GAZ-3308 is a worthy replacement for the legendary “Shishiga”

The all-wheel drive flatbed truck GAZ 3308 with the working name “Sadko” began to roll off the assembly line of the Gorky Automobile Plant in December 1997. True, the Gorky residents created the prototype of this two and a half ton all-wheel drive 2 years earlier, assembling it under the symbol GAZ-3309P. The car was a logical development of the famous "Shishiga" with its engine located under the cabin (which made the car dangerous for the driver if it was detonated by a mine), and was initially aimed, like the GAZ-66 "Shishiga", at the army. The axles and transmission are the same as on the GAZ-66-40. But the hood version of the cabin was taken from the previously developed Gaz-3309, however, the wings above the wheels are made with enlarged arches, which made it easier to access the shock absorbers and drives during maintenance and repair.

4.1. Total information

Application

The GAZ-3308 “Sadko” all-terrain vehicle has replaced the “shishiga” in the army and is used to deliver personnel and military cargo. Closed vans of the “kung” type can be installed on the chassis base, designed to accommodate equipment or as staff vehicles. The onboard army GAZ-3308 is used to tow 120 mm 2B16 “Nona-K” guns and transport crews.

Civilian vehicles are used as trucks to deliver goods off-road. The cars are in demand as shift vehicles. A number of fire trucks have been created on the basis of the GAZ-3308, which are used to fight fires in remote areas. An example of a fire engine is the ATs-1.0-30 tanker truck.

There are Sadko variants with a two-row cab, used in public utilities.

It is possible to produce special vans upon request. An example of a car of this type is the GAZ-3308 “Taiga”.

4.2. Engine and its systems

About the history of the model

Work on creating a car that was supposed to replace the GAZ-53/GAZ-52 began back in the late 70s. The first prototypes, under the factory designation GAZ-4301, were built in 1979. The second series of prototypes was completed in 1981. The car received a more spacious and modern, at that time, two-seater cabin, equipped with a more efficient ventilation and heating system.

There is an opinion that when creating it, GAZ design engineers were guided by the cabin of West German Magirus-Deutz trucks, a large batch of which was purchased by the Soviet Union for work on the BAM and other shock construction sites in Siberia and the Far East.

"Magirus-Deutz".

In parallel with the carburetor version, the creation of a diesel version of the new Gorky truck was underway. In December 1986, the company completed testing of the GAZ-ZZO7, and in 1989 this model was put into mass production. The main engine of the GAZ-3307 was the ZMZ-5231.10 engine.

The era of carburetor trucks was becoming a thing of the past, and they were gradually replaced by diesel “brothers” - first with a 6-cylinder air-cooled diesel engine GAZ-542 with a power of 125 hp, produced under a German license, and then with a turbodiesel from the Minsk Motor Plant D-245.7 .

The experimental GAZ-4301 is the prototype of the future GAZ-3307.

In 1996-1997, GAZ-ZZO7 trucks were not produced, then they returned to mass production at the plant, albeit in rather modest volumes. Serial production of the model with ZMZ gasoline engines was discontinued in 2009, but their small-scale production continued. We are talking about special versions certified for government agencies. In the free cargo transportation market, the GAZ-3307, of course, has not been competitive for a long time and has practically no chance of finding buyers.

Since the end of 2016, these few new GAZ-ZZO7 began to be equipped with modernized ZMZ-524400 V8 injection gasoline engines with a power of 137 hp. with hydraulic valve compensators in the timing belt, with distributed fuel injection (gasoline AI-92 and AI-95) and a catalytic converter (Euro-4). Unlike gasoline trucks of previous releases, the GAZ-3307 model of 2016 is equipped with a pneumohydraulic brake drive and ABS, as well as a plate-type (vane-type) power steering.

4.3. Transmission

Price of new and used GAZ 3308

The new GAZ 3308 is offered in several modifications, differing markedly in price. The most common models currently are “Sadko” and “Countryman”. The first in the basic configuration with a 125-horsepower unit will cost 1.655 million rubles. The cost of a “Countryman” truck with a 117-horsepower engine starts at 1.403 million rubles. Additional options or other add-ons can significantly increase the price.

There are quite a lot of used GAZ 3308 on the Russian market. Models from 2003-2005 will cost from 220,000 to 450,000 rubles, versions from 2007-2009 - from 500,000 to 750,000 rubles.

