GAZ-66 is a 2-ton all-wheel drive truck with a 4x4 cross-country ability, designed for the needs of the army and the national economy. The car has been mass-produced in the Soviet Union since 1964. The last copy, 965,941, was released on July 1, 1999.
The main purpose is to transport people and cargo, tow trailers in different road conditions at air temperatures from -40 to +50 °C.
The equipment was popularly called “Shishiga” or “Shishka” by number 66. Thanks to excellent performance indicators and a large number of modifications at International exhibitions in 1966-1967. it was awarded gold medals, and by the decision of the State Certification Commission was awarded the State Quality Mark.
Design features and characteristics
Car design features:
- uniform distribution of load on the front and rear axles;
- balancing the center of gravity;
- location of the cabin above the power unit.
The cabin is a 2-seater metal cabin that tilts forward on hinges, which makes access to the engine easier.
The frame is stamped and riveted. The pressure in pneumatic tires depends on the road and is adjustable within the range of 50-280 kPa. The wheels have a split rim and a spacer ring size 203CV-457, toe-in is 2-5 mm. To inflate the wheels, a compressor driven by a motor is attached.
The suspensions are located on 4 longitudinal semi-elliptical springs. Both axles have telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers of 2-way action. The power take-off (PTO) includes 2 gears - for winding and unwinding a 50-meter winch cable weighing 120 kg.
For the GAZ-66 car, the technical characteristics (TTX) are as follows:
- Load capacity - 2 tons.
- Base - 3300 mm.
- Ground clearance - 315 mm.
- Braking distance - 25 m.
- Driving speed - 90 km/h.
- Loading height - 1110 mm.
Engine
The base engine of the GAZ-66 is a V-shaped 8-cylinder 4-stroke petrol carburetor ZMZ-66-06 with overhead valves. Power reached 120 hp. With. at 3200 rpm, working volume - 4.25 l, torque - 29 kgf*m. The lubrication system worked combined - under pressure and splashing. Gasoline consumption reached 35 liters.
In 1991, the engine was modernized and the ZMZ-153.10 version was installed, increased to 125 hp. With. traction. Less fuel is consumed per 100 km of travel, about 25 liters when driving on the highway. The control fuel consumption per 100 km when measured in the summer for a run-in truck was 20 liters.
Installation of a GAZ-544 diesel engine in 1992 with a volume of 4.15 liters and a power of 85 hp. s., as well as GAZ-5441 with a turbocharger of 116 hp. With. and torque of 296 Nm in 1995 had a significant impact on fuel economy. In the latest versions of the GAZ-66, fuel consumption has been reduced to 17 liters.
Transmission
Gearbox (Gearbox) GAZ - 3-way, mechanical, with 4 modes for moving forward and 1 for reverse. The transfer case has a reduction gear.
The transmission is engaged by moving the synchronizer clutch, 1st gear and reverse gear and their engagement. The gearbox shifts using a rocker lever.
The front axle of the car is disabled, and hinges are provided for turning.
The gearbox drives the axle shafts, which are located on the rear axle. Differentials are self-locking.
Rear axle weight: 270 kg. The front axle with brakes and hubs weighs 350 kg.
Steering
The GAZ steering system consists of a globoidal worm and a 3-ridge roller. The top of the steering shaft with the lower part, as well as the column with the cabin, are hingedly connected. The drive includes steering rods with ball joints. The transverse rod for screwing on the ends contains a thread.
They affect the length of the pull rod and regulate the toe-in of the front wheels. A power steering (power steering) valve is attached to the longitudinal link, which reduces the turning force of the front axle and reduces steering shock loads.
Electrical equipment
The electrical equipment is made according to a 1-wire circuit. The negative terminals of energy sources and consumers are connected to the truck body. Rated network voltage is 12 V.
A starter battery with a capacity of 75 Ah is installed on the machine. An alternating current generator with a built-in rectifier with an output current of 85 A works with a regulator. Using the regulator relay, the voltage is maintained at 13.5-14.8 V.
The ignition system is battery-based, contact-transistor. The candles are selected according to thermal characteristics and have an M14x1.25 thread with a length of 12 mm.
The color electrical diagram contains digital indications of elements and wiring symbols. Maintenance is carried out strictly according to the electrical diagram. Connecting additional consumers is prohibited.
How much does the car weigh and what are its dimensions?
Overall dimensions of the body:
- length - 5805 mm;
- width - 2322 mm;
- cabin height - 2440 mm.
