Pros and Cons of a M1009?

[RANDAL]

As the title reads. Okay a little about what is going on. I have a 71 Jimmy that I love and I am ready to do a body swap and start restoring it this coming up year. I have so much fun in it that I dont want to quit driving a first gen or a blazer so I have decided to by another one blazer or jimmy. I have had my heart set on a first gen but recently I have fell in love with the M1009's And might have changed my mind on what I want to buy while I start restoring mine. I would like to know the pros and cons on the M1009's. I know they come with the diesel which is cool and I know some come with lockers if not all. But thats all I know. Help me out if possible.

Thanks

 

[nvrenuf]

The m1009 is the k5, right? If so, not much advantage IMO. These are 1/2 ton base model k5's with 3.08 gears and maybe a gov lock rear. The 6.2 is probably the only plus to the truck.

If it were my money I'd buy a nicer civilian k5 for a daily driver.

 

[paratrooper307]

M1009 CUCV

Pros:

-Often available cheaply at military auctions, with low miles.
-Simple, with minimal options and features to break
-Good fuel economy with diesel engine

Cons

-Spartan and utilitarian-no A/C, no radio, no power accessories, minimal sound insulation.
-Hybrid 12/24V electrical system that has little use in a civilian vehicle.
-Not a real 3/4 ton, just an extra leaf in the springs.
-3 speed automatic, 3.08 axles

As nvrenuf said, you'd be better off with the civilian version unless you really want the spartan simplicity of the military version, and can get one at a good price.


I'd go for the 1 ton pickup if you want a military truck, lockers, 1 ton axles, 4.56 gears, etc.

 

[RANDAL]

Thanks guys I should tell you a little more about what I would be using it for. I want it for a DD/mountain rig and not worry about scratches a real wow factor and also be able to take it where I want in the mountains I like that it is simple thats what I want nothing fancy in it a real work horse. the only thing I would like is ac but can live without it I would be putting a lift 2 to 4 inch and 35's but thats about it. Also would like to take it to moab once or twice a year

 

[Cucv_M1008]

comes with a th400, Pro imo

 

[muddermilitia]

Drive to Illinois and buy mine, my wife hates it lol.

 

[Richcz28]

Cons-

Compared to a 71, a roof.
10 bolt rear will fail for your usage
They are expensive if you want a nice one that is rust free 4-6k or more from what I see around here.

Pros-
really nice tow hooks off road if the bolts aren't rusty
gear ratios will make you slow in the mountains on 35s
6.2s run awesome



If I had to do it again, I would probably get the m1028 pickup. The only thing is, you need to lift it and run at least 38 inch tires to get the gear ratios to work out.

 

[454Sub]

I dont know about you, but one extra leaf spring and a th400 isnt worth the tradeoffs of the civilian models. I like radio, warmth, and all that jazz. Plus if the 400 is the deal breaker, that can be very simply swapped in if its wanted.

 

[AbramJ]

Also don't let the low miles fool you, if the guys that used it are anything like guys in my unit the truck was used and abused. The mentality of a lot of the guys I've met in the military is "Its not my personal vehicle, the army will pay for it if it breaks"

 

[ashman]

imo there is nothing about it that is better than a civilian version unless you are having trouble finding one that is rust free (not a concern for you I gather) and/or the price is just too good to pass up.
If it's just the look that you fell in love with, well no one can/should talk you out of that, but if this is just something to drive while you fix up the truck you really like, go for something that will be more comfortable.

 

[paratrooper307]

Also don't let the low miles fool you, if the guys that used it are anything like guys in my unit the truck was used and abused. The mentality of a lot of the guys I've met in the military is "Its not my personal vehicle, the army will pay for it if it breaks"

Very possible. I know most of our trucks tended to have more issues from lack of use than abuse, although never understimate the ability of a private to tear something up.

 

[Deuling]

Pros

No power stuff (in my opinion, I hate electric windows etc) 6.2 I now love from seeing rich's. And it gets pretty dang good mileage.

No carpet so you can just leave the top off if it rains and not worry about soggy carpet.

I want one. I'd dd one.


Cons: not fast.

 

[muddermilitia]

I will say this though, my m1009 is prolly the most reliable truck I have ever owned. I bought it with 74k miles for $3500 about 4 years ago. I now have almost 123k miles on it, most of those were with a set of 37" hummer tires too. I drive 27 miles, one way to work 5 days a week. It still has the 3.08 gear, it is great on the highway. This truck loves doing 55-65mph and I get 18-19 mpg

 

[82355]

Pros:

Sometimes they're not rusty.
J code 6.2
15"x8" stamped steel wheels (will need blasted and repainted, an you'll have to source hub caps elsewhere)

Cons:

Almost always have a god awful paint job.
Crappy TH400
Stupid 24V/12V system
Horridly ugly grille guard
Dummy light dash
No radio
No AC
Vinyl seats (Maroon, whose idea was that???)
No carpet
3.08 gears
Having to listen to people call the crappy 6.2 a Detroit Diesel (it's not)

Martin

 

[6.2Blazer]

While the TH400 is strong the gear ratios are pretty crappy and makes the truck really feel like a dog when combined with 3.08 gears. The 700r4 is such a better transmission in regards to gearing......much lower first gear and the OD allows a lot lower axle gears while maintaining the freeway cruising.

