Folk retro. Mini-SUV LuAZ-969M: earthly adventures of the Lunokhod

LuAZ-969, or “Volyn”, as it is also called, is a Soviet cargo-passenger compact all-wheel drive vehicle. The development of the model began in 1966, and it was released by the LuAZ plant in 1979. Later, the plant released an updated model LuAZ-969A in 1975, and the last brand, released in 1979, was named LuAZ-969M.

It was produced until 1996. Although even now it can boast of cross-country ability, at that time it was a real breakthrough. The secret was simple: low vehicle weight, small wheelbase and high ground clearance. The entire LuAZ model range.

Car history

It all started almost randomly, in the 1950s, the repair shops were transformed initially into an automobile repair enterprise, and then into an engineering plant. The plant produced agricultural equipment, along with trailers, and workers also repaired trucks.

And suddenly, NAMI, by order of the Ministry of Defense, developed a front-line transporter - TPK. It was a completely military concept. There was a motorized cart that could be thrown out of an airplane with a parachute.

Front edge conveyor – TPK

In addition to the driver, there could be a pair of stretchers or six seated passengers on board. The height did not exceed half a meter. We installed an all-wheel drive system and a winch. On top of that, it can be called an amphibian, since it moved through the water by rotating its wheels.

The model was intended for transporting the wounded, transporting ammunition, and also towing small guns. Judging by the photographs, it’s hard to believe that this is a passenger car, but the designers treated their brainchild very warmly.

So, for example, in some sources, the debut variation, built in 1958, had the cute name NAMI-049 “Ogonyok”.

There was a permanent all-wheel drive, center and a pair of cross-axle differentials with locks, wheel gears and independent torsion bar suspensions located on trailing arms, a not very strong fiberglass body and a 22-horsepower MD-65 motorcycle power unit.

All this was well suited to the prototype, but not at all for the combat vehicle adopted for service. Therefore, the second prototype, NAMI-049A, had an open steel body with an awning.

During structural modifications, they decided not to use a center differential, so that it was possible to move on the road surface where there is a hard surface; the rear axle was made disengageable.

The most important innovation was the installation of a more powerful 27-horsepower V-shaped 4-cylinder engine, the volume of which was about 0.9 liters. It was air-cooled - they wanted to install a similar engine on the improved ZAZ-965A.

And this is no coincidence, because specialists from the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant were involved in the development. It was precisely this commonality with the popular “humpbacked”, and a little later “eared”, that determined the final architecture that affected the military transporter, and what kind of car it was turned into after conversion.

§ 12. Purpose of the vehicle transmission.

The vehicle's transmission serves to transmit force from the engine to the drive wheels and change the magnitude of this force in accordance with the vehicle's driving conditions, as well as to disconnect the engine from the drive wheels.

The transmission mechanism of domestic passenger cars with the classic layout of a rear-wheel drive car consists of a clutch, gearbox, cardan drive and rear drive axle, which includes the main gear, differential and axle shafts (see Fig. 2). In some models of two-axle passenger cars with rear axle drive (GAZ-14 Chaika, ZIL-114, ZIL-4402), instead of a clutch and gearbox, an automatic transmission from a torque converter and a planetary gearbox with automatic control is used.

Cars with all drive wheels made according to the 4X4 scheme (VAZ-2121, UAZ-3151, LuAZ-969) also have a transfer case, front driveshaft and front drive axle installed.

Rice. 54. Transmission diagram of the VAZ-2121 car:

1 - transfer case, 2 - center differential locking clutch, 3.9, 11 - front, intermediate, rear driveshafts, respectively, 4 - front axle, 5 - oscillating shaft with constant angular velocity joints, 6 - engine, 7 - clutch, 8 — gearbox, 10 — gear clutch, 12 — rear axle

The diagram of transmission mechanisms is shown using the example of a VAZ-2121 car (Fig. 54). Directly behind the engine b, clutch 7 and gearbox 8 are mounted in series. Transfer case 1 is installed separately from the power unit, under the body, on two brackets with pressed rubber pads. The torque from the gearbox 8, through the intermediate driveshaft 9, is supplied to the drive shaft of the transfer case 1, from which the drive shafts 3 and 11, each having two hinges and one sliding splined fork, transmit rotation to the drive axles.

For ZAZ-968M cars and all domestic front-wheel drive cars, the gearbox, main gear and differential are made in a single housing, and the drive to the wheels is carried out through axle shafts of equal angular speeds. Transmission diagrams with drive to the front drive wheels with transverse and longitudinal engine locations are shown in Fig. 55.

Rice. 55. Diagram of a front-wheel drive transmission with a transverse (a) and longitudinal (b) engine arrangement:

1 - input shaft, 2 - clutch, 3 - axle shaft, 4 - main gear, 5 - secondary shaft

Model conversion

After the transporter was developed, it was put into production in Lutsk, giving the name LuAZ-967. It may sound strange, but similar cars were produced from 1961 to 1989 and occasionally underwent modernization.

The model came into service with the army of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1969. It was used in the Airborne Forces and motorized rifle units. In addition, it was supplied to the Warsaw Pact countries - for example, the GDR army had about 250 vehicles at its disposal.

According to many opinions, there are no similar models to this day. The latest modernization affected the 967M, which resembled a light jeep rather than a cart with an engine. Some parts of the elements were unified with cars from other companies (for example, the electrical part was taken from UAZ, and the hydraulics were used from Moskvich).

The scope of use of the models was significantly expanded - small machine guns began to be installed on them. Even with the beginning of the 90s, three-axis variations were shown, but they remained only prototypes.

The Lutsk Automobile Plant has a rich and eventful history, filled with the development of a large number of progressive technological methods, the introduction of bold and unique ideas, as well as the production of popular vehicles.

The Russian all-terrain vehicle was a “pioneer” in many ways. In particular, it was the first to be equipped with an all-wheel drive system, it became the first car for the people and, in particular, it was produced specifically for the needs of the rural population.

It is very interesting that the driver could control the TPK while lying on a chair, or crawling next to the vehicle, while holding the steering wheel. This is the case when there is heavy shelling.

The engineering staff of the enterprise did a great job producing this LuAZ car. The technical equipment of the machines varied using a whole list of the latest technologies. For example, each wheel had its own gearboxes, increasing the ride height.

The drive shaft was enclosed in a pipe, with the help of which the vehicle's cross-country ability was significantly improved. The wheel suspension was torsion bar and independent. Considering all this, the LuAZ 969 Volyn was distinguished by its lightness, which was due to the relatively low number of equipment and the presence of a full-supporting structure.

But the model also had its shortcomings, so from the beginning of the 1970s, modernization began. Initially, the design staff of the enterprise tried to increase the power of the power unit. Moreover, restyling extended to the chassis, bodywork, and interior.

LuAZ: engine modifications

As a rule, the power unit is improved in two ways: by modifying the standard engine and by installing a model from VAZ. Let's consider both options.

Modernization of the car's power unit is aimed at increasing engine reliability and reducing fuel consumption. A certain list of manipulations will help optimize the operation of not only this power unit, but also many other analogues.

Installation of another carburetor. Using an adapter, install the DAAZ-2105 model, which will increase the reliability of starting at idle and reduce fuel consumption. Spare parts for this unit are not in short supply.
Replacing the air filter with a more modern version.
Grinding the cylinder head. Since the motor is V-shaped, manipulation must be performed on both elements. To do this, the seat plate is ground down a couple of millimeters, which will reduce the volume of the combustion chambers and increase compression. This will affect the decrease in the “appetite” of the car.

Appearance

Despite its small size, the body consists of an integrated spar-type frame. Volyn is equipped with a tent top, which allows it to be universal. Small doors hang on hinges, thereby simplifying installation and dismantling.

The 969th model also differs from other cars in that the windshield wipers are attached to the top, and not, like other cars, to the bottom, which is a positive thing when driving in bad weather.

