seriously thinking about a m1008.... looking for advice

[mike reeh]

Im a framing contractor and Im giving serious thought to getting one of the ex-military 5/4ton trucks to use as a work truck.. I dont know a whole lot about them, but what I do know about them, I like....

my current daily driver needs a rest and Im sick of thrashing it, using it as a work vehicle.

my brother has a 1990 (or so) F250 4wd extended cab 460cid pickup that I could get for cheap (needs work) but there are a few things that I dont like about it.. Im pretty sure Ill be much happier w/ the chevy.. anything you guys could tell me to watch out for? What are they going for these days? Is it possible to find one of these trucks in decent shape still? I love the low maintenance camo paint, and the heavy duty nature of the truck itself. The diesel would probably come out eventually.. What years did they use the chevy pickup as the m1008? are they still being auctioned off by the gov't? If so where could I find info on when/where the auctions are? Anyone here use one as a DD or work truck? Im just getting my feet wet here, any and all information or comments are appreciated.. thanks!

btw, i have a 77gmc which is a project and will not be used as a work truck. its a SWB 4wd 3/4ton 400/4l80e/np205/d44/14ff which ive had for a long time so im very familiar with these trucks.. just not the military models... let er rip

mike

 

[gmc4cw]

here you go.

http://www.govliquidation.com/

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

leave the diesel in it for milage and put it to work

 

[CUCV2]

Cucv

CUCVs can be a good deal depending on what you find and what you are looking for. With that said, CUCVs usually end up on the auction block for a reason. Mine needed some rust repair (rocker panel, cab corner, rear wheelwell) and a tune-up. It came with an estimate to repair the body which included an entirely new bed for about $2500. That is why they get auctioned off. After about $50 in bodywork supplies and a tune-up it has been working great. Not much of a freeway cruiser though. I put 35s on with minor trimming and it is still the turtle on the highway. 50-55mph is about all I want to tach it up to. It is what I call a real truck though. No frills, all heavy-duty, comes stock with a locker, no dings or buzzers when you open the door, 5/4 ton capacity, and factory body armor to name a few things. Good luck with your search.

 

[mike reeh]

thanks for the link.. unfortunately theres nothing in my area for sale but Ill check again later...

as for diesel mileage, i might leave it in for that, but then cucv2 makes a good point about it being so sluggish. and in so-cal its kill or be killed on our highways. Ideally Id like to find one that didnt need any rust repair.

the real pisser is that there are so few of them for sale, it seems that you have to take what you can get... guess ill keep searching

mike

 

[merace19]

I have had 5 so far. May be more i keep forgetting. I have sold every one for about the same reasons. There are NO creature comforts in them. Ride Rough, trucks are geared to high for the highway and the blazers are to low to pull anything. But if you want and understand that your getting a bare bones truck then it will work for you. Parts are every where. You can just about sell the front axle to someone to cove most the cost of the truck. front 10bolts are cheap replacements. body parts are so plentiful you can get a fender at the 7-11 or in a candy machine. That gov site is not the best avenue to get one. There are cost above and beyond that. 10% over the cost of truck plus a 65 dollar title fee AFter you have a local inspection station say its road worthy. Easiest way to get one is local city auctions and Ebay.