I wouldn't mind having a M1009 but not sure I would want to daily drive one, especially after daily driving a Silverado K5 with the 6.2 for many years.

 

[Massboy]

I have owned both throughout the years and currently restoring a M1009 with civilian goodies to get the best of both worlds.

Pros:
1. love the 6.2 and they run on anything with lots of low end torque and impossible to stall with a TH400. Put a plow on this truck and it will be the best plow truck you have.
2. Like said here before. Most of them can be found in pretty good shape as far as rot and rust but some are just as bad as any too.
3. Mileage is usually pretty low. Found my first with just 56k my second with 26k.
4. All creature comforts can be added pretty easily except the A/C.
5. If you don't care about your truck and are going off road (not rock climbing and extreme stuff) it is pretty much ready as is. Everything is painted and who gives a **** about the finish.
6. Tow rings and a HD brush guard, skid plates
7. Standard suspension is better than civilian K5 (no rear sagging)
8. Hydra-boost brake system
9. Strong stock steel wheels
10. People are going to give you a lot of thumbs up
11. 20-22 mpg stock (what do those gas jobs give?)
12. easy to convert to a single 12v alternator and starter
13. parts are easy to find because lots of people think they are ****!
14. has factory gun rack installed LOL
15. turn up the pump slightly on the 6.2 and drive a different animal (don't know why more don't discuss doing this, no longer slow on take off)

Cons:

1. People seem to think it, things that come on and in it are ****, I.E. brush guard, TH400, 10bolts, 6.2. Everyone has an opinion yet most have never owned one.
2. Noisy, sparse interior
3. cold in the winter because of the lack of insulation
4. hot in the summer, no explanation needed
5. If wanting to repaint the OD paint is a bitch to remove or work
6. Did I say people are going to tell you how ****ty it is.
7. Not super fast but can do 70mph down the highway all day long
8. Not easy to start in super cold weather
9. starter is 24v and only starter, everything else is 12v (it's not a hummer!)
10. two 12v alternators (never had one fail though)
11. military glow plug relay not reliable (easy fix with a push button)(most civilian units have done the same)
12. glass is all clear, no tint

If the M1009 is so ****ty why would they bring the money they bring? Why would I be going through the trouble to build mine? It all comes down to what people like plain and simple. I happen to like the look of the M1009 with the tow rings and the brush guard others seem to dislike. If you like a M1009 buy the damn thing and enjoy. Remember, you'll easily get 450 miles on that little 25gal tank too.

 

[06TBSS]

Ive had mine 8 mos w 4" ORD/DIY4x lift/ x'd over on 14 rear 10 front all regeared to 3:73 on 35's and 10" Bart Super trucker steelies. RE-Gearing made her WAY better for the 35's.

Stock 10 bolt rear is gonna walk the pinion bearing after you put big tires on. Just go ahead and make a 14 bolt FF rear a MUST. My '86 has 90k on it now and fires up great due to a $40 lectric lift pump on frame rail I added.

Thumbs up/stares from Everyone allll day long. Jeep guys in their call of dutys look up to it and anyone remotely hillbilly blooded loves it.

Tinted glass and a radio added w 6/9's out back next to seat/5" in kicks up fr.

Ive had AMG mercedes, Evos, leather silverado, fast camaros, 442's, Buick T Types and currently a TBSS. This is my 1st wheelin machine and I LOVE slammin the door and hangin out the window. I LOVE not having carpet and poofy stuff to worry about. I park the b*tch right up front at grocery store and dont gaf about paint. I come out of places and catch people staring or taking pics of it. Most attention getting vehicle ever owned. Still has Alabama NG markings on rear bumper and ant brush guards so its milspec and people know it.

After you do springs/lift the whole tonnage thing wont matter anyway

6.2 has proven to be a good motor after years of people cussing it. 6.2 can have fuel turned up and a snail added still and make near 400ft lbs all day all the time. Mines 26 years old and no leaks. It has sat for a year on end recently. My Inj pump was leaking diesel into the valley but after driving daily for a couple weeks it actually stopped(for now) I get 15mpg w my 35's and heavy steelies+ 3:73 but it out accelerates half of traffic now regeared and goes 65-74mph all day still. Im in Houston so I dont ever glow just fire it up.

Electrical system is NOT complicated. Read the electrical TM's for em over on steelsoldiers. Only the starter is 24v and it cranks like a bad azz. Rest of truck is normal 12v from drivers side alternator. 2nd alternator ONLY charges after the initial start for 5-15 seconds. Read the SS schematics/articles to mythbust all the ignorant negatives you hear/read about.

I heard adding hood insulation makes the BEST improvement to noise inside...$50 LMC? Simple guilt free truck to own from the cold war