Lookin to buy my 1st CUCV. I got some questions

[muddermilitia]

Hey guys. I am looking to buy my first CUCV (M1008). I need a diesel now! These gas prices are killing me and I need something that gets better mpg and will be able to tow my trail rig. I am looking at this one: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/car/329013912.html .

Ok few questions. What kinda gas mileage can I expect from this truck? Also whats the recommended top speed on this? I know I could put bigger tires on it to bring up the top speed. I do have some practically brand new front superlift HD 6" lift springs that I could put on and get some 6" springs for the rear. So maybe I could throw on some 35s or find a good deal on some old hummer tires (36" or 37")

Who tows with their m1008? How do you like it for towing?

Someone also told me that the 6.2s have weak ears and that the starter mounts sometimes snap off anyone ever heard of this or have this happen to you?

Alright guys, thanks for your help,


-Ryan

 

[tRustyK5]

You'll need 37's to get decent fuel mileage. Even with 37's 18 or so would be the upper limit in my estimation.

Block ears break because of dumb-asses that don't bolt up the starter brace when they replace the starter.

A NA 6.2 is not a tow rig platform. It'd do OK for light towing, but for anything significant you best look to something else. 5000lbs and under is fine though. It'll tow more, but go even that much slower...

You have to remember there is no comparing these to any of the newer turbo'd, intercooled, computer managed and/or chipped diesels. It'd be like comparing a 292 straight 6 to a Ramjet 502. Nothing wrong with a 292 (or a 6.2) but it's main design function was fuel economy in a light truck application.

Rene

 

[muddermilitia]

Alright rene I see what your saying. what do you think about this truck then:
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

I've e-mailed the guy a few times and he sent me a bunch more pics. Its only 30 miles from my house. I think I will try and take a look at it this weekend

 

[tRustyK5]

My 6BT knowledge isn't the best...but that truck should see 20 mpg easily enough. The early 6BT truck weren't that fast, but they are easy enough to tweak as everyone knows. I'd pay more attention to what you think of the rest of the truck when looking at it. The early years did have a lot of auto tranny problems though. The tranny problems could have been more with the early OD tranny's though.

Definitely a decent tow rig I think.

Rene