Surely you saw UAZ cars on sale, where car owners proudly spoke about military bridges, making an extra charge of several thousand rubles. This topic has been discussed more than once. Some say that such cars are worthy of attention, while others, on the contrary, prefer to ride on civilian bridges. What are they and what are their differences? Let's try to figure it out.
Varieties
UAZ vehicles use two types of mechanisms - with a single-stage main gear and also with an final drive. The first rear axle (UAZ) is mounted on a military carriage cars, the second - on the passenger-and-freight model 3151 (in other words, “Bobik”). Driving mechanisms have a U-shaped design and are installed together with cardan shafts. However, the installation of such elements on cars of a wagon arrangement (such as a “tadpole”) requires significant technical improvements. This applies to the suspension design, traction bipod, axles. Also, for full-fledged operation, a cardan shaft shortened by a centimeter is required.
As for the elements with the final drive, they have differences in the middle part, namely the smaller differential of the military bridge. UAZ with such a mechanism also differs in another way of installing the final drive gear. There are few differences. It is only mounted on tapered roller bearings. UAZ, the military bridge of which is considered more enduring, has a more complex structure compared to the civilian counterpart. Between the pinion gear and the large bearing ring there is an adjusting ring, as well as a spacer sleeve and gaskets. The bearings of the drive gears are clamped with a flange nut.
Device
Where are the final drives located? On UAZ-469 vehicles, the military bridges of which are located at the rear, the transmission itself is located in the crankcases, where the necks are pressed onto the outer parts of the axle shrouds. Driving gears are mounted on the spline end of the axle shaft, between the roller and ball bearings. The latter is attached with a snap ring in the crankcase. Between the ball bearing and the final drive housing there is a special oil deflector. The roller mechanism is fixed in the housing with two bolts. The inner ring of the bearing is mounted on the axle shaft with a snap ring. The driven gear is attached to the final drive flange. The driven shaft rests on the sleeve and bearing. By the way, the latter has a left-hand thread. The driven shafts of the rear final drive are connected to the wheel hub using splined flanges.
The transmission housing is cast with the rotary pin housing. The drive gear is mounted on the slot of the driven cam between the roller and ball bearings (perceive axial loads of the hinge).
Features
On such cars as UAZ "Bukhanka", "Farmer", as well as long modifications of model 3151, civil bridges are installed (in the common people "collective farms"). However, military analogs are mounted on some “bobiks”. These are new models with the index 316, 3159 and the Bars modification, which has an increased track gauge. But due to this decision, the military bridges (UAZ) are not simple here - they are elongated, gear, with a modified “stocking”.
What is the difference between the military?
First of all, such a bridge differs from the civil one by the presence of final drives. Thanks to this, the vehicle’s ground clearance is increased by 8 centimeters (that is, the gearbox is located above the standard). The main pair has fewer teeth, but they are larger. This design significantly improves reliability. The gear ratio is also different. At military bridges, it is 5.38. What does it mean?
The machine becomes more high-gravity on lifts, it can easily carry heavy loads on itself (or behind itself - on a trailer). However, this mechanism is not designed for speed. The so-called “collective farm” bridges are faster than their military counterparts. Well, of course, the differences relate to the driveshaft. If these are military bridges (UAZ), the length of this element is 1 centimeter shorter. Therefore, when replacing or repairing the shaft, it is necessary to clarify the bridge under which it is designed. The recommended wheel size is 215 by 90 with a diameter of 15 inches.
Benefits
So, the first plus is the ground clearance. He, unlike civilian models, is 30 centimeters. "Collective farm" UAZs have a clearance of 22 centimeters. The second plus is the increased torque. This is a huge plus if you intend to transport large loads or carry a trailer. Due to the large size of the teeth, they do not wear out as often as on civilians (concerns the main pair).
Also, military bridges (UAZ) are distinguished by a more uniform load distribution between the final drive and final drive. Well, the last thing the owner of such bridges can boast of is the presence of a limited slip differential. This is known when driving on the road (in fact, UAZ was intended for him). If the car is stuck in the mud on only one side, you will not have a slip, as on civilian bridges (the left wheel moves, but the right wheel does not).
