Bought a M998, advice please

[GMVguy]

Hey guys, I'm new to the board - thanks for all the great info. I just bought a M998 to restore with my three boys and for recreational use. I am looking forward to get started. I'm trying to research the origin and work history on this truck so I can know what direction to take and understand it better. If some of you could offer some insight, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Here's what I'm thinkin:

1. It's an 87 M998, but was overhauled at M.M.A. on 8/07 with the following MWOs applied (I assume that was under the recap program, giving it the 6.5, but what else?):
   9 2320 280 201
   9 2320 280 351
   9 2320 280 352
   (What do these indicate? Trans. etc?)
2. The engine has less than 100 miles on it, assuming since it was overhauled. Based on that and the truck's condition, it makes sense that it just sat for a decade or two. Does that sound right? Why would it sit so long? Is it too good to be true?
3. The engine started and ran fine after jump starting. What's the deal with these batteries if I need to replace them? Are they two 12v batteries in sequence, or is it a full 24v system?
4. Where can I research the serial number on this vehicle to get more history/info?
5. What else do you see that's notable on this truck?

Here are some pics of the truck and its condition:

 

[swbradley1]

I can answer your battery question. Look at the batteries and see how they are wired. If positive to positive then it's 12V. If one positive goes to one negative then it is 24V. Or just put a meter on them.

Oh yeah, nice truck.

 

[Warthog]

Welcome to the site.

For your VIN info please use CARNAC's 2015 VIN Info thread before it is no longer available. Make sure you follow the instructions in post #1

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?134899-2015-vin-info.

There are a couple of HMMWV experts on this site and can provide some pointers on your truck.

Make sure you download the FREE technical manuals and study the TM 9-2320-280-10 Operators Manual

 

[ohiohmmwv]

Did you say restore? Looks to be in perfect shape already.

 

[KansasBobcat]

A nice one. Good paint, radial tires, good seats, 3 point seat belts, minimal dings on radiator, new transmission pan, pretty clean inside with good mats, cargo cover on back, etc You did great!

 

[CARNAC]

You can google MWO's and it should bring up what they did.

Your question about so little mileage is also explained in post 1 of the 2015 VIN INFO thread.

 

[NDT]

201 is pwr steering cooler, 351 is parking brake move, 352 is 3 pt seat belt. The 6.5 was not a MWO. No telling how many miles the truck or engine has.

 

[GMVguy]

351 is pwr steering cooler, 351 is parking brake move, 352 is 3 pt seat belt. The 6.5 was not a MWO. No telling how many miles the truck or engine has.

Thanks. Since the 87s had 6.2L engines, and the truck has a 6.5L engine now, I figured it was replaced. Sounds like that wouldn't have been listed as a MWO, but am assuming it was done at the time of the MWOs...

 

[MWMULES]

If you haven't charged the batteries with a charger you need to do so, as running it with flat batteries can smoke test your Alt. If they won't charge then get new ones, a lot cheaper than buying am alternator.

 

[FloridaAKM]

Welcome aboard, nice looking truck. Keep us posted as to your advancement into the world of the "Green Iron Disease". There is no known cure. Lots of very knowlegable guys here to help you, plus free to download TMs.

 

[Scar59]

Welcome to the madness. Nice truck. I would bypass the restoration idea and go right to enjoying it with your 3 boys. Find the lube orders and service it first. Get everyone checked out in it, and head out for some recreational use.
Have fun, be safe.

 

[GMVguy]

Welcome to the madness. Nice truck. I would bypass the restoration idea and go right to enjoying it with your 3 boys. Find the lube orders and service it first. Get everyone checked out in it, and head out for some recreational use.
Have fun, be safe.

Ha, thanks. I plan on doing a lot of hunting and camping out in the west desert with the boys. Those jackrabbit aren't gonna know what hit em.

 

[GMVguy]

Thanks fellas! Great info!

 

[firefox]

Be careful about type of brake fluid. Dot 5 and Dot 3 do not mix!
Damage will result.

 

[Scar59]

Ha, thanks. I plan on doing a lot of hunting and camping out in the west desert with the boys. Those jackrabbit aren't gonna know what hit em.

Now we're talking, jack rabbits and ground rats, that fun. I'd source the weapons station gun ring and go to town on them....

 

[turnkey]

Nice rig should be fun....Welcome.

 

[Augi]

How do you know it is a 6.5L engine?

You've got a TH400 3-speed tranny, so be aware that the maximum speed is 55mph if you want to keep the engine in one piece for long.

Augi

 

[jeremymx26]

Nice truck. Congratulations on your purchase. I would go through the TMs. Lots of good information in them.

 

[DSO_351]

You might read the Sticky at the top of this HMMWV forum.