4.4. Chassis

4.6. Brake control

4.7. Electrical equipment

4.8. Special equipment (installed on parts of GAZ-33081 vehicles)

4.9. Cabin and platform

Device

GAZ 33081 is made on the basis of a two-axle frame platform with spring-dependent rear and front suspension with longitudinal semi-elliptic springs. The design is complemented by telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers with double action on all wheels.

The truck received a dual-circuit braking system with a hydraulic vacuum booster, a hydraulic drive and a vacuum receiver for each circuit. The Sadko is also equipped with an ABS system. All wheels have drum brakes. In addition, the machine is equipped with a mechanically operated parking brake.

The model has a standard steering system, built using the “screw-ball nut” system. Thanks to the power steering, the driver does not have to make significant efforts to control the car.

Regardless of the model of the power plant, the GAZ 33081 is equipped with a synchronized 5-speed manual transmission. Thanks to the excellent selection of gear ratios and all-wheel drive, transportation by truck can be carried out at any temperature and weather. The Sadko also has a 2-speed transfer transmission and a power take-off.

The interior design of the car differs little from the interior of the GAZ-3307. There is a minimal amount of unnecessary elements and things on the panel; the dial instruments are made in a round shape. The latest versions of GAZ 33081 are equipped with an improved ventilation and heating system. The driver will be pleased with a slightly revised instrument panel combination with a simpler layout and the presence of steering column switches. Among the pleasant little things are a bright lamp in the interior, hooks for clothes and side pockets. The large hood provides easy access to the engine.

The all-metal cab is offered in two versions (5- or 2-seater). The driver's seat is adjustable in two directions and is equipped with a 3-point seat belt and side support bolsters.

The main disadvantages of the model include the huge steering wheel. Taking into account the hydraulic booster, the diameter of the steering wheel could have been reduced. There are also no handrails inside, so getting in and out of the cabin is seriously difficult. For passengers, the travel conditions on the GAZ 33081 are truly “Spartan”. There is almost nothing to grab onto while moving, so you have to lean against the torpedo. When off-road, there is strong shaking inside the cabin; it is problematic to endure such conditions for a long time. However, on the highway there is practically no discomfort.

For its class, the GAZ 33081 is a quite attractive model and does not stand out from a number of other similar cars. The “base” model is equipped with a rear fog lamp, a wheel inflation system, 18-inch wheels, halogen optics, a cabin heater and all-terrain tires. But the winch is offered only as an option.

General dimensions and weight data

• Dimensions. Length – 6.25 m; Width (across the platform) – 2.34 m; Height (cabin without load) – 2.57 m; Height (on the awning without load) – 2.78 m.
• Base – 3.77 m; Front wheel track – 1.82 m; The rear wheel track is 1.77 m.
• Ground clearance (under the rear axle housing at full weight) – 315 mm. Ford – 1 m.
• The turning radius of the car along the track axis of the front outer wheel is 11 m.
• The overhang angle (with full load) is 48 degrees front and 32 degrees rear.
• The angle of incline overcome by the vehicle with the full weight of the vehicle is at least 31 degrees.
• Loading height: 1.36 m.
• The vehicle's carrying capacity is 2 tons.
• The vehicle's curb weight (without additional equipment) is 4.065 tons.
• The gross vehicle weight is 6.3 tons.

The GAZ-33081 all-wheel drive truck in its basic version is equipped with a metal or metal-wooden flatbed platform with a flat floor; with a rear folding side and a frame removable awning.

The dimensions of the cargo platform are 3390x2145 mm, the height of the platform sides is 900 mm. If necessary and desired, the platform with an awning can be equipped with a lighting lamp, a sound alarm button for the driver, with folding longitudinal side seats and a safety belt over the tailgate. There is also an option with a loading platform increased to 3.75 m.

Appearance

If you pay attention to the cabin, you may initially get the impression that it is a full-fledged copy of the standard “Lawn”. But this is not entirely true. The wings that were installed on Sadko are original, otherwise it would simply not be possible to fit massive wheels in them. But that's all the differences.

Although it is worth admitting that they did not particularly pursue changes, because the higher the percentage of unification, the lower the cost. On the sides, between the large radiator grille, are the headlights, and below them is an iron bumper. The windshield, as before, has a pair of wipers that make it easy to clean.