What are these bridges losing?
Now we will list the shortcomings of this mechanism, due to which there are disputes between the "UAZ". The first drawback is the increased mass. Civil bridges are lighter, and therefore fuel consumption is less.
Also, their design has fewer complex parts, so the "collective farmer" is more maintainable. And it is more difficult to find spare parts for the “warrior” (the same gearbox of a military bridge). UAZ with a civilian bridge is more comfortable in riding and high-speed. Also, due to the use of spur gears in military counterparts, the operation of such a design is noisier. Also on civilians you can install a spring suspension and disc brakes. It is impossible to put all this on military bridges (including UAZ-469). Oddly enough, the civilian mechanisms are more unpretentious in maintenance. Take oil, for example - military bridges have a lot more lubrication points.
Reviews
Some motorists, in response to the statement “military bridges are better than civilian bridges,” agree only 50 percent. As for the increased clearance, these centimeters do not give a big advantage. Those who need lift the suspension and install more “evil” wheels. As a result, the ground clearance can be increased by 1.5-2 times - it all depends on the desire and skills of the car owner. Also, drivers complain of increased noise. Still, army bridges make themselves felt, even if the machine is used for civilian purposes. And sometimes, to get to the destination (hunting or fishing), you have to listen to this “melody" for several hours. This is especially noticeable on asphalt. For many, flow and dynamics are important - with military bridges you can simply forget about these two factors. Responses from car owners say that the car hardly picks up speed more than 60 kilometers per hour, while fuel consumption increases by 10-15 percent. Regarding maintenance, reviews have noted an oil leak problem. It starts at final drives. Therefore, advice for those who are going to take the UAZ: immediately change the oil. Nobody ever thought about this seemingly simple operation. People buy this car and do not even think about the fact that they periodically need to change the oil in the engine and gearbox, not to mention the bridges. Of course, this is a military machine and it is very difficult to “kill” it, but if you ride on oil for 10 years in a gearbox, the machine is unlikely to say thank you. With regard to cross, reviews note the special design of military bridges. They are made in the shape of a ski. Therefore, to get stuck on military bridges, you need to try hard. Yes, and the resource they are more durable, due to the use of other teeth.
Also, reviews note the absence of locks. You can not put
disc brakes on the UAZ-469. Military bridges do not "digest" them. But, along with this, there is the possibility of installing wheels over 30 inches. If civilian bridges are used, it is necessary to strengthen the
joints of equal angular speeds, half shafts and the main pair.
On the problem of consumption and not only through the eyes of car owners
Regarding noise: judging by the reviews, this is a very subjective opinion. Someone scolds the military bridges for the noisiness, but for someone it does not matter - "as they made noise before, and now." Regarding fuel consumption - with a correctly adjusted intake system, such an UAZ will consume a maximum of 1.5 liters more than its civilian counterpart. In addition, some car owners note the lack of spare parts, since military bridges have not been manufactured for several decades. If it is possible to find something, it is only at a disassembly, and not the fact that what is found will be in good condition. On the other hand, a bridge is not a “consumable”, like a filter, rubber and oil. And buying gears and other spare parts for it is far from every day.
Off-road element
If you have off-equipment in priority, it is definitely better to put a military bridge.
But if you often drive on normal asphalt pavement, civilians are definitely chosen for such purposes. After all, it is not in vain that “collective farm” bridges are being erected on all police “bobiks”. In the city, comfort and dynamics are a priority.
Conclusion
Thus, the type of bridge is determined by the further purpose of the machine - it will just go hunting and fishing or prepare for a full offroad. But it is worth noting that even a civilian UAZ on the "stock" rubber is able to get through the ford. But you shouldn’t use this opportunity on a daily basis: even on civilian bridges you can feel the “military echoes” - frame construction, stiff spring suspension.
So, we found out how military bridges (UAZ) are built, what are their advantages and disadvantages compared to civilian ones. As you can see, you first need to know for what purposes it will be used.