If in the previous model the arcs were needed only for attaching the awning, then in the “M” version they come already in a strengthened state. They protected the interior when the car rolled over. When updating the LuAZ-969M, it received new lighting equipment. Locks were installed on the doors, and seat belts appeared.

One of the most serious drawbacks of the bagpipe body was its susceptibility to corrosion. But this disadvantage can be easily solved with a simple brush. The awning does not have any particularly negative aspects, however, those who like to travel along forest roads should install a hard metal roof.

Then it will no longer be scary that branches can tear the roof. With the arrival of the update, the appearance of the vehicle was changed. For the first time, Bagpipe began to have full-fledged windows.

In addition, special attention was paid to sound insulation. They installed a windshield with a different shape, and the doors already had locks (that’s what you thought, they had never installed locks before!).

The front body became less angular, and the car began to look different. It's not so easy to believe, but a small car, from a small city in the big Soviet Union, was able to achieve international recognition.

And these are not just words, for example, even before serial production, in 1978, at the International Motor Show in Turin, the 969th model entered the top 10 best off-road cars in Europe!

It is clear that the automotive market for off-road models was previously a little different, but this does not change the essence of the matter.

Review

In addition to the fact that the LuAZ 1302 car changed its power unit, it differed from the 969 M in the following structural changes:

A new instrument panel and reinforced side members have been installed;
The interior of the SUV has become quieter, vibration isolation has increased;
“Tavria” chairs were installed;
Fuel consumption has been reduced to 8-10 l/100 km;
The fuel tank volume reached 34 liters.

Externally, the LuAZ 1302 rst model is practically no different from its predecessor. The first impression of a car's exterior can be deceiving. Despite the apparent similarity with previous Luaziks, this car bears the entire load on the floor panel.

The entire load falls on the floor panel

The SUV was a huge success in its time. Firstly, its price was several times lower than that of its closest competitors with similar characteristics. Secondly, it was highly reliable. Despite its low speed, the LuAZ 1302 Volyn could easily overcome steep slopes, even with a full load. There are known cases when a car reached the garage with a torn axle shaft. This is no coincidence; it is designed in such a way that it protects the gearbox from damage in the event of a breakdown.

Salon

The SUV seat is borrowed from ZAZ. Among the sensors and instruments you can find an ammeter that shows the voltage in the electrical network. By the way, the transmission oil temperature is also displayed for the driver.

The interior decoration, to put it mildly, leaves much to be desired. Everything is very simple and in retro style. The car was clearly not created for city traffic, but mainly for off-road driving, and therefore for the countryside.

The instrument panel, standard for army vehicles, received a more civilian look and became more visually pleasing. Some inconveniences come from the seats, especially the rear seats.

Very often, vehicle owners decide to change the door trim and ceiling covering. This serves to reduce noise. When they decided to update the car, it began to have :

Updated front panel;
A different shape of the windshield;
Doors with locks and window frames;
Plastic dashboard;
Safety steering column and seats from Zhiguli.

After the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, in 1991, Ukraine decided to secede from the USSR, therefore it has already become an independent state. The automobile company's ties with the Russian Federation were terminated.

In addition to the power unit, model 1302 borrowed seats from Tavria, because it was no longer possible to take from Zhiguli.

“Volyn” was distinguished by good capacity and solid transport properties. If you fold down the tailgate, it was possible to transport quite impressive dimensions.

Many explain the asceticism of the car’s interior by the fact that when using the model in rural areas, where there will inevitably be dust and dirt, comfort and rich interior decoration would be the last thing. Why?

Because cleaning it would always be very problematic. Of course, there is a canvas top, under which it is very hot in the summer and cool in the cold, so you have to keep warm using improvised methods.

But together with the driver, six fairly massive representatives of the strong side of humanity in hunting equipment can go hunting or fishing - and not every car can do this.

In the case when the rear seats are folded out, the 969th model can take with it an additional 400 kilograms of luggage, which will be very useful for fishermen and hunters.

Transformation and care

Success among the masses (or simply the lack of an alternative from front-wheel drive cars) allowed LuAZ to enter the international market and transform itself. In 1975, a 4-horsepower Zaporozhye engine was installed on the model, the interior and body were slightly changed, the lighting equipment was replaced, locks were finally added to the doors, and four years later they were launched into production under the LuAZ 989M “Volyn” index. It even got to the point that the updated car in 1978 at the Turin Motor Show was recognized as one of the 10 best European SUVs.

In 1985, the indices changed and the 989M became known as LuAZ-1302. However, not only the name changed: the main change was the 53-horsepower 4-cylinder engine from Tavria, which was not only economical, but also gave at least some dynamics. If the 989M, when driving at 60 km/h, consumed 10 liters per hundred, then the 1302 consumed only 7.7 liters, and the maximum speed increased from 85 to 100 km/h. LuAZ 1302 borrowed seats from the VAZ 2108, received additional noise, and as a result became faster and more comfortable. However, by the time of release, Ukraine had already become an independent state, so the Russians were unable to evaluate the new product.

Together with the USSR, the golden times of “Volyn” also ended. The Ukrainian period of history was not entirely successful: the production of small batches under government orders, unsuccessful modifications and special versions showed that Volyn had already missed its best years, having failed to establish full-fledged in-house production.

Specifications

Power unit

The LuAZ-969M is powered by a MEMZ 969A engine, located in a V-shape and air-cooled. This of course simplifies the design, but on the other hand, if necessary, it does not provide it with proper cooling.

The unit comes with a volume of 1.2 liters and produces 40 horsepower. One of the disadvantages of the LuAZ car is the power unit, which migrated from the Zaporozhets. Among the main disadvantages are:

Constant filling with oil;
It is not durable and reliable (the average lifespan of a motor is about 50-60,000 km);
It is very noisy and fairly weak in power.

Therefore, if you plan to purchase this SUV, you should stock up on a second spare engine.

A similar power unit was installed on some Zaporozhets cars. Based on the passport data, the average fuel consumption of this mini-SUV when driving at a speed of 60 km/h is 10.0 liters per hundred.

In other words, a full Volynka gas tank should be enough for 300 - 350 km of travel. But you should understand that this Luaz 969 car will not allow you to develop a very high maximum speed, since it is set at 85 km/h.

However, this should not be too surprising, because it was not created for racing tracks, but for off-road driving, where it fully reveals its advantages. It would not be superfluous to say that the original power unit can be completed so that its power will be increased to 50 horsepower.

This can be called the most optimal solution, since engines from other cars will carry too much load, and this, in turn, will lead to repeated breakdowns. Gasoline used is grade A-76. It accelerates to 80 km/h in 24 seconds.

Transmission

The engine is synchronized with a 4-speed manual transmission. The gas tank capacity is 34 liters. The 969M has an independent torsion bar suspension. LuAZ is equipped with a reduction gear, which provides the necessary start and effort before any obstacle.

In standard mode, the car is driven by the front wheels, but if necessary, you can connect the rear axle and engage the rear differential lock. Hydraulic drum brakes are installed on both the rear and front of the car. The vehicle provides acceptable cross-country ability.

The transmission stands out for its reliable qualities, although it has its own “surprises”, such as mixed up gears, etc. The gearbox is quite durable, so if problems arise with it, they are extremely rare. But it also has its own “surprises”, in the form of mixed up speeds, and so on.

There is an additional reduction gear at all forward speeds. The clutch is single-disc, dry. If we talk about the transmission, the car has a very simple design that will not cause problems for car enthusiasts.

But the only drawback is that it is not easy to find the necessary spare parts, due to the fact that Luaz has long been discontinued. The parts themselves are quite affordable. Considering the reviews from the owners of this SUV, we can conclude that most of them are positive characteristics.

Suspension

The ride height is a respectable 280 millimeters. The type of front and rear suspension is independent, torsion bar, where there are trailing arms on the suspension axis. They also provided for the installation of hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers with double-sided operation.