Frame dimensions:
- length - 3313 mm;
- width - 2050 mm;
- side height - 890 mm.
Weight parameters:
- total weight of the machine without equipment - 5800 kg;
- weight with winch - 5970 mm;
- platform weight - 446 kg;
- trailer weight - 2000 kg.
Refill containers:
- fuel tank volume - 210 l;
- engine cooling system - 23 l;
- lubrication system - 8 l;
- gasoline tank for starting heater - 2 l;
- windshield washer reservoir - 1.5 l.
Modifications and homemade products based on the car
After the modernization of the GAZ-66, modifications with specialized bodies became widespread in the national economy. The following machines stand out in particular:
- sewer truck ANM-53;
- fire installations ATs-20, 30;
- ambulance tow truck AS-66;
- auto-dressing AP-2;
- oil tanker MZ-66;
- isotherm van GAZ-2766.
Many craftsmen are able to remake equipment using the chassis of a military vehicle. For example, on domestic roads you can find an SUV converted into a Jeep.
Dump truck
A representative of the equipment is the GAZ-SAZ-3511 - an all-wheel drive dump truck based on the 6631 modification with a PTO, double rear axle tires and a diesel engine with a long service life of up to 150 thousand km. There is no centralized tire inflation mechanism. A dump body with a volume of 5 m³ unloads bulk construction and agricultural materials in 3 directions. By installing additional sides, the capacity is doubled. The lifting mechanism is hydraulic.
KUNG
The KUNG is a closed-type frame-metal template van body made of steel channels and angles. The structure is sheathed on the outside with aluminum sheets and sealed inside with plywood treated with varnish.
Internal components of KUNG:
- heating and ventilation system;
- filter and ventilation unit;
- lighting;
- household equipment;
- sleeping places.
An example of a model with a sealed van is modification 6611.
Firefighter
In total, there are 9 versions of fire engines on the 66th model chassis. The most common is the AC-30 tank truck based on 6601. The specialized equipment includes:
- water tank coated with epoxy enamel, capacity 1500 l;
- fire pump PN-40 with a manifold and foam mixer;
- sleeves with a diameter of 51 and 66 mm;
- trunk;
- ladder.
Fire-technical weapons are used to extinguish fires and carry out emergency rescue operations both in urban areas and in off-road conditions.
Drilling rig
The UGB-50 drilling rig based on the 66th truck is designed for horizontal drilling of hydrogeological wells for the purpose of studying soil, searching for mineral deposits, and water intake. Geological exploration is carried out by core sampling using the shock-rope method. The drilling depth of the auger reaches 100 m.
Manipulator
The body of the manipulator is a metal platform with high side sides and an opening rear one. A crane-manipulator is mounted at the front of the upper part of the chassis, which is used to move, lift and transport goods.
The best option for GAZ is Japanese equipment Tadano-Z290 with a minimum reach of a 3-section boom of 2.95 m, a radius of 8 m. The mechanism is capable of lifting a load weighing up to 4 tons.
Tuning
The GAZ-66 all-wheel drive vehicle was specially designed for use in off-road conditions, so it has high cross-country ability. Despite this, the car has quite a large number of factory defects, and the comfort level of the SUV truck is very low. Therefore, “shishiga” is often subjected to tuning.
External tuning
It is not difficult to guess that very few domestic car bodies were able to retain their original appearance. Many cars need welding or painting work. Not all owners want to paint their car in its “original” paint, so drivers often use bright and unusual color schemes that differ from the majority.
Nowadays it is very fashionable to repaint cars in camouflage colors. If the body is in order, you need to pay attention to treatment with anti-corrosion materials. A body kit is not installed on a truck very often, and it is not very necessary. As for the body kit, GAZ-66 owners most often use roll bars and roof guards, and on the version with a kung car they install a durable and massive roof rack.
The original bumper of a cargo all-terrain vehicle is quite powerful, but you should not refuse to install a winch. You might want to consider improving your outdoor lighting. The standard lighting is quite dim and is clearly not enough for a clear picture on the road or in the forest, so it is worth installing auxiliary lighting. Today it is fashionable to use LED filling.
And this option is very suitable for tuning the GAZ-66, since LEDs are economical and do not overload the electrical circuit of the car. Moreover, the LED content is reliable and has a long service life, and such headlights have a fairly durable design. Additional lighting can be installed not only in front, but also in the rear of the car.
