Wunderbar 1973 Doka 404 Unimog

Eighty to 90 percent of Unimog 404s in the U.S. are military surplus. So says 'Mog meister Scott Ingham, owner of Expedition Imports. He notes that most 'Mogs are ex-German, Belgian, French, or Swiss army. So, class, with these 'Mog facts we dive into today's lesson on this cool 404, which is owned by Matt McKee of Camarillo, California. This rig is in fact ex-military (from Belgium), but it has undergone several mods that make it unique in the 'Mog world.

McKee, an HVAC contractor, purchased the rig seven years ago and since that time has wheeled it over many of the west coast hotspots, including Truckhaven Hills, Stoddard Valley, The Hammers, and Hungry Valley. "They [Unimogs] are a more-than-capable stock rig that are known for their dependability. My mantra has been 'go stock or go home,'" McKee says.

How attached is McKee to his rig? He says, "The Unimog is a member of our family, and I have been forbidden from ever parting with it. We've had great times in the 'Mog and we have met a lot of great people."

Specifications
General
Owner/Hometown: Matt McKee/Camarillo, California
Vehicle/Model: '73 Mercedes Unimog 404
Estimated value: $25,000

Engine
Type: Mercedes 2.2L I-6
Aspiration: Pallas-Zenith two-barrel carburetor, high-compression head Output, hp/torque (estimated): 95/111

Drivetrain
Transmission/Transfer Case: UG1/11 with PTO and supplemental crawler gear VOG1/11

Suspension
Front: Coil springs, torque tube, shocks, track bar
Rear: Coil springs, torque tube, shocks, track bar

Axles/Differentials
Front: Portal/factory mechanical locker
Rear: Portal/factory mechanical locker
Final drive: 7.56:1

Wheels/Tires
Wheels: 20-inch, stock
Tires: 335/80R20 Continental MPT81

This 404 was originally a two-door model, but it was converted to a four-door, also known as a "Doka," in 'Mog-speak. The cab was extended 36 inches and the front of the bed shortened by the same amount. The cab was constructed using 16-gauge steel and utilizes doors available from Expedition Imports. The rear seats are actually front seats on custom mounts. The custom arctic camo paint is identical on both sides of the vehicle. The rig rolls on 335/80R20 (approximately 40 inches tall) Continental MPT81 tires mounted to stock steel wheels.
This 404 was originally a two-door model, but it was converted to a four-door, also known
Deep water isn't a problem, thanks to the custom snorkel made from 3-inch-diameter exhaust tubing.
Deep water isn't a problem, thanks to the custom snorkel made from 3-inch-diameter exhaust

Under the hood is the standard-issue Mercedes M180 straight-six gasoline engine. Displacement is 138 cubic inches (2.2 liters), and from the factory it was rated at approximately 82 horsepower. This particular engine was modified with a high-compression head from Expedition Imports, which boosts the output to approximately 96 horsepower. The engine also has a Pertronix ignition and a block heater. Unimogs use a 24-volt electrical system, and this rig has dual batteries to power the electronics.
Under the hood is the standard-issue Mercedes M180 straight-six gasoline engine. Displacem
Up front is a standard 'Mog portal axle with the factory mechanical locker. One of the cool things about portal axles is that they offer incredible ground clearance in addition to their inherent hub reduction gearing. The suspension is bone-stock and consists of coil springs, shocks, track bar, and torque tube. The Unimog suspension doesn't use radius arms or four-link bars on the front and rear solid axles. Instead, they use a torque tube at each axle. These tubes surround the front and rear driveshafts. The result is increased ground clearance and great flex. The steering is mounted high and out of harm's way, and the tie-rod travels on the backside of the axle.
Up front is a standard 'Mog portal axle with the factory mechanical locker. One of the coo
The rear suspension consists of coil springs, shocks, track bar, and torque tube. Like the front, the rear axle has a factory mechanical locker. Unimog fact: From the factory, the cab-mounted locker lever engages both lockers at the same time via long linkages.
The rear suspension consists of coil springs, shocks, track bar, and torque tube. Like the

Inside, the front portion of the 'Mog's custom Doka cab is mostly stock, hula girl notwithstanding. Shift instructions for the über-collection of shifters are present and in the German language. The interior is delightfully utilitarian. It has a custom six-point rollcage made from thick-walled tubing and the 'cage and floor have been Line-X'd.
Inside, the front portion of the 'Mog's custom Doka cab is mostly stock, hula girl notwith
The UG1/11 six-speed transmission and transfer case is one unit in the Unimog. This unit is made of cast steel and has been modified with PTO capability. This unit has also been modified by Expedition Imports with supplementary crawler gear VOG1/11. According to McKee, these gears give the 'Mog the ability to crawl at approximately 347:1. In this photo, you can also see the aforementioned front torque tube as well as the linkage that activates the front locker.
The UG1/11 six-speed transmission and transfer case is one unit in the Unimog. This unit i

The front bumper has been extended with custom brackets, and it holds a Pierce 24-volt 12,000-pound winch and a Hi-Lift jack.
The front bumper has been extended with custom brackets, and it holds a Pierce 24-volt 12,
Lowering the tailgate reveals a wood-floored bed that holds a diamond-plate storage box and a number of tie-downs and mounts so McKee can haul just about anything.
Lowering the tailgate reveals a wood-floored bed that holds a diamond-plate storage box an
Unimogs are unique in that the body and bed mounts are specially designed to allow the frame to flex unhindered. When the bed on this 'Mog was modified, the mounts were modified to flex as stock.
Unimogs are unique in that the body and bed mounts are specially designed to allow the fra