is good, and more precise?
A short pair in gear places plus extra gears and bearings - on the highway will have to throw on average a-half-and-and-a half, although, for example, at 60 km / h almost no difference, and at 40 in a direct transmission the machine with military bridges is even more economical.
MORAL SATISFACTION
Why buy UAZ? Certainly not to roll through the capital streets. All the advantages of these machines are manifested where the roads end. Here, even the minimum advantage in the passability may be decisive. Drive or wrap a jack and shovel - the choice here is obvious. The most important advantage of the car with gear bridges is the ability to confidently move by a rut, laid by heavy trucks: an enlarged road clearance allows.
Rarely, who, in addition to the crazy jeepers, will be engaged in a serious alteration of UAZ for the sake of increasing passability, although simplicity of the design allows you to do with it. If we are talking about the operation of the olocyrighting machine, the design of gear bridges requires more attention (which it is worth checking the oil level in six crank cartridges instead of two), but with due care and the absence of a factory marriage they will live no less, or even more simple. It's almost impossible to roll in military bridges almost impossible in military bridges, but if it happens, it will be more difficult to fix it.
Given the specifics of the operation of the UAZ, bridges with wheel gearboxes will be valuable not only for the military.

Anatoly Fomin, Anatoly Karpenkov
Photo by Vladimir Knyazev
 
 

A source: Journal "Behind the wheel"