Brake system. It was borrowed from Moskvich 412, which in turn does not indicate good quality. The drive is hydraulic, double-circuit. There is a hydraulic vacuum booster in the hydraulic drive circuit of the front wheels. The manual parking brake is of a lever-cable type and acts on the brakes of the rear wheels.

Steering

It does not have a hydraulic power steering wheel. The steering mechanism includes the presence of a globoidal worm with a double-ridge roller. The steering drive received a bipod, a longitudinal steering rod, a steering linkage with left and right pendulum arms, as well as steering knuckles.

The steering column looks good if you properly care for it, for example, regularly lubricate the steering rods with a syringe.
Wheel gearboxes often begin to leak. Therefore, it is necessary to have repair skills, which, by the way, you will acquire by repairing Luaz. Specifications

Length, mm	3390
Width, mm	1610
Height, mm	1780
Ground clearance, mm	280
Front track, mm	1325
Rear track, mm	1320
Wheelbase, mm	1800
Turning diameter, m	10
Curb weight, kg	960
Total weight, kg	1360
Drive unit	full
engine's type	petrol
Number of cylinders / arrangement	4/V-shaped
Engine power, hp/rpm	40/4200
Engine displacement, cm³	1200
Type of fuel	A-76
Fuel tank volume, l.	34
Maximum speed, km/h.	90
Fuel consumption in the urban cycle, l per 100 km.	15.0
Fuel consumption on the highway, l per 100 km.	10.0
Fuel consumption in the combined cycle, l per 100 km.	12.0
Gearbox type	mechanical, 4 gears
Front/rear suspension	independent, torsion bar
Front/rear brakes	Drums
Tire size	175/80 R13
Disk size	4.5JX 13

Folk retro. Mini-SUV LuAZ-969M: earthly adventures of the Lunokhod

The sound of a moving "Luazik" should have been patented at one time - it is very characteristic, heavily chattering, akin to a burst from a heavy machine gun. But, obviously, the creators of the unique Soviet all-terrain vehicle had no time for such sentimentality - they already had enough worries. The appearance of this transport and its “circulation among the people” is in itself something special - it’s as if it really fell from the moon. Maybe that’s why the corresponding nickname was assigned to him. Drom.ru recalls a car whose potential was widely revealed among the people, but the fate of the colorful character of the former domestic automobile industry could have been better.

Trace from the Ukrainian SSR

Now it makes no sense to evaluate the first LuAZ-969 and even its later version 969M from the point of view of generally accepted automotive standards. Even then it had to be treated exclusively as a special transport, let alone from the standpoint of the present time. Although the Luazik, perhaps like no other passenger car in the USSR, is associated with some living creature: a big-eyed muzzle with a brazenly upturned nose, a short “woolly” scruff, small but tenacious paws-wheels. For its miniature dimensions (length 3390 mm, width 1610 mm, wheelbase 1800 mm) it is too noisy and requires attention, but it is light (960 kg) and very crafty.

Moreover, no comparisons can be made with classic jeeps: the engine compartment here is pushed forward and is distinguished from below by a voluminous protective box, and under the bottom there is “emptiness” - neither the usual axles, nor cardans, nor springs, nor even springs are visible. The wheels don't seem to be attached to anything. What kind of “fildepers” layout is it, how is everything arranged and how does it generally drive?

It so happened that the development and serial production of LuAZ-969 in the USSR coincided with the study of the Earth’s natural satellite in the early 70s using special remote-controlled vehicles - Lunokhod-1 and Lunokhod-2. Some consonance and even external similarity predetermined among the people the same name for the car. However, there is no direct connection between them. The prototype for the Lutsk “king of off-road” was a purely military object - the so-called frontline transporter LuAZ-967, created by order of the Ministry of Defense in the 60s. The machine is extremely specific and extremely functional. A displacement body with an open top, quick-release side-tracks for overcoming ditches and trenches, a special arrangement of seats - with the driver's seat in the center and the ability to drive the car while lying down. A winch is provided in the bow - mainly as a means of covert evacuation of the wounded. The main technical solutions of the 967 formed the basis for the “civilian” SUV, although the body for it was designed completely differently

"Luazik", by a fortunate coincidence, was the result of the "merger" of two large projects: the launch of a mini-compact people's car of the ZAZ brand and the creation of an army "auxiliary" transporter. In this case, specialists from Ukrainian enterprises had a hand in the final development and birth of the machine. First in Zaporozhye, and then in the city of Lutsk, Volyn region, where in 1967 the country's first light all-terrain vehicle for private use began to be mass-produced.

Experienced ZAZ-969 (approximately 1964) as a prototype of the future LuAZ-969

In short, the Luazik concept was largely determined by the rear-engine Zaporozhets. The engine and gearbox were turned around and installed longitudinally at the front, of course, with a number of modifications. The result was an all-terrain vehicle with permanent front-wheel drive and a connected rear axle. The layout itself, as you know, is not exclusive, however, the design of the Luasika has many original solutions.

The first “civilian” LuAZ-969V had a very utilitarian appearance. A semi-supporting body is essentially a bare metal “pallet” without any finishing. Instead of normal windows there were canvas “curtains”, and the seats differed little from wooden chairs. Moreover, with the start of mass production in 1967, the car could not be equipped with drive units for the rear axle, that is, LuAZ turned out to be the first Soviet front-wheel drive car with a longitudinal engine layout. And the engine itself (MeMZ-969) with a volume of 0.9 liters and a power of 30 hp. I was more frightened by the noise than by the “driving”. And only in 1971 the SUV acquired plug-in all-wheel drive, and since 1975 it received a more suitable “magpie” - the MeMZ-969A engine with a volume of 1.2 liters and a power of 40 horsepower

Of the two main models, the most famous was the LuAZ-969M, produced from 1979 to 1996. Its main external differences were a modified (slightly narrowed and rounded) nose, a new windshield, metal door frames with sliding windows, and new door handles with locks. The front panel received a soft lining, and the front seats with leatherette coating were borrowed from the Zhiguli. By the way, in 1978 and 1979, the “969th” with the letter M appeared at international exhibitions in Italy and the Czech Republic, where it received high marks, including as one of the best cars for village residents. Subsequently, LuAZ-969M was also awarded export deliveries. In the USSR, its price was 1,700 rubles, which exceeded the cost of a regular Zaporozhets by only one average salary (approximately 100 rubles).

Rural minimalism

Today, finding a LuAZ-969M in complete stock and in good technical condition is a rare success. But it is still possible to find an almost standard version, at least without visible interventions in the power unit, chassis and body. We happened to meet just such a copy, released back in 1982 and still undamaged by any alterations. The main “hardware” is original, and some updates are more of a cosmetic nature: the seats, steering wheel, awning were replaced, the body was covered with “raptor”, small arch extensions and sill protection were made, wheels of the original size were installed, although with different wheels and tires, which gave some increase in gauge. The engine compartment, trunk and chassis are awaiting further attention.

If we ignore quality issues and other unsightly aspects of this SUV, then the design of the LuAZ chassis for its class and time is quite technically rational and even harmonious. Despite the “removal” forward, the four-stroke overhead valve engine of the V4 configuration with a 90-degree camber is relatively compactly located. By the way, even at the design stage of the first Zaporozhets, NAMI specialists created a “four” with an opposed cylinder arrangement (as an option), but in the end the competition was won by V4 as more suitable.

Behind the “radiator” grille is a frame with shutters. Above the compact camber (V4) of the air-cooled cylinders are a single-chamber carburetor and a “pan” of an inertia-oil (“wet”) type air cleaner - with a nylon filter packing and a 0.2-liter oil pan. In the front center of the engine is a blower fan casing on the same axis as the generator, with a belt drive. Three hydraulic cylinders in a row are separate front and rear brake circuits, as well as a clutch drive

And the “portrait” of the engine itself takes us back to the brutal “Iron Age”: separate cast-iron cylinders, rods and rocker arms in the valve drive, the lower camshaft and the oil pump are driven by gears. In addition, the cooling is forced air: from an 8-blade discharge fan mounted on the rear end of the generator shaft, and both are enclosed in a cast guide vane housing, effectively crowning the entire motor aesthetics - in appearance it resembles a turbojet engine.

