help me decide my next truck

[muddermilitia]

Alright guys, I'm tired of my daily driver and plan on getting rid of it this summer. I'm stuck between three trucks, an M1009, a M1028, and a M880.
I've always wanted a military truck. Now I would like to get something that could tow my trail rig (weighs 5500-6000 lbs)

Chevy M1009: 6.2L diesel/th400/np208/10bolts f/r. Im pretty sure the blazer wont be up to the task of towing my trail rig, so I was wondering if maybe I could put some 3/4 ton axles under it, would it be able to tow? I already have a 3/4 ton 10-bolt front (4.10 gear) and I could probably get a rear 3/4 ton 14bff locally. I also like the fact that it is diesel, better mpg.
Here's a pic of what the m1009 would look like:

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Now for the Chevy M1028: 6.2L diesel/th400/np208/60/14bff. It would definitly be able to tow my rig. Is also diesel, but I have heard with the low gearing combined with the diesel, these trucks dont have a high top speed. Maybe 60mph? I plan on towing with it like 4 or 5 times a year. And the speed limit to the trail I go to in Indiana is 60mph most of the way. This would also be the most expensive to purchase.
Here's a pic:​

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And last, the Dodge M880: 318 gas v8/727/t-case NP203?/60/70. This truck would also be able to tow my trail rig, its rated at 5/4 ton. It can cruise at a higher speed, 70-80mph. But its gas, so it would not get as good mpg as the diesel. Also its a dodge and I have never owned one before. Are these easy to work on? Also this truck would cost less then the M1028 truck and about the same price as the M1009 blazer.
Here's a pic of the M880:​

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They are all rust free with low miles (less than 60k) I like all three of these trucks. So that is making this a difficult desicion. I won't be buying one untill august. But I'm trying to plan ahead. Thanks for your comments/suggestions

-Ryan​

 

[twoslo4five0]

m1028 or another truck of some sort...im using a 83 f350 w/ a 460 but it also isnt my beater...imo keep the daily driver and buy yourself a beter pick up with a big gas or nice diesel motor...but if i had to pick out of thoose 3 the m1028...

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

And last, the Dodge M880: 318 gas v8/727/t-case NP203?/60/70.
-Ryan

actually the m880 is a 44/60 combo

 

[Big91RustyBucket]

I would do the M1028. I was just looking a a dodge 93 3/4 Ton . Heavy 3/4 so it was 1 Ton axle's. Cummin's Turbo, Auto 60/70 Combo. $2500 Needed some body work tho. I want a k5 I have been lookin into . Just hope it all work's out.

 

[muddermilitia]

actually the m880 is a 44/60 combo

Really? a 5/4 ton with a dana44. Thats weird

 

[muddermilitia]

to give you an idea of prices of these three. These prices are from alfaheaven.com The blazer is sold (but I know he has others not on the website) $8,000. $10,000 for the m1028, $6500 for the m880.
Both of the chevys have 22,000 miles and the m880 has 53,000. the m1028 he just got from kuwait, it looks like brand new underneath

 

[twoslo4five0]

for that kind of money get a early 90s dodge 12v with a cummins turbo...they pull good,there is a lot of power adders,get good gas mileage,if 4wd has a 60 up front,and you can find them preety cheap..just my imo though..

 

[muddermilitia]

for that kind of money get a early 90s dodge 12v with a cummins turbo...they pull good,there is a lot of power adders,get good gas mileage,if 4wd has a 60 up front,and you can find them preety cheap..just my imo though..

hmm thats possible, but I just love these old military trucks soo much

 

[twoslo4five0]

i do to but they arent the most feture friendly to drive everyday...my buddy has a duece he takes out from time to time...i love it but definitley want to drive it everyday...remeber military trucks dont have a/c (or heat i think),no radio...seems like small suff but it adds up when you are talking about spending 5 grand on one...the plus side is they usually have low miles...here is what i would love to have if the price was a lot lower..http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/93-d...QQihZ007QQcategoryZ119143QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

Really? a 5/4 ton with a dana44. Thats weird

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/index.php?module=pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=2&pid=26

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

just for reference those prices seem very high

i paid 1600 for my m1008 running and driving
i paid 1500 for my m1009 running and driving
i paid 2000 for my m1028 running and driving...not

they pop up on ebay from time to time and go for varying prices.

