you could remove inter-axle drive shaft (unlike CCKW & M1135/211, M35 has
short driveshaft interconnecting two rear axles), pull rear axle shafts and
have ends machined off, the reinstall ends (to retain lube)...could even pull
differential and install flat plate over opening (weight saving??)...
All this would reduce amount of rotating mass, friction, and "binding"
between rear drive axles...theoritcally improve fuel economy and reduce tire
wear (but all NDT's will wear quickly on pavement)....but since we are
discussing a remarkably fuel ineffecient vehicle hear, even after the
improvements I think fuel mileage would still be bad. Even the M35A2
multifuel doesn't get great mileage....
Actually REMOVING a rear axle would be a major undertaking, requiring, I
think, replacing the entire rear suspension system (as the axles are attached
to springs, which are attached to a trunnion bar, which are attached to
frame...and don't forget about the torque rods) with something grafted on off
another vehicle (maybe front suspension off another M35?).
To keep somewhere near the same center of gravity the remaining axle would
have to be shifted back to approximately the current position of the trunnion
bar, which will require the fabrication of a new driveshaft, lengthening
brake lines, etc.
Alll this strikes me as a LOT of HEAVY work, creating many potential new
dangers, to create a different looking vehicle.
Hope this helps,
David
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