The “barrel” on the engine panel is a standard heating installation. Frankly speaking, not a Webasto, but also an autonomous liquid (gasoline) interior heater that can operate even when the engine is turned off. It is also (after simple manipulations) a pre-heater for the engine at low temperatures. Moreover, through special pipes, hot air is supplied from above and below - into the camber of the cylinders and to the crankcase. After 20-30 minutes such a “bath”, a serviceable motor will come to life like a little one

There is a thermal control system and an oil cooler, as well as a centrifugal oil purifier. Since the moment of inertia of V4 is not balanced, the design also includes a balancing mechanism. Compression ratio 7.2, power 40 hp. (at 4300–4500 rpm), and the maximum torque of 74.5 Nm is achieved at 2700–3000 rpm. It would seem that, by all appearances, the unit is “indestructible”; at the same time, even the manufacturer himself indicated that the service life before the first overhaul was only 75,000 km, although the owners had to “put their hands in” even before this period.

The gearbox is of a longitudinal transaxle type, that is, in one block with the main gear, whose drive gear is combined with the secondary shaft. As a result, there is no classic “transfer case” with a separate cardan for a separate front axle. Moreover, the “Luaz” gearbox has an original off-road “kit”: four main synchronized gears are supplemented by a reduction gear with a number of 7.2, as well as a mechanism for engaging all-wheel drive, and the drive shaft to the rear gearbox is in a closed casing.

There are no unnecessary units, everything is strictly and symmetrical, although the length of the front and rear axle shafts is still different. The layout of the power unit and the body led to an “overweight” on the front axle: in running order it accounts for almost 62% of the mass, and at full load (load capacity 400 kg) the distribution is almost 50:50. In many cases, this is beneficial: a loaded drive axle is good for an SUV, although specifically for LuAZ it affects comfort and handling.

The rear axle is rigidly connected, and the cross-axle differential can be 100% locked. By the way, the prototype ancestor was originally planned to have a center differential, that is, a Full-time 4WD option, but it did not go into production. The designers also considered the front inter-wheel lock unnecessary, although it certainly wouldn’t have hurt for complete happiness, especially taking into account the not very large suspension travel.

Moreover, the suspension is completely independent and, what is important, it has no relationship with traditional automobile ones. Here there are longitudinal arms tied to transversely located forged torsion bars - the design is very similar to the design of the road wheels of many representatives of combat tracked vehicles, except that the “levers” are usually called balancers. Moreover, in LuAZ the axes of the levers run “deeply” in the base. Such suspension kinematics and the general structure of the body simply oblige the car to be prone to active “longitudinal exercises” - squats to the stern and especially nose dives. From the outside, this behavior greatly enlivens “Luazik”; he really looks like a playful animal.

The standard equipment for the wheels is diagonal tires model IV-167, size 5.90–13. According to the Soviet classification - with an all-terrain tread, and according to current ideas - specific mud tires, that is, the off-road class MT (Mud-Terrain). As an alternative, owners install the Soviet “snowflake” AI-168U - also no slouch in the mud

Next are wheel gearboxes with a gear ratio of 1.29 and external gear engagement, thanks to which, with such small “rollers” on 13-inch wheels, an impressive ground clearance of 280 mm is achieved (almost like that of a UAZ on “military” bridges). Due to the presence of additional volumes of oil (wheel gearboxes), as well as oil seals and anthers with their possible “leakage,” the Luasika chassis has always required increased attention and care.

Even without the awning removed, LuAZ claims to be an excellent camping transformer: the rear “curtain” can be “rolled up” not only for access to the trunk, but also to improve ventilation while driving. Full access to the rear part of the body is achieved by folding the side with the spare wheel down, which creates the “footboard-shelf-table” option and at the same time increases the trunk area. Cargo-passenger functions are enhanced by separately foldable rear seats

The peculiarities of entry, exit and landing on the LuAZ seats have become the talk of the town. And four individual seats are not at all a sign of a VIP salon, but such a functional and Spartan “idea”. And is it necessary to talk about the absence of “noise” if every flash in the cylinders and every revolution in the transmission best conveys the condition of the car. Today it is interesting to take everything as it is, because the Lunokhod is distinguished not only by its limited placement in the habitable module, but also by its unique controls. Starting with the original steering linkage, which is precisely the antipode of the very concept of “controllability”.

The vintage instrument panel does not have a tachometer, but there are indicators for on-board voltage and pressure in the lubrication system. And most importantly, there is an indicator of the operating temperature of the oil in the crankcase (bottom left) - in the absence of a liquid cooling system, this is the most important means of monitoring the engine operating mode. As indicated by the green zone on the scale, the normal operating range is from 70 to 110 degrees

But that's not the point. There is a characteristic “mirror” gear shift here - that is, first towards you, second away from you, and so on. The principle of activating the off-road arsenal also looks extraordinary. Activation of rear-wheel drive and downshift is sequentially assigned to one lever - this is quite normal and even widespread. However, unlike classic “jeeps” with their range, here the reduction gear with the number 7.2 acts “solely”, since when it is turned on, the main gearbox lever must always be in neutral without the ability to engage the entire number of gears. That is, structurally LuAZ does not tolerate retreats: in all-wheel drive mode and in low-speed mode - just forward! It is clear that there is no talk of any possibility of “swinging” in this case. The rear differential is locked using a separate lever near the seat cushion - and here you have a real off-road fighter.

LuAZ is in its element - on typical types of off-road it is like a duck to water, even in the standard version, although there is no limit to perfection for it

The same cannot be said about high-speed runs. Statements from the owners in the spirit of “holds the cell well” would be better suited for lunar conditions, but in our earthly realities, this is still a device for suburban “household” use and leisurely trips into nature. Nevertheless, the entire history of LuAZ is connected with the national idea to optimize and adapt an SUV for a wide range of tasks, to breathe into it what the domestic auto industry has not been able to develop for decades.

Folk tuning

On the one hand, LuAZ-969 is original, has charisma and is somehow good the way it was created, but this is only true for its time. Therefore, from the moment of its appearance, the car was simply doomed to the desire of its owners to improve and improve it in many aspects. And if in the Soviet period the possibilities for this were limited, then in modern times they were not shy about upgrading.

Perhaps the most harmless measures were measures to “humanize” the interior space: replacing the seats, steering wheel, installing a hard top with insulation, and sometimes with a “cutout” of additional side doors. All sorts of styling solutions in a practical “military” style are not excluded.

Of course, attempts to “bring to mind” the original engine never stopped. From upgrading the cooling system, air filtration, generating electricity to boosting, there is some potential for this. But in many cases, the most cherished desire was simply to replace the Memz with another, “normal” engine - with better power supply, liquid cooling, modern controls, more durable and repairable. With the choice of available V-shaped analogues, it is clear that the situation is “nothing”. Fitting in Subarov's boxer four, and even in a set with a manual transmission, taking into account the presence of a reduction gear, is an idea that is as wonderful as it is just as complicated. It all comes down to the discrepancy in width and other features.

The original MeMZ-969A and some “swap” options are carburetor engines with a cast iron block and an 8-valve head from the VAZ “classic”, as well as an aluminum 16-valve engine with distributed injection from a front-wheel drive “Japanese” with a transverse engine layout

Therefore, the source of mass “swap” was traditional “row” cars, usually with a volume of 1.3 to 1.6 liters. The simplest and most convenient option is VAZ units, although used imported engines, including diesels, are also used. However, even donor “engines” that are reasonable in displacement, size and weight overload the front end and worsen performance on and off-road. But the main thing is that “alien” motors with higher output become excessively powerful for the standard Luaz chassis - it already does not have a resource rating and cannot withstand intense loads. In order not to quickly fall apart and generally comply, serious retraining is required. Especially if larger wheels are installed with the new engine. In this case, it is necessary to change not only the pairs in the wheel gearboxes, but also in the gearbox.

