CUCV II
Chevrolet had been building a few CUCV's since the 1986 model year, mainly in low numbers to accommodate military markets that need replacements or other units that need this style of vehicle. In 1996 Chevrolet decided to start building a new generation of a CUCV to try and regain their marketplace in this niche. Mostly the
US Air Force were buying small quantities of these units and then GM dubbed them as the CUCV II generation. These were produced through 2001 and were civilian units sent to another plant for "militarization" on special order. They are basic C30's (1 ton chassis) that were originally built as white in color with gray vinyl interiors. After the usual 383 green CARC paint jobs, the bumpers and grill were the next to get customized with pintle and towing/loading shackles, extra leaf springs installed to give them a 5/4 ton rating and a host of other small changes. Only on special order would they be a 24/12 volt system. All heavy duty items are used and they are very similar to the early CUCV's.
In 2001, GM dropped the 6.5 TD engines to introduce the new generation of a Turbo Diesel dubbed the '6.6L
Duramax V8 engine' which was a combined effort from
Isuzu and
Detroit Diesel. The 6.6 DuraMax however may see some changes in the very near future as they 'prove' themselves. They have a cast Iron block with aluminium cylinder heads. It is a totally 'electronic' engine. It is coupled with an Allison 1000 series transmission previously used in larger trucks i.e.; school buses, dumps and etc.
[edit] CUCV III
In 2002, GM introduced the CUCV III with the new body shell. Both the II and III come with AM-FM stereo and Air Conditioning. They also come with available options such as: Brushguard, Air Compressor, On Board Navigation System, 120 VAC Inverter, front or rear winch and runflat tires.
