GAZ-3308 is an off-road truck that has been mass-produced at the Russian GAZ plant since 1999. The ancestor of this machine is rightfully considered the all-wheel drive GAZ-66, which was used for the needs of the Soviet army. But the new model 3308 is not only distinguished by its driving performance and high traffic. However, let's take it in order. So what is this car? Look for answers in our review.
Appearance
The GAZ-3308 car in its design is practically no different from its civil predecessor GAZ-3307, which was produced from the beginning of the 90s. The layout of the cab and the body is very practical. Round headlights and turn signals are placed separately and are not built into the bumper (as KAMAZ and MAZ do now on their 5-ton models). In the event of damage to one of the lamps, the rest will be in good condition, and with a frontal impact, the frame with a massive metal bumper, and then the cab, will bear the entire load. The shape of the glazing is also very simple. The car does not have any distinguishing features, except for the radiator grill with the GAZ emblem. At the same time, the cab is designed so that even with maximum damage the car will ride without breakdowns, and the wrinkled part of the cab can be replaced using a minimum set of tools.
By the way, the design of the GAZ-3307 truck, however, like its all-wheel drive modification, is not much different from the 53rd GAZon, which is often called the legend of the Soviet automobile industry. In appearance, all these machines did not differ in comparison with others - at that time the bias was not made on a beautiful exterior, but on a powerful and reliable design. And our engineers coped with this, as they say, with a bang.
Interior of the car
The inside of the truck is also no different from the 3307th model. The direct instrument panel, made of plastic, is painted exclusively in matt black - this solution is used on both army and civilian versions of LAWN. The quality of the finishing materials, according to the drivers, is far from the best - the plastic is very noisy and hard to the touch. Although, on the other hand, nobody thought about attractiveness here at all. Inside, on the passenger side, there is a small glove box for things and other trifles. In the center there is a shift lever of an unusual curved shape. The gearshift circuit is not indicated on it - it is placed on the instrument panel in the form of a sticker. This curved design of the gear knob was not chosen by chance: it was made for more convenient movement of people around the cabin. By the way, on 53 Lawns, instead of one driver’s and one passenger’s seat, there was a continuous (but very comfortable) sofa. It is very easy to move around the cabin with such a seat - there are no obstacles underfoot.
But back to the all-wheel drive GAZ 3308 model. In continuation of the conversation about the interior, I would like to note the presence of a new ventilation system and a powerful stove, thanks to which the air temperature in the cabin is maintained at plus 10-15 degrees in the most formidable frost.
The instrument panel is strewn with all kinds of measuring scales placed horizontally scattered. It seems as if you are driving not a domestic truck, but some kind of spacecraft. At the same time, the data from the arrows are read very easily, and it is almost impossible to get confused in them - everything is so clear and informative.
Near the rear wall of the cab are the levers of the transfer case. There are several of them: one includes a lower gear, and the second connects the front axle. Visibility from the driver's side is excellent. This is achieved not only due to the large glazing, but also thanks to the huge side mirrors. Since the cabin is a bit narrower in size, they are elongated several centimeters. But this does not appear in any way on visibility, and even more so on traffic safety. By the way, thanks to special sliding arches, both mirrors can easily be folded.
About the disadvantages
However, despite technological progress, GAZon retained its old problems. So, the most vulnerable link is the quality of sound insulation. In the cockpit, it is practically absent, so the hum and vibrations from the diesel engine are clearly audible every second. The owners of the GAZ-3308 gasoline modifications were a little lucky - the vibration from the engine is practically not felt here.
Technical characteristics of GAZ-3308
In total, in the engine lineup there are 2 power plants. Among the gasoline, there is one V-shaped "eight" Zavolzhsky production ZMZ-513.10 with a displacement of 4.25 liters and a capacity of 116 horsepower. The diesel engine is produced in Belarus (D-245.7), which, with its working volume of 4.75 liters, develops a capacity of 117 “horses”. By the way, D240 and D245 units are installed on ZIL Bychok medium-tonnage trucks, as well as on the GAZ 3309 model. The brake system is classic, drum-type on both axles.
Both units are equipped with one mechanical transmission. Its role is played by a 5-speed manual transmission. Thanks to powerful power plants and a good ratio of gear ratios, the maximum speed of the GAZ-3308 truck is 90 kilometers per hour. Also, the car easily overcomes any off-road, sand and gravel areas, which is facilitated by a high (31.5 centimeters) clearance.
Car load
As you can see, the technical characteristics of the GAZ-3308 is very good. By the way, its total carrying capacity on the passport is 1.8 tons. Although, as practice shows, the GAZ-3308 "Sadko" easily transports goods weighing 4.5, and sometimes 5 tons (in the case of twin wheels on the rear axle). This is facilitated by a powerful frame and a reliable body structure.
GAZ-3308: price
The cost of this car, depending on the modification and the length of the frame, varies from 1 to 2 million rubles. In addition, each truck model is already equipped with power steering.
In the army version of GAZON there is a system for pumping wheels, as well as pneumatic output to the brake system and winch.