The modernization of the suspension is carried out on all points: with the alteration of the pivot, steering, levers, with the installation of springs and other shock absorbers (or even pneumatic elements for adjustable ground clearance), with the replacement of drum brakes with disc brakes, and so on. The outputs of the original axle shafts at the gearbox and the rear gearbox are closed and everything is converted into driveshafts or drives on CV joints. Of course, craftsmen have long been equipping the front differential with a lock and “shamanizing” the main gear. There is now an opportunity to experiment with tires without much expense: tractor “Christmas tree” tires, ATV-style “bast shoes” and so on.

In general, there is room to develop the design. And of course, in the process of modifications, many cars then become objects of complex tuning, some examples of which we will give. In other cases (as with the project “Jigsaw from Lazarevskoye”), during long stages of refinement, only a recognizable appearance and some components and parts remain from LuAZ.

These are just some of the examples of popular tuning and modifications of the Lunokhod: from left to right: LuAZ-969M “Legend”, LuAZ-969M “Luntik” and LuAZ-969M “Lobzik from Lazarevskoye”

Conditional competitors

“Luazik” was not alone on a global scale. Suffice it to recall some of the NATO light SUVs of that time - if not direct analogues, then very similar equipment in ideology.

DKW Munga (1956–1968)

Comparable (length 3445 mm) with LuAZ and also with a front-mounted power unit combined with a transaxle gearbox - that is, without the use of a classic transfer case, and with permanent all-wheel drive through a center differential. Responsibility for movement is assigned to an in-line three-cylinder two-stroke engine with a volume of 0.9 liters and a power of 38 forces. The chassis is frame, but with a completely independent suspension, and transverse springs are used as elastic elements (pre-war decisions still have an effect).

Steyr Puch Haflinger (1959–1974)

This “carriage” is very small - length 2830 mm, and the engine located at the rear is actually a motorcycle engine - a two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine, but with forced air cooling, a volume of 643 cubic meters and a power of 24 horsepower. In general, the chassis looks very serious: it is based on the ideas of the Tatra and is a tubular-type backbone frame that combines transmission units. The suspension is completely independent on springs; the drive uses wheel gears. The rear wheels are driven, and the front wheels are driven.

M151 Mutt (1959–1982)

Developed by Ford, the M151 Mutt (Military utility tactical truck) with a length of 3380 mm in appearance and layout is generally reminiscent of the classic Jeep, but the technical solutions are much different. There is a monocoque body and a completely independent spring suspension, which, without the use of wheel gears, made it possible to ensure a low center of gravity and at the same time a high ground clearance of 240 mm. Four-cylinder petrol engine with a volume of 2.3 liters and a power of 71 hp, a 4-speed manual gearbox, and rigidly connected all-wheel drive.

VW Type 183 Iltis (1978–1988)

This SUV is slightly larger (length 3886 mm, curb weight 1300 kg), and the fairly elongated “nose” is due to the longitudinal layout of an in-line four-cylinder engine with a transaxle-type gearbox, with permanent drive to the front wheels and a rigid connection to the rear axle with forced locking of the cross-axle differential. There is a reduction gear, and the suspension is completely independent. That is, the drive scheme is very similar to Luazov’s, but the “Ferret” (Iltis) has 1.7 liter (75 hp) and 1.6 liter (70 hp) engines and does not have wheel drives. Moreover, the suspension uses transverse springs in the old fashioned way.

The Japanese are great masters in replicating “civilian” mini-all-terrain vehicles, and with the opening of borders, these products began to penetrate the Russian market. Moreover, we are talking about different concepts that in one way or another diversified our simple choice. Here are some very interesting examples.

Suzuki Jimny SJ (1981–1998)

An SUV of classic design - a frame, solid axles on springs, a transfer case with a rigid connection of the front axle and a reduction gear, but only in a miniature form. The Suzuki Jimny (also the LJ series) first appeared in 1970, but became widely known in the SJ version starting in 1981. The three-door body, 3353 mm long and 1465 mm wide, was “covered” with a metal top and weighed only 840 kg, and a 1.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 52 hp worked under the hood for a long time. paired with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Subaru Libero/Domingo (first generation, 1984–1993)

The minibus is of particularly small dimensions and has a very original design: with a body length of 3425 mm and a wheelbase of 1805 mm, the interior can accommodate six people, and the two rear seats can be folded out into a flat sofa. The body is supported by a frame, the suspension is independent, and the in-line three-cylinder engine with a horizontal block is mounted transversely at the rear, although its radiator is located in the bow of the body. With a volume of 1.2 liters, the engine develops a power of 52 hp, rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is also available - with a connected front axle or permanent all-wheel drive (Full-Time 4WD).

How could it be

The fate of "Luazik" could not but be affected by the appearance in 1977 of the "Niva" VAZ-2121 - an expensive, but not like mass-produced, and most importantly, a more versatile and reliable domestic SUV. It was difficult for the Lutsk all-terrain vehicle to compete, but it had to develop and establish its own niche.

The understanding of the emerging situation was as follows: back in the early 80s, work began on the “demilitarization” of the model with a change in the entire concept - while maintaining compact dimensions, a different, more convenient closed-type body was assumed, as well as a different, more “lightweight” chassis, partially unified with new model "Tavria". The car had the working designation LuAZ-1301.

Variants of the experimental LuAZ-1301, from left to right: 1984, 1988 and 2002

Moreover, in parallel, a group of Leningrad auto designers and engineers under the leadership of Gennady Khainov developed and created a full-scale sample of the Luaz Proto - a fresh and independent look at a small-sized transformable SUV that could become “our” answer to the emerging new SUV segment in the world.

Unfortunately, “everything is gone, boss.” It was only possible to extend the life of the veteran: at the beginning of the 90s, a small-scale version of the LuAZ-1302 appeared with an in-line engine from Tavria (MeMZ-245, 1.1 l, 53 hp), and a small number of cargo and other special variants were also produced. Or maybe LuAZ shouldn’t have strived to occupy the automobile segment? Maybe in the new conditions it was worth “groping” for narrower niches where until now it was possible to somehow act. For example, it would be logical for LuAZ to look like a light, utilitarian all-terrain vehicle similar to the current UTV (a kind of mixture of SUVs and mini-tractors). With different wheel arrangements (4x4, 6x6, 6x4) and body variations, with a choice of power plants... But in the “zeros” the topic of LuAZs was finally closed, and the reality is that we have to “finish” cars that were, in fact, half a century old.

Modifications

As you know, the TPK, which gave birth to our model, had several modifications, for example, three-axle cars. It is clear that “Volyn” itself has a considerable number of variations. Interestingly, the vast majority were already produced in post-Soviet times on the platform of the 1302 machine.

At one time, the enterprise tried to integrate into the laws of a market economy and manage to fulfill government orders. There is information about models that have a body, an extended wheelbase, a hard top, an extended rear overhang and four doors.

There was also a special version of “Foros”, which had a “jeeper” appearance and the original 6-wheeled floating “Geologist”. These transport models of the “birthmark” of the front line army vehicle could pass without difficulties in those places where the more massive models of GAZ, UAZ and Niva simply “gave up”.

Unit 969

LuAZ-969V - the model was produced from 1967 to 1971 and was a temporary version with front-wheel drive.
LuAZ-969 - the car was produced from 1971 to 1975. It was a serial variation and had a 4x4 wheel arrangement.
LuAZ-969A - produced from 1975 to 1979. The car represented the first modernization with the MeMZ-969A power unit.
LuAZ-969M is a car of the second modernization, produced from 1979 to 1992. The model came with an updated body.

Ignition system features

Since the civilian version of the car could not swim, the ignition systems were designed according to the classical scheme:

Battery-coil design with one spark plug per cylinder;
The battery is standard 6ST-55;
Alternating current generator G-501 (or G-502 on modifications);
Rectifier unit BVG-2A;
Blocking relay;
Fuses (6 pcs).

