General Noob Questions

[blazing_blazer]

I'm looking into buying a 86 M1009. I had a couple of questions that I could use some help with
The truck has rusty rockers (no suprise) How hard is this to fix for someone with no welding experience. (I do have access to a welder though)
I'd like to add overdrive, preferably manual I thoguht about a NV4500, but price is somewhat of an issue. Are there any other manual options or would just sticking with an automatic be cheaper?
Eventually this is going to be made into a wheeling rig, but for now it will only be a second daily driver, so I'd like to take that into consideration with transmissions swaps and get something that I won't have to change again in a few years.
Thanks for the help

 

[mrk5]

The TH400 it comes with should be just fine. It's a good, strong automatic tranny. Sticking with the tranny that's in it is going to be cheaper than any swap options.

Remember that even though a lot of these trucks have low miles, they get a lot of hours idling. Don't be surprised if the truck needs some engine work. In hindsight I think it's worth keeping the 6.2L diesel if you can. I used to get 19-20mpg with mine. Not the case with the 350 now.

Do some research on weld-in rock sliders. That's what I'd do instead of replacing them with factory rocker panels. Just my opinion.

 

[tRustyK5]

I'd add that the freeway rpm's in stock form for a M1009 shouldn't be all that bad. Roughly 2100 at 65 which is in the range that will net you decent fuel mileage (20 easily enough) No real need for an OD tranny unless you regear to something much much deeper. As long as you match the gearing to the tire size aiming to keep the freeway rpm's sane you wouldn't need an OD.

Rene

 

[blazing_blazer]

After looking at it a little more, I guess I could get used to living with a TH400.
I haven't found anything on weld in rock sliders. I'm not sure where to look though, so maybe you could point me in the right direction?
If I remember right, rocker panels always rust because of water leaking down and settling on the inside of the rocker panel. Is there any way to fix this if I end up putting new rockers in or am I pretty much stuck waiting for them to rust again?
EDIT: Don't know how i forgot to mention this before, but it looks like the truck is leaking oil from somewhere on the passenger side of the engine. Is this some commonly broken part or a result of lots of idling time?