Originally posted by MAV (formerly Maverick):
Looking at maybe buying one of these 83-86 military pick-ups with the 6.2 at a goverment auction. I know they will vary with each unit. I may have to buy several to build one.
Has anyone bought one? Most problems? Would you do it again? How do you like it? Got pics?
Jeff
I have a M1028A3 (M1028 converted to dually). I got it straight from the government (in running condition). They are great, heavy duty trucks, but most have had a hard life, so they need some stuff by the time they get to public sale. You are basically getting what no other federal or state agency wanted..
The M1008 only has a GVW of 8800 lbs (total payload of 2900 lbs), whereas the M1028 is 9400 lbs, due to an overload spring on each side in the rear. The dually versions have a Dana 70 rear and are 10,120 lbs. To be honset, 2900 lbs of payload (including occupants) is more than most people use regularly. The rear locker will get you most places you want to go, but as was said, you won't get there fast with 4.56's and no overdrive.....
I bid on a pair of M1008**'s at a sale a few years ago. I did not get them, but I can tell you that they would have needed a good bit of parts/work. Most of these trucks need something.
Inspect them carefully, and bid on the best one (or two to build one). They are heavy duty and have good resale value, when compared to civilian versions.
The usual problems can all be easily fixed. They are things like glow-plugs, glow-plug controllers, injector pumps and, occasionally, wiring. The 12/24 volt system works fine, but many times, they get hacked up. Oh yeah, the alternators can be short-lived, too. The plus is that it is a 100 amp system. Good Luck! Let us know how it goes.
My M1028A3:
1988 Chevy V30 Crew Cab, 6.2, Banks Turbo, NP205, TH400, 4.10's
1986 Chevy M1028A1 "Shelter Carrier", 6.2, TH400, NP205, 4.56's
1986 Chevy M1009 (Blazer) 6.2, TH400, NP208, 3.08's
1984 Chevy M1009 (Blazer) 6.2, TH400, NP208, 3.08's