LuAZ 969 instrument panel with fuses.
Also on the instrument panel there are 2 thermometallic fuses with a nominal value of 20A for protection:

Heater electrical circuit;
Lighting of the body and engine compartment;
Plug sockets;
Sound signal;
Brake alarm systems (see also wiring diagram Niva 21213).

https://youtube.com/watch?v=tkANFBOcU8w

A bimetallic fuse is also used to protect the windshield washer and wiper circuit. It is installed under the hood and has a response threshold of 3.5A.

Reliability and safety

If we talk about the durability and reliability of this vehicle, then there are many conflicting opinions among drivers. A clear advantage is the Zaporozhye power system itself, which is included with the machine.

It is located in front, which avoids difficulties with its overheating. However, it also has its own rather significant drawback - low engine life.

Speaking about the devices themselves that ensure the safety of the driver and passengers of the car, this model simply does not have them. You won’t find seat belts or airbags here, which are simply “stuffed” with cars of the latest generations.

Such decisions can be explained quite easily - in those years when the car was being designed, no one thought much about it. Therefore, when driving such an off-road vehicle, you will be able to get unique sensations that cannot be found on modern jeeps.

LuAZ chassis

Steering tuning is a simple process of installing a power amplifier. The simplest option is an electric booster, but a hydraulic booster will be more affordable in terms of money and implementation. In this case, you will also have to rearrange the steering mechanism, although with good turner skills, the power steering can be implanted into the standard steering gear. If that makes sense.

Tuning the LuAZ suspension is not so critical. Rather, restoration may come in handy. The torsion bar suspension with longitudinal torsion bars is moderately rigid, the car does not require special asphalt stability, so it will be enough to simply put the levers in order, replace the springs and adjust the ground clearance depending on whether the rims are replaced or not. There is hardly any need to make the suspension softer, rather the opposite. Typically, on Volynets, anti-roll bars are installed on an additional bracket, then the car copes better with rolls when overcoming difficult terrain.

Prices and options

Since the vehicle was discontinued from serial production a long time ago, it is only possible to buy it second-hand. To ensure that the choice is not wrong, you need to carefully find a car and review a whole stack of advertisements.

It often happens that the car has been subject to corrosion, and it is very unpleasant when the rust eats away the bottom. Generally speaking, the Bagpipe has always had such a drawback, so after the purchase, car owners often have no choice but to weld the body in a new way.

Although, if you look at its cost from a different perspective, which ranges from $200 to $1,000, the compact Soviet SUV can be forgiven, if not everything, then a lot. It’s interesting that you can find advertisements online where Lutsk cars are for sale from $3,000 to $5,000.

It is clear that based on such a cost, the technical condition of these machines is as if they had recently rolled off the assembly line, or they had been tuned. Although the easiest way is to buy a model for $200 and then “upgrade” it with your own efforts, provided that you have free time.

Restoring the geometry of the front suspension arms

At one time, taking as a standard a couple of not yet deformed levers with unworn bushings, I made this jig:

A conductor was made to ensure the possibility of welding levers in it, including to suit their different lengths. However, until recently I used it only to control the geometry of the levers. And last weekend I finally got around to using it for more serious work. We haven’t gotten around to lengthening the levers yet, but we managed to try out the technology of over-welding the lever, replacing its fork and restoring the original geometry.

The reinforced levers on the car have already been worn out for about 100 thousand years. Reinforced with an additional layer of three-millimeter metal welded onto them, with an enlarged box, they actually somehow supported the increased load from installing wider tires with a larger offset and a heavier engine. During this time, the left lever was practically not deformed, but the right one, more often subject to strong impacts, eventually floated and by the time of repair the negative camber angle on this side had already reached several degrees. The second problem was a broken socket in the lever fork under the lower king pin. I tried to solve the problem by making the kingpin at the same time as its cover. However, this was done by welding standard parts and practice has shown that a high-quality connection between the king pin and the cover was not possible - after some time the weld seam broke and the king pin began to move back into the lever bore. However, this experience will be the topic of a separate post. It became clear that the problem could only be solved by replacing the lever or at least its fork. Since making a new reinforced lever turned out to be problematic, it was decided to make do with replacing the fork itself, taken from the old scrap lever. Moreover, the condition of the lever bushings turned out to be quite acceptable for continued operation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros of the car

Good off-road performance;
Spacious interior;
Low cost of repaired parts;
Low cost of the machine;
Small dimensions of the car;
You can upgrade it yourself;
Ease of Management;
Inexpensive to repair;
Acceptable ride height;
Good maintainability;
Canvas top;
Not a bad gearbox.

Cons of the car

Not reliable and not long-lasting LuAZ engine;
Low sound insulation;
Hard chairs;
Low maximum speed;
Lack of security devices and systems;
The presence of a canvas top;
High tendency of body metal to corrosion;
It is not easy to find the necessary parts for a car;
Hot in summer, cold in winter;
Small wheels;
Weak engine;
Meager interior;
Noisiness;
There is no water cooling of the power unit.

Description of the tractor from LuAZ

As practice shows, a homemade tractor copes well with any land work. On it you can:

cultivate (loosen) the soil;
harrow;
remove weeds;
form beds;
mow the grass;
apply organic and mineral fertilizers;
plant and harvest potatoes;
transport goods.

Of course, it will not be possible to produce a large tractor capable of handling hectares of land. But assembling an inexpensive, compact and reliable mini tractor with your own hands from LuAZ is quite possible. This is confirmed by numerous video and photo reports, which are easy to find online on specialized forums.

Let's sum it up

Despite the simplicity of the interior and unstylish appearance, the LuAZ-969M is perfect for lovers of fishing and hunting and will find its use in rural areas. The advantages include: low price of the car, ease of repair, abundance of various spare parts, good off-road capability.

There are, of course, disadvantages: the lack of an attractive interior, appearance and comfortable seats, a rather weak engine, narrow wheels, which will sink into the ground especially when loading the car, lack of water cooling.

But for such a price, the vehicle can be forgiven for many shortcomings. The car lends itself perfectly to various improvements and modernizations to suit your taste and preferences.

Of course, due to the weak power unit, the model is in many ways not as playful as we would like, but for a calm and measured trip, or hunting and fishing, it is perfect. You can put a large number of necessary things in the car.

In winter, the cabin is not as warm as we would like, so it will be necessary to take warm clothes with you. The interior itself can also be redone by improving its upholstery and front panel. No one could have thought that the Lutsk car would become so popular, but it happened.

We advise you to read the article: History of the Lutsk Automobile Plant

Modifications[edit | edit code]

Family "969"[edit | edit code]

ZAZ-969V
/
LuAZ-969V
/
LuMZ-969V
(1966 or 1967—1971 or 1972) - temporary version, front-wheel drive;
ZAZ-969
/
LuAZ-969
(1971-1975) - serial with a 4x4 wheel arrangement;
LuAZ-969A
(1975-1979) - first modernization, MeMZ-969A engine;
LuAZ-969M
(1979-1996) - second modernization, updated body;

Family "1301" (experimental)[edit | edit code]

The project to update the LuAZ SUV model range is not to be confused with the next LuAZ-1301 platform.

LuAZ-1301
(experimental car of 1984) - is a platform (chassis and engine) of LuAZ-969 (the “969M” modification was taken as the basis) with a new body. Later the engine was replaced with a motor from Tavria.