 

[Big91RustyBucket]

I looked at a duece yesterday. Wanted 6500 . I liked it alot , and would drive it daily if it was local. (multifuel) But for 6500 you get no creature comfort's. I would probley do 1k plus of add on's to make it decent to drive.

 

[muddermilitia]

i do to but they arent the most feture friendly to drive everyday...my buddy has a duece he takes out from time to time...i love it but definitley want to drive it everyday...remeber military trucks dont have a/c (or heat i think),no radio...seems like small suff but it adds up when you are talking about spending 5 grand on one...the plus side is they usually have low miles...here is what i would love to have if the price was a lot lower..http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/93-dodge-2500-4wd-diesel-complety-redone_W0QQitemZ170110954748QQihZ007QQcategoryZ119143QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I see what u mean. When a cummins dodge was originally mentioned I thought it would cost too much. Really I would not like to spend more than 8000-8500 dollars. Just for $hits I thought I would look up some cummins dodges and see what they go for in my area. I was shocked to find several early 90s dodges for 7-9k. Im really thinking about this one:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=221995808&dealer_id=60104421&car_year=1992&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=DODGE&transmission=&model=RAM1502WD&distance=100&make2=&address=60016&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=1995&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&engine=&body_style=TRUCKS&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=2&cardist=34

damn thats one long link! what do you guys think about that one?

 

[muddermilitia]

just for reference those prices seem very high

i paid 1600 for my m1008 running and driving
i paid 1500 for my m1009 running and driving
i paid 2000 for my m1028 running and driving...not

they pop up on ebay from time to time and go for varying prices.

Yea those prices are a little high, but I have seen some of this guy's trucks before and they are MINT! he told me before that he only buys rust free, western trucks with low miles. He goes to the government auctions out west and pays top dollar for only the best ones. And then he brings back a bunch on an 18 wheeler. He goes through everything on these trucks to make sure they are perfect. Im pretty sure everyone gets a new paint job

 

[supersize75k5]

for that kind of money get a early 90s dodge 12v with a cummins turbo...they pull good,there is a lot of power adders,get good gas mileage,if 4wd has a 60 up front,and you can find them preety cheap..just my imo though..

..what he said!

as for the blazer, adding 3/4 ton axels does not do much for the towing capacity, the springs, frame and weight would though.

for a truck you will use to tow only a handfull of times, I would assume it would double as a parts chaser and extra truck when you need it, I would hunt down a dodge with a diesel

 

[twoslo4five0]

Yea those prices are a little high, but I have seen some of this guy's trucks before and they are MINT! he told me before that he only buys rust free, western trucks with low miles. He goes to the government auctions out west and pays top dollar for only the best ones. And then he brings back a bunch on an 18 wheeler. He goes through everything on these trucks to make sure they are perfect. Im pretty sure everyone gets a new paint job

looks like a winner to me!!

 

[tomford]

If you get one of the three, get the m1028... only one problem, how long untill it becomes a trail rig...


Tom

 

[roadnotca]

Holding my nose on the price, M1028 and do a ring & pinion swap.

 

[Col_Sanders]

M1028.

 

[uao85]

dude m1008 or m1028 all the way...those prices are definitely top top dollar I think. But like somebody mentioned, they are gone through meticulously and basically restored to original. No fun in that I say. Heck I got my m1008 for a grand, it had a bad starter and flywheel...big whoop. I would say no go for the dodge. Those trucks were beat on by everyone who had them and now are being dumped for a reason. When they break, it cost a pretty penny to fix them. Like $750+ for an injector pump, not to mention everything else. I definitely would not want a money pit.

Remington