For convenience, the air filter is brought outside and rises slightly above the cabin. The cabin of the model is all-metal, with a simple and practical design, a pair of doors, almost panoramic glazing, a powerful metal bumper and a large hood that provides easy access to the engine compartment.

In its class, the vehicle turned out to be quite attractive, but there is nothing supernatural, because through the efforts of the manufacturer it was possible to reduce the cost of production. Therefore, the plant decided to use not very prominent forms with a minimum number of decorative elements for the appearance.

Cabin interior

Surprisingly, the car turned out to be quite comfortable, even in standard configuration. This is partly due to the spacious cabin, which makes it feel comfortable inside. As an additional option, you can purchase a customizable driver's seat, which will make the truck even more attractive.

The ascetic dashboard was made quite comfortable; for example, the steering wheel no longer covers some of the instruments, which fit neatly into it. Installing a hydraulic power steering wheel has significantly reduced the load on the driver.

On the passenger side, the interior does not particularly stand out; there is the same 2-seater sofa, but due to the size of the cabin, it is quite comfortable to move around. It is clear that the comfort level of the Taiga modification, which has a NEXT cabin, is much better, but this only draws attention to the fact that Sadko does not know the boundaries of perfection.

Inside the GAZ-Sadko 4x4 everything looks utilitarian, extremely simple, but practical. Getting into the car can present some inconveniences, since the cabin is quite high, and the factory does not provide comfortable handrails that you could grab onto. Perhaps even here Gorky’s specialists decided to save money.

For the driver and passenger there are two seats with quite comfortable seats, with soft upholstery and seat belts. It is worth adding that model 33081 is equipped as an additional option with a two-row cabin, which has a pair or four doors.

Modification with a pair of doors - the rear row of seats can be exchanged for a pair of berths, which will make it possible to use the truck for long-distance cargo transportation, or for repair teams where there are remote areas.

4.10. Basic data for adjustments and control

* Allowed for the outer valves of both rows (intake 1 and 8, exhaust 4 and 5 cylinders). ** For control purposes, not subject to adjustment.

Car history

The success of the model is associated with the simplest and most banal action.
The new car was made into a hybrid version, which combined the appearance, chassis and control of the GAZ-3309 with the contents of the GAZ-66, popular at that time. As a result, a fairly modern car, for those years, began to acquire an off-road appearance. The hybrid modification was deservedly appreciated, initially, due to its amazing cross-country ability, which is combined with an acceptable level of comfort. After the year of production, the SUV did not receive any distinctive changes. The 66th gave Sadko an all-wheel drive system, which had a unique self-locking wheel system, as well as a ground clearance of more than 300 millimeters, and a unique wheel inflation function.

The latter was developed specifically by order of the Ministry of Defense of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The pumping method was compressor, and they were of powerful types that provided the required level of pressure, despite several bullet hits. And from the GAZ-3309 Sadko got a new spacious hooded cabin, along with an extended chassis.

They tried to start work on the machine, which a little later received the name 3308, since the late 1980s of the twentieth century. The point was that the already well-known 66th model had been produced at that time for about 30 years, and, despite all its advantages, it was quite outdated. However, there were also many complaints against it, especially among the military.

For example, the presence of a cabover layout, which is much more dangerous for the driver and passengers during a mine explosion under the front wheel of the truck. Also, the maintainability of a car with a cab over the power unit is much more difficult than with a separate hood, since access to the engine becomes difficult.

Therefore, paramilitary units began to purchase significantly less trucks, so the Gorky Automobile Plant began to focus more on civilian needs. The design itself was complicated by the fact that the poor and turbulent nineties took place on the street. At one point the company almost went bankrupt, but stayed afloat.

In 1995, the Gorky Automobile Plant demonstrated its debut version of the prototype of this model, which had the index GAZ-3309P. A couple of years later, production of a brand new off-road vehicle began, although, to tell the truth, the production was small-scale. The designation was put in order, which allowed it to meet the standard, and the truck also acquired the name Sadko, which was later adopted by the people.

The car looks, first of all, powerful due to its impressive ground clearance. The massive demand for a car is achieved, initially, thanks to the Russian army, the army of the Countries of Independent States, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. GAZ-Sadko is also a popular vehicle among power line electricians, in geological exploration and the mining industries.

And the main advantage of an off-road vehicle is that it can drive where another car would simply get stuck. And this can be attributed to the northern regions and remote hard-to-reach regions of Siberia. You can also find other models of this type of car, such as GAZ Sadko NEXT.