Family "1302"[edit | edit code]

Options with liquid-cooled engines, mainly MeMZ-245. Production ended May 9, 2002[5]

LuAZ-13021
(prototype) - a cargo modification of the LuAZ-969M with a base extended by 200 mm and a cargo platform[6]. Subsequently, the type of onboard body was changed, and the base for the production model became 1302;
LuAZ-13021
is a serial flatbed truck with a carrying capacity of 400 kg[7]. Some options were equipped with a gearbox from Moskvich-2141 without drive to the rear axle;
LuAZ-13021-03
- modification of model 13021 with a normal rigid cabin and a sunroof;
LuAZ-13021-04
is a long-wheelbase cargo-passenger modification of model 1302, created for mobile repair teams to maintain power lines and pipelines. There are four seats in the double cab; up to 250 kg of cargo can be transported on a shortened cargo platform[8];
LuAZ-1302-05 “Foros”
(1998) - a commercial modification of the LuAZ-1302 with a 37-horsepower Italian diesel engine “Lombardini” LDW-1404 and an open body with roll bars[9].
LuAZ-13021-07
- a variant of model 13021-04 with an extended van-type body with a fiberglass top and a metal tailgate[8]
LuAZ-13021-08
is a modification of model 13021-07 for the Ambulance service. The top is made of fiberglass. To conveniently accommodate stretchers, the rear part of the body has been lengthened by more than 600 mm, resulting in an increased rear overhang. The body has four doors: one on the left, two on the right and a rear one[8]

LuAZ-969 photo

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Car ZAZ Chance

KamAZ-5511

Features of wiring in this model

Let us note right away that in the production of the cars in question, economy has always been a priority, so you can find models with one drive axle (there were simply not enough of these units at one time) and other solutions that reduced the cost, but negatively affected the reliability and durability of the structure.

The following factors can be noted:

Most cars were equipped with a generator without an integrated board; it did not differ in power, so when idling, most often the battery was not charged, which had a very negative impact on the operation of the battery and sometimes, especially in the cold season, the battery could simply run out.

This diagram is valid for all cars manufactured from March 1981 to August 1986, equipped with a generator without an integrated board

But generators with an integrated circuit worked much better; they were distinguished by better charging and stable operation of the design. The wiring diagram is similar to the one above, the only difference is in the generator unit. You can easily see the difference yourself by comparing the diagrams in the photo; the generator is indicated by the number 8.

Read more: Replacing a fog lamp on a Renault Logan

An improved version of the generator caused changes in the circuit

The wires themselves are not reliable and over time they begin to burn out, rot, or the insulation simply dries out and collapses. There are some simple tips on how to extend the life of the system with your own hands, but this will require time and effort - you need to lay all the harnesses in special corrugations and protect all contacts by installing high-quality terminals and protecting them with heat-shrinkable tubing.
The electrical wiring of the LuAZ requires constant inspection in order to identify faults at the stage of their development, since if you get stuck in the middle of off-road conditions, the work will become much more complicated.
In the nineties, cars began to be equipped with ignition switches without locking the steering column, which again caused a change in the circuit, but this is not so fundamental. In general, it can be noted that the design has remained virtually unchanged, therefore, having understood one modification, you can easily understand all the others.
In order to better understand which electricity consumers are included in the system, look at the circuit diagram below. This is a kind of instruction that will help you understand how the circuit works and what is included in it.

From this picture it is easy to understand the features of LuAZ electrical equipment

General description of the family

(1967-69);
(1969-75);
(1975-1979);
(1979-1992);

Also closely related to it are automobiles:
The transmission output signal is transmitted through the driveshaft to one or more differentials, while a differential may also provide gear transmission, its main purpose is to allow the wheels at either end of the axle to rotate at different speeds as it changes direction of rotation. Early gears included right angle drives and other gearing in windmills, horsepower and steam engines, in support of pumping, milling, most modern gearboxes are used to increase torque while reducing the speed of the prime mover output shaft.

LuAZ-1302
;
LuAZ-2403
;
LuAZ-1301
;

LuAZ-969 was the first-born of the domestic automotive industry in a number of ways. It was the first domestic front-wheel drive car (version “969B” without rear axle drive); the first SUV that was a consumer item, that is, officially sold “for personal use”; the first production domestic car created specifically for the needs of village residents.

This means that the transmission shaft rotates at a lower speed than the input shaft. The gearbox can be set to the opposite and provides increased speed as torque decreases. Some of the simplest gearboxes simply change the direction of rotation of the power transmission.

Many typical automotive transmissions include the ability to select one of several ratios, in which case the majority of the ratios are used to slow the engine's output speed and increase torque. Volyn region - Volyn region is a region in the north-west of Ukraine. Kovel is the westernmost city, and the last station in Ukraine is the line from Kyiv to Warsaw. During the interwar period, much of the territory, organized as Volyn Voivodeship, was under Polish control, many Ukrainians rejoiced at reunification, but the Polish minority suffered a cruel fate.

The functional design and simplified bodywork, which provided only the most minimal comfort, corresponded to the purpose of the car, and its cross-country ability is outstanding to this day.

The car caused and still causes polar assessments and opinions. Many owners note the very high cross-country ability and practicality of LuAZ vehicles. Others criticize them for their low quality of workmanship, low comfort, very difficult access to the front seats, labor-intensive maintenance and lack of dynamics. Objectively, this car was generally not bad for what it was created for - use in rural areas, mainly on bad roads, where high maximum speed is not important, and good interior trim only makes it more difficult to clean it from the dirt that is inevitable in such conditions. The obvious disadvantage of the car was the Zaporozhets engine - noisy and not powerful enough, which was corrected in later modifications.

Thousands of Poles, especially retired Polish officers and intellectuals, were deported to Siberia, most of these deportees died in the extreme conditions of Soviet labor camps, and most of them were never able to return to Volhynia. The region became the basis of several networks, and many members of the population served the guerrillas. Poles in the area of part of the Polish Army. When they became disillusioned with the Nazi program, they began to target all non-citizens for elimination. Most Poles remaining in the region were forced to leave for the Recovered Territories of western Poland, whose German population had been expelled.

Light SUVs of similar class for the army or village residents were also created abroad - for example, the West German DKW Munga (1956-1968), Haflinger (1959-1974) and Volkswagen Iltis (1978-1988), the East German one, adopted for service The Soviet army as a TPK is a “front line transporter.”

During the Korean War (1949-53), there was a need for a lightweight, floating all-terrain vehicle for transporting ammunition, evacuating the wounded from the battlefield, reconnaissance, towing light guns and mortars, and similar tasks. GAZ-69, for all its positive qualities, was not quite suitable for performing these functions, just like the overly specialized amphibian GAZ-46 (MAV - “small waterfowl vehicle”) created on its basis.

Some of the Ukrainians on the side, especially around the city of Kholm, were also forcibly resettled in Ukraine. The area experienced rapid industrialization, including the construction of the Lutsk Automobile Plant, yet the area remains one of the most rural areas of the former Soviet Union.

Disc Brake - Motion energy is converted into waste heat which must be dissipated. Hydraulic disc brakes are the most commonly used form of brake for cars; compared to drum brakes, disc brakes provide better stopping because the disc cools more easily. As a result, discs are less susceptible to brake fade caused by overheating brake components, and disc brakes also recover faster from sinking. Most drum brake designs have at least one leading shoe that produces a servo effect, and this tends to give the driver better feel and help avoid impending lockup.

Development began in the mid-fifties in NAMI by a group led by B. M. Fitterman. The prototype, designated NAMI-049 (some sources mention the all-terrain vehicle’s own name - “Ogonyok”), was ready by 1958. It had a fiberglass body with a reinforced load-bearing base, independent torsion bar suspension on trailing arms, permanent drive to the front and rear axles connected through a lockable center differential, lockable axle differentials, wheel drives and a 22 hp MD-65 motorcycle engine. The latter turned out to be too weak, had a short resource and did not develop the proper traction properties. In addition, the plastic body turned out to be too fragile.

Drums are also prone to bellhousing penetration and trapping of lining wear material in the assembly, with the brake rotor typically made of cast iron, but in some cases it may be made of composites such as reinforced carbon-carbon or ceramic matrix composites. However, the choice of metals during this period meant that he had to use copper as the braking medium acting on the disc. Instead of a disc with a caliper compressing on it, this system used twin discs that were rubbed onto the surface of a cast iron brake drum.

