Question about the m1008's

[snyder66]

I keep coming across these trucks and I really like the rugged look of them. I'm assuming that they were taken pretty good care. Does anyone have any experience with them? Would they be OK for an occasional driver? Thanks

[GM72K10]

M1008s are the military version of Chevy K30 pickups with some minor alterations. They are just fine for bare bones daily drivers but are all geared with 4:56s (The M1009 Blazers have 3:08s) They aren't the thing you can take to your local Chevy dealer to work on in stock form . . . The glow plug system is military specific and is unlike its civilian counterpart. In stock form they have dual 100 amp alternators, powere steering power brakes, heat , no a/c unless you have a M1010 ambulance, no headliner, etc. The starters are 24 volt, everything else is 12v. The M1008s and M1028s have NP208 transfer cases. the M1028a1s have NP205s. The M1031s started out as C&C, have NP205s, were converted to contact maintenance trucks, M1028a1 pickup;s or M1028a2 duallys (I have both). M1010s are ambulances M1028a3 are duallys with NP208s converted from plain M1028s. They ALL have the J code 6.2L diesel, TH400s, locking rears, The M1008s have an open front axle the others don't. If you really want to learn more about these trucks check out www.steelsoldiers.com.
To buy one you can look on gsa and municipal auctions but they are usually beat by the time they are done with them. They can be had from govliquidators but look forward to EUCs, SF97s, bent driveshafts, and a long wait. They are on ebay and Craigslist from time to time, best to check one out in person before buying. Good Luck! All three pictures are of or were mine at one time.

[snyder66]

Is it difficult to find a mechanic to work on them if you have any issues?

[GM72K10]

Originally Posted by snyder66

Is it difficult to find a mechanic to work on them if you have any issues?

The only "hard " part is the electrical system if its stock. The TM manuals for these you can download online for nothing, they're on sale on ebay all the time. You can convert them (CUCVs) to 12volt, everything else is about the same as a Civvy K30.

[D13]

They pick them up for transport with big fork trucks, bent or missing drieshafts on almost all of them. Every one I have ever looked at here in MI has been beat, bent, and rusted.

It's pretty easy to convert them to 12v, just need a few civilian parts.

They have NO sound deadeners, the 6.2 diesel will make you deaf. Did I mention no interior to speak of? No options? And with the gear the fuel economy isn't good?

Cool to look at and a great hunting truck.

[str8axle55]

Wow GM72K10, you seem to know a ton about these trucks. What`s up with the one you have w/54 miles?

[gchemist]

I loved driving those things in the Army. I had a blast in them. Blazers were crazy on the highway. Maybe someday, I'll restore one for fun.

[GM72K10]

Originally Posted by str8axle55

Wow GM72K10, you seem to know a ton about these trucks. What`s up with the one you have w/54 miles?

Out of storage, stripped for parts, probably going to put back together, its like new underneath, and I have most of the parts to put it back together, that's the scarey part!