Thanks to the additional rear lighting, you can easily turn around even on a bad road in a dark place. To increase cross-country ability and give a more serious appearance, you can resort to installing wheels of larger diameter, which will also raise the ground clearance. The best option for external tuning of the GAZ-66 is the purchase and installation of arched tires. This will also improve cross-country ability.
Interior tuning
The original cabin of the “Lawn” cannot be called suitable for convenient movement, because the vehicle was more considered as an army all-terrain vehicle. Therefore, all the work of the design staff was aimed at improving the technical part of the car. Since the power unit with gearbox is located almost inside the cabin (only the factory cover covers the engine), the interior of the all-terrain vehicle is quite noisy.
Some try to reduce noise by resorting to soundproofing materials. With the help of good sound insulation, it will be possible to close all the cracks, which will help reduce dust getting inside and also reduce the noise level. Sound-absorbing materials include:
- Vibroplast;
- Splen;
- Vizomat.
There are uncomfortable chairs installed inside the Lawn, so it is very unpleasant and uncomfortable to sit on them for a long time. Some decide to tune the GAZ-66 by installing seats from modern passenger cars. It is clear that the seat fastenings will have to be redone, but comfort in this case comes first. The aesthetic part in this case is not so important, but comfort and convenience are clearly important.
There are craftsmen who reupholster the ceiling, use good expensive material, install nice and stylish seat covers, and also install additional lighting for the dashboard. Again, the LED filling looks practical and bright.
Body tuning
If the onboard vehicle of the 66th Lawn has nothing to improve, then there are a lot of possibilities for an army van of the KUNG type. Recently, the GAZ-66 is most often purchased by hunters and fishermen, as well as lovers of automobile tourism. It turns out that you can not only spend the night inside the KUNG, but also live.
Some owners of domestic trucks install sofas for relaxing, tables for preparing and eating food, and Webasto autonomous heating for a warmer stay in the winter. The installation of a multimedia system and additional lighting will also improve the interior of the body.
You can improve the interior of the body to suit every taste, as long as you have enough money. There are craftsmen who install a potbelly stove, others carry diesel or gasoline generators. To make it easier to get inside or onto the roof rack, it is recommended to install convenient ladders.
Engine tuning
No matter how wonderful our Lawn’s data may be, the domestic engine is already seriously outdated and is only suitable for off-road use. But it clearly lacks power, and its “fuel appetite” is very good. Most often, the factory power plant is replaced with a diesel D-245, which is produced by the Minsk Engine Plant.
There is also a 4.5-liter ISUZU variant. If you do not have the necessary skills, you can use the services of many enterprises that install diesel versions of MMZ. There are companies that dismantle the old engine, install a new one and even provide their own warranty.
Gearbox tuning
Not everyone is thrilled with Gazon's factory transmission. If the owner decides to change the engine, then many advise replacing the gearbox. Often the choice falls on the option from another ZIL-130 truck. This type of box has five speeds and makes you feel more dynamic.
Experts advise that if a new foreign engine is installed (for example, ISUZU), then it is important to purchase and install a gearbox from the same manufacturer. In such a case, the power units will be fully compatible and there will be no need to adjust the gearbox to the “engine”.
Operating and repair instructions
While using the vehicle, it is necessary to adhere to safety regulations, promptly repair detected breakdowns, and replace consumables and technical fluids. All maintenance and care operations are described in the operating and repair instructions for the truck.
Maintenance of performance leads to an increase in the service life of the vehicle, reliable and safe driving.
Maintenance and routine repairs of the GAZ-66 come down to checking the operating condition, adjusting parts, and diagnosing systems.
To repair a truck, contact specialized workshops or perform technical work yourself, according to the repair manual.
How to bleed the brakes
When the machine is used for a long time, the friction linings of the brakes wear out. At the same time, the gap between them and the drums increases, which leads to poor pedal performance during braking and constant and strong squeezing of the clutch. To eliminate the problem, bleed the brake system. The current brake adjustment is aimed at restoring the clearance.
You need to bleed the brakes on a GAZ like this:
- First you need to disconnect the eccentric bolt of the intermediate lever from the pusher device.
- Remove the brake master cylinder.
- Separate the pads.
- Check all pedal positions.
- Install the pusher until it stops.
- Reassemble the parts in reverse order.
How to adjust valves
Valve adjustment sequence:
- Remove the rocker cover.
- Remove the spark plug for the first cylinder.
- Set the piston to top dead center (TDC).
- Rotate the crankshaft until the pointer on the clutch housing aligns with the flywheel ball.