The second sample was designated NAMI-049A. Specialists from NAMI and the Zaporozhye plant, who in those years were working on the project of the Zaporozhets small car, were involved in its participation. For the military amphibian, one of the engine options designed for the Zaporozhets was considered suitable - a V-shaped, four-cylinder, air-cooled. Further work on the small car and the amphibian was carried out in parallel.

The discs move apart to create friction against the surface of the drum through the action of standard wheel cylinders. Servo. In control engineering, a servo mechanism, sometimes shortened to servo, is an automatic device that uses negative error feedback to correct the action of the mechanism. It typically includes a built-in encoder or other position feedback mechanism to ensure that the output achieves the desired effect, a term properly applied only to systems in which feedback or error correction signals help control mechanical position, speed, or other parameters.

The NAMI-049A engine was basically unified with the serial engine of the Zaporozhets, but it also had significant differences - first of all, on the Zaporozhets the engine was located at the rear and was not cooled by the incoming air flow, which required the introduction of forced air cooling using a fan ( However, the ZAZ engine still often overheated in hot weather, and on the future LuAZ, on which it was installed at the front, even despite greater loads, such a tendency was not observed).

For example, the power window control is not a servo mechanism. In contrast, car cruise control uses closed-loop feedback, which classifies it as a servo mechanism, the general type of servo provides position control. Typically servos are electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic, and they operate on the principle of negative feedback, where the control input is compared with the actual position of the mechanical system as measured by some kind of output transducer.

Any difference between the actual and desired values is amplified and used to control the system as necessary to reduce or eliminate the error. This procedure is a widely used application of control theory; typical servo motors can produce either rotary or linear output. Speed control through a governor is another type of servomechanism, a steam engine uses mechanical governors, another early application is regulating the speed of water wheels. Many autofocus cameras also use a servo mechanism to move the lens precisely, and the hard drive has a magnetic servo system with micromimeter precision.

In addition, instead of a plastic body, they used an open steel one with an awning, abandoned the center differential, and made the rear axle disengageable. The suspension was strengthened to enable parachute landing. The driver's seat was placed in the middle of the car, the orderly sat with his back to him, and the sides of the body were occupied by stretchers with the wounded. There was no propeller - on water the car moved by rotating the wheels, so compared to “real” amphibians it was less adapted to swimming, but more suited to moving on land.

In industrial machines, servos are used to perform complex movements, a servo motor is a special type of motor that is combined with a rotary encoder or potentiometer to form a servomechanism. This assembly, in turn, can become part of another servomechanism. Potentiometers are subject to drift with temperature changes, while sensors are more stable, servo motors are used for both high and low performance applications. At the high end are precision industrial components that use a rotary encoder, at the low end are low-cost radio-controlled servos used in radio-controlled models that use a free-running motor and a simple potentiometer position sensor with a built-in controller.

In its final form, the car received the designation LuAZ-967 and began to be produced in Lutsk in 1961. Before this, the plant repaired vans, manufactured shower units and TSM-6.5 conveyors for silage.

People's love

“Volyn” became famous among the people. She is both loved and hated, but she is clearly not treated with indifference. You can even judge this by the car’s nicknames: the already mentioned “zhuzhik”, “Bagpipes”, “Luntik/Lunokhod”, “jerboa”, “Cheburashka”, etc.

The first popular “rogue” is a great seller to this day, and the reason is not only its outstanding off-road qualities. The almost complete lack of comfort opens up scope for tuning the LuAZ 969, which attracts craftsmen.

You can buy a LuAZ 969 today in several ways:

- from private hands. The price is individual, depending on mileage and condition. There are cases when they sell completely new cars, with a mileage of a couple of kilometers and in perfect condition, the car has just been in the garage for 20-25 years. Collectors are willing to pay a lot of money, which sellers naturally know.

– buy a LuAZ 969 from conservation. Mothballed LuAZs are cars written off from reserve in military units and sold to private individuals. Please note that this way you can only buy early versions, and the condition of the cars can be either close to ideal or practically ruined. In addition, it is necessary to properly depreserve the car and prepare it for use.

Stages of work on making a mini tractor with your own hands

The first step is to create the frame. This design is rectangular in shape.

To make it you will need:

steel sheets,
channels,
body parts or water pipes.

The front and rear axles can be removed from the LUAZ or you can use axle shafts from the T-25 by replacing the hubs. If the car’s engine is working normally, then leave it, otherwise use the engine from another vehicle.

The engine is installed either gasoline or diesel. The second one is becoming more popular due to its efficiency. For mini-tractors, a motor from a walk-behind tractor is suitable. You can buy a new one or use one removed from an old walk-behind tractor on the farm.

Then they install the rims and wheels from the main car or use modified rims from the GAZ-21.

When the base of the tractor is assembled, we move on to creating the hydraulic system.

So the next step is to install the hydraulics, transmission, steering and clutch.

Most modern tractors are equipped with a power take-off shaft (PTO). This is a unit that transmits movement from the motor to the attachment. Instead, an NSh-10 pump, a P80 distributor and a hydraulic cylinder are also installed.

The pump can be controlled (turned on and off at the right time) if you install a switchable drive. It can be taken from the Ural motorcycle. You need to remove the shift fork, 2 gears, shaft and splined couplings. In order for the shaft to be put on the sprocket, it must be cut and then extended by 5 cm. The drive housing is welded from 40x40 corners, the chain and sprocket will fit from a Planet motorcycle. Such a pump will operate at 1000 rpm.

Each master thinks through the assembly of the upper part of the tractor in his own way. The ingenuity and imagination of the designer is important here

It is important that the seat is comfortable and has weather protection.

Before you start assembling a homemade mini tractor, you need to purchase all the necessary tools and materials for this task. In addition, you will need a welding machine to firmly connect the main parts of the unit.

And there should be a detailed diagram at hand, on which the dimensions and parameters will be indicated, and everything is thought out to the smallest detail. Without it, during the assembly process you will have to constantly adjust the parts to the desired size.

Homemade tractors are in no way inferior to ready-made models. If they are assembled correctly and conscientiously, they will last quite a long time, and if necessary, replacing failed parts will not be difficult.

A tractor assembled with your own hands can be adapted for any land work. On it you can:

carry out soil cultivation;
remove weeds;
mow the grass;
fertilize the soil;
form beds;
plant and dig up potatoes;
transport heavy loads.

The range of uses of this unit is much wider, but the main purpose is planting various crops and harvesting. If you think through and add attachments to the machine for clearing snow, then it can be successfully used to clear areas of snow debris. It will not be difficult for a craftsman who has managed to assemble a mini-tractor to construct such equipment.

Some features of repair work

If you have any malfunctions, you should fix them immediately. The work is not complicated, because there are no electronics in the system; we will consider only the most general recommendations, without delving into the process.

Maintenance

For work, you will need a simple set of tools and a tester, with which you can quickly and accurately diagnose the system and check the presence of current in a particular node.

In general, here are some tips:

If the generator does not provide high-quality charging, it is best to replace it, and there can be many options - from VAZ units to foreign cars, the main thing is to choose the optimal configuration of the equipment so that you can get by with a minimum number of alterations, most often you need a bracket, the rest is adjusted locally.

If you are installing a more powerful generator, use this circuit

When replacing individual cores, be sure to follow the color coding, otherwise it will be difficult to figure out what goes where. That is, if you change the red wire, then replace it with a new product of the same color. When the required option is not available, you can temporarily use what you have, but then be sure to replace it with the correct one.

This connection is not allowed

Pay special attention to all connections, as they are the most common cause of malfunctions. Twists and electrical tape are unacceptable; you must purchase crimping pliers, place terminals on all ends of the wires, and cover the crimping area with heat-shrink tubing

In some cases, you can make a connection using a soldering iron, but after that it must be carefully tinned and covered with the same heat shrink.

This is what a correctly assembled contact looks like