🚛 M35 2½-Ton Cargo Truck Asbestos Exposure
(“Deuce and a Half”) Army Corps of Engineers
The M35 “Deuce and a Half” was a 2½-ton cargo truck widely used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the 1950s through the late 1980s. Designed for off-road cargo transport, troop movement, and equipment hauling, this reliable vehicle supported military construction efforts around the world. But many of these trucks were built with asbestos-containing parts, putting mechanics and operators at risk.
Asbestos was commonly used in the M35’s brake pads, clutch linings, engine insulation, and gaskets—chosen for their heat resistance and durability. Routine field maintenance, including brake replacement and engine repair, often released microscopic asbestos fibers into the air, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated repair zones.
🚛 M35 “Deuce and a Half” – Army Corps of Engineers – What You’ll Learn from This Page:
🛠️ M35 cargo trucks used asbestos in brakes, clutches, and insulation, which wore down frequently and required extensive handling during repairs.
⚖️ Mechanics, drivers, and motor pool workers who maintained or operated these trucks may be eligible for asbestos claims, trust fund payouts, and VA benefits.
🔧 Dust from brake drum sanding, clutch removal, or gasket replacement presented inhalation hazards in tight field environments.
💰 Over $30 billion remains in asbestos trust funds, with average settlements between $300,000 and $600,000+ for exposed individuals.
🎖️ VA benefits often exceed $3,800/month for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma or related asbestos diseases from M35 truck work.
⏳ Asbestos-related claims involving M35 vehicles often settle between $1M and $1.4M, with some verdicts exceeding $5 million.
📋 Free legal evaluations and claims assistance are available from firms experienced in military vehicle asbestos exposure.
Estimated Number of People Exposed via M35 Cargo Trucks
| Exposure Category | Estimated Number of People Exposed |
|---|---|
| Occupational Exposure (mechanics, operators, support staff) | Over 72,000 |
| Secondary Exposure (family members from contaminated gear) | Around 10,000 |
| Environmental Exposure (motor pools, garages, storage yards) | Nearly 25,000 |
| Product-Based Exposure (asbestos parts in supply chains) | About 18,000 |
Total Estimated Exposure: Over 125,000 people.
Why Asbestos Was Used in the M35
-
Brake Pads & Shoes – Required heat resistance for frequent stopping in heavy-load conditions
-
Clutch Assemblies – Asbestos linings improved performance under stress
-
Engine & Exhaust Insulation – Used to manage high temperatures and prevent leaks
-
Gasket Materials – Sealed engine components and resisted high heat and pressure
Corps of Engineers Use of M35 Cargo Trucks
| Deployment Area | Primary Use | Example Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Sites | Equipment and material transport | Dams, airfields, roads |
| Military Installations | Personnel movement and supply runs | CONUS bases and overseas posts |
| Remote Engineering Projects | Field support for mobile operations | Flood zones, bridge builds |
Personnel at Risk from M35 Asbestos Exposure
| Job Role | Estimated Number Exposed |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Mechanics | Over 8,100 repaired brakes and engines |
| Drivers | Around 6,000 operated aging trucks |
| Maintenance Crews | Approx. 4,200 replaced asbestos parts |
| Depot & Supply Staff | 3,400 handled contaminated components |
Total Exposure: Over 21,700 Corps personnel.
Asbestos Exposure Points on the M35
-
Brake Systems – Dust created during drum sanding and pad replacements
-
Clutch Housing – Fiber release during removal and reinstallation
-
Engine Compartments – Gaskets and insulation disturbed during repair
-
Firewall & Underhood Insulation – Worn asbestos wraps shed fibers over time
Common Asbestos Parts in M35 Trucks
-
Brake pads and drums
-
Clutch discs and linings
-
Cylinder head and manifold gaskets
-
Exhaust pipe insulation
-
Engine compartment thermal shields
Long-Term Health Risks from M35 Exposure
-
Mesothelioma – Incurable cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen
-
Asbestosis – Chronic lung scarring that impairs breathing
-
Lung Cancer – Caused or worsened by asbestos inhalation
-
Pleural Plaques – Hardened areas in the lungs or chest cavity
Sample M35 Asbestos Lawsuit Settlements
| Settlement Amount | Case Description |
|---|---|
| $3.1 million | Army Corps mechanic exposed while servicing M35 trucks |
| $2.6 million | Fleet driver with mesothelioma from in-cab dust and engine repairs |
| $2.3 million | Depot worker exposed through brake and gasket handling |
| $1.9 million | Veteran technician worked in confined motor pools with poor ventilation |
Companies Linked to M35 Asbestos Parts
-
Bendix – Brake and clutch parts
-
Raybestos – Friction products
-
Johns-Manville – Thermal insulation
-
Federal-Mogul – Gaskets and seals
-
Owens Corning – Engine bay insulation and panels
Trust Fund Compensation for M35 Mechanics
-
More than $30 billion in asbestos trust funds
-
Average payouts: $300,000 to $600,000+
-
Claims accepted even decades after exposure
-
Filing does not impact VA benefits
VA Benefits for Veterans Exposed to M35 Trucks
-
$3,800+/month for service-connected mesothelioma
-
Specialized care in VA hospitals for asbestos-related cancers
-
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving families
-
Priority healthcare access for affected veterans
Filing a Claim for M35 Asbestos Exposure
-
Get a medical diagnosis of asbestos-related disease
-
Gather service records showing M35 exposure
-
Consult an experienced attorney for trust or lawsuit filing
-
Receive compensation—typically within 6 to 12 months
Statute of Limitations
-
Injury Claims: Within 2–3 years of diagnosis
-
Wrongful Death: Within 2–3 years of death
-
Trust Claims: Flexible deadlines still apply
M35 Cargo Truck Asbestos Exposure FAQs
Q: Did all M35 trucks contain asbestos?
Yes. Models produced through the 1980s used asbestos parts throughout.
Q: Can I file decades later?
Yes. Many veterans file long after their service ended.
Q: Do claims affect VA benefits?
No. You can file legal or trust claims separately from VA benefits.
Q: Can family members file on behalf of deceased veterans?
Yes. Survivor claims are valid and often successful.
📞 Legal Help for M35 Cargo Truck Asbestos Exposure
Call 800.291.0963 for a free case evaluation.
Get help filing asbestos trust fund claims and lawsuits from legal professionals familiar with Army Corps vehicles.