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Sergeant Steel

Updating and improving a military M1008
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Shawn

Shawn

Nuckin Futz!
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Shawn submitted a new Build:

Project Sergeant Steel

Picked up this 1986 Chevrolet M1008

With only 49k miles, its a pretty solid truck but needs some TLC along with some improvements. Comes factory with a 6.2 Diesel, TH400, 14 bolt, Dana 60, 4.56 gears, Detroit locker in the back, grill gard, D-rings, Pintle hook, and some other military options. Planning on going 37" tires. Debating on 4" or 6" lift. Truck will mostly be used on the street with some mild off-road trails. The one nice thing about these 6.2 is they are great on gas. Some are getting 25mpg. Not the most powerful engine but it gets the job done. I did pick up a 4L80E transmission and might be doing a trans swap in the near future.

Barely fit on the U-haul trailer.
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Inside needs a new seat cover, attention to the door panels and dash.
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First problem found was the glow plug solenoid. It would stay on and drain both batteries quickly.
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Another issue found was this vacuum regulator. The transmission would shift very late at higher RPM.
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Wiper motor was barely moving and the wash pump would stay on the entire time. A new wiper motor/pump was ordered. Old one shown here.
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All fluids were changed including the transmission filter. The diff covers got some color with some new bolts.
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Read more about this build here...
 
4" or 6" lift to clear 37's? I know 4" will do it with some trimming but I can't seem to decide. 6" may look better but more angle on shafts, steering components, etc. Planning on staying with stock sway bar and drag link since this truck will be used more on the street than on the trail. Want to use softer front springs, with some softer 56" springs in the rear along with a shackle flip.
 
Last edited:
4” and change. Use a 57” or 58” rear spring, the front eye to center pin length of those is very close to the factory if you want to keep the tanks

64s like to wrap
 
Bent77 said:
4” and change. Use a 57” or 58” rear spring, the front eye to center pin length of those is very close to the factory if you want to keep the tanks

64s like to wrap
Click to expand...
Good idea. Where would you find 57" or 58" springs? Certain application that used that length like Dodge or Ford?
 
Shawn said:
Good idea. Where would you find 57" or 58" springs? Certain application that used that length like Dodge or Ford?
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See the index in my build thread. Page 3 has a link to a suspension site, has measured to pin lengths and spring rates
I think my 58s came out of a 2002 F150
 
Bent77 said:
I pulled a yard set that was 3/1. Then I added one out of a pack
Being as most Chevy springs are 4/1,5/1 I’d go there.

Hauling or crawling?
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Basically want a super soft ride with 1/2 ton capacity. I don't haul anything but a 1000lb snowmobile/trailer. No crawling either. Mostly a daily driver. I initially went with light duty but changed the order to the HD.

My stock K30 springs are 56". Is it necessary to -re-drill holes and move the shackle flip back or should I swap the bracket sides for the 58's? How much total lift did you gain in the rear?

Now I just need-
-soft 4" front springs (may go with Tuff Country EZ-ride)
-dropped pitman arm (cheapest one)
-shocks -any ideas for something affordable?
-brake lines- I may have some fronts, rear is weird with that adjustable load regulator
-and some tires- thinking Ironman 37x12.5x17
Only $184 each
https://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/ironman/all-country-m-t/p/tv153000713
 
I run 57's from a mid 90's F150. They're offset so I used a Ez inch to center the axle in the opening, I could stuff a 37" without any trimming in the rear.
 
With my extra leaf 5”ish

And I used ORD brackets and pushed them back 6” then drilled
 
Bent77 said:
With my extra leaf 5”ish

And I used ORD brackets and pushed them back 6” then drilled
Click to expand...

You can't flip the ORD brackets to make up the 4" between 52 & 56" springs?

I flipped the DIY4X brackets and pushed them back 1" for the 57's.
 
My factory springs are 56" so I only need to push it back 2" for 58" springs. I don't have 52" springs. I thought maybe flipping the brackets could do the trick.
 
skunked said:
You can't flip the ORD brackets to make up the 4" between 52 & 56" springs?

I flipped the DIY4X brackets and pushed them back 1" for the 57's.
Click to expand...
Shawn said:
My factory springs are 56" so I only need to push it back 2" for 58" springs. I don't have 52" springs. I thought maybe flipping the brackets could do the trick.
Click to expand...
I’m sure you can but don’t quote me
 
I was going to order them soon. Just waiting to get my lift done first so I can get the tires mounted as soon as they arrive. Should have the lift done this weekend. Its really hard to beat that price for 37" tires.
 
They're decent. I've sold a set or two. For a cheap (and seriously cheap) tire they will get the job done
 
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