- Check the gap with a feeler gauge. It should be 0.25-0.3 mm on a cold engine. If necessary, adjust by turning the adjusting screw.
- Install the parts in reverse order.
How to set the ignition
Algorithm for installing the ignition:
- Turn out the spark plug of the first cylinder.
- Close the hole for the spark plug with your finger and turn the crankshaft until the compressed air comes out.
- Remove the hatch cover on the crankcase clutch and observe the marks on the engine flywheel.
- Rotate the crankshaft until the pointer on the clutch housing coincides with the ball cased into the flywheel.
- Install the distributor drive.
- Check and adjust the gap in the breaker.
- Insert the distribution mechanism into the drive hole and secure with a screw.
- Connect the high and low voltage wires from the ignition coil and the high voltage wires from the spark plugs in the order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8.
- Set the ignition timing.
How to bleed the clutch
Correct clutch is to set the free play of the outer end of the release fork to 4-5 mm.
The clutch stroke is adjusted as follows:
- The release spring is detached.
- The stroke is measured. If it is less than the set parameter, the locknut is loosened and adjusted by rotating the pusher.
- Put on the spring.
Noise during operation, knocking noise during sudden changes in rotation speed, difficult gear shifting or self-switching of direct transmission may be associated with problems in the transmission. In these cases, the transfer case and driveline are repaired.
How to set up a carburetor
Tuning the carburetor means adjusting its basic parameters, checking the fuel level in the float chamber and the tightness of the float and fuel valve.
The basic parameters must be configured as follows:
- Adjust the timing of turning on the economizer.
- Check the valve for tightness.
- Check the performance of the accelerator pump.
- Calculate the throughput of the jets using special devices.
How to reduce fuel consumption
If you turn on the front axle of a truck with a gasoline engine, you can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%. The reduction gear is rigidly connected to the intermediate shaft. The movable gear for engaging the front axle is mounted on the splines. When you move it in the opposite direction, the bridge turns on. When moving forward, the flywheels of the drive shaft contact the elements of the intermediate shaft, thereby activating the reduction gear.
Owner reviews
Based on reviews from GAZ-66 owners, the car is simply ideal for bad roads. Drivers note excellent maneuverability, reliability, and confidence in the car. It is impossible not to note the all-wheel drive, the ability to lock the differential, inflation of tires while driving, low weight and good weight distribution along the axles.
The advantages include maintainability and low cost of spare parts. The car is ideal for lovers of fishing and hunting. You can also use various tuning to improve the appearance, interior and technical part of a domestic truck.
On the other hand, GAZ-66 owners talk about the high consumption of the gasoline engine, low level of comfort, ease of gear shifting, small cabin and low load capacity. Since the power unit is located inside the cabin, you have to put up with its noisy operation.
How much does the base model and its modifications cost?
Basic models of a truck can be purchased at a price of 150-400 thousand rubles. depending on the year of manufacture, mileage and storage methods. The cost of modification without additional equipment in working condition is 130 thousand rubles. A GAZ-66-15 car with noise-proof electrical equipment and a winch is offered on the secondary market for 300 thousand rubles. KUNG vans are popular. They cost about 400 thousand rubles.
Recently, master motorists put up for sale converted powerful all-terrain vehicles based on the GAZ-66. Their cost reaches 1 million 200 thousand rubles.
Results
What conclusion can be drawn at the end? The domestic “SUV” feels great off-road. All-wheel drive, together with high ground clearance, allows the car to pass in places that are difficult for simple cars to reach. The weight of the car is well distributed across the axles, which allows it to be more stable. The GAZ-66 is in good demand not only among the military, but the truck is often used in agriculture.
On top of that, the machine is actively used by geologists in the discovery of deposits of ores and minerals. Of course, in terms of comfort and convenience, the shishigi’s interior is far from ideal. It's noisy inside, there's not a lot of space, and there's an inconveniently located gearshift lever. The engine is located in the cabin, which also creates its own difficulties. The engine is not very powerful, but it consumes a lot of fuel, which also affects finances.
However, you should not forget in what years this vehicle was produced and for what purposes. If you want to improve comfort, you can start tuning your car. Some owners actively use the GAZ-66 “shishiga” as a motor home.
The car is also ideal for lovers of hunting and fishing, because often at such moments you have to make your way through a bad road. This car will forever go down in the history of the most cross-country trucks of domestic production.
We advise you to read the article: GAZ - the history of car production.
