Buying M1028, 50k or 150k miles?

[NMerenda]

I am picking up an M1028 down in Georgia in a couple of weeks. The seller claims it has around 50,000 miles but I have my suspicions that it's actually 150,000 miles. Here are some pictures of the truck, let me know what you think.

Nick

 

[86m1028]

I would say around 50k but doubt that is even correct.

 

[cliffyp]

How much wear is on the throttle and brake pedals? Most other wear (rust, dash & seat cracks, etc) can happen regardless of miles driven. Generally the pedals aren't getting rubbed unless the truck is going somewhere. It could go either way though. In your mind, just assume its 150. You'll never know for sure.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

I don't think anybody can judge the mileage from those pictures. Age and poor care is showing, but mileage? Hard to see wear on internal components, which is where mileage will matter.

 

[rickf]

Looks like most CUCV's at 50,000. I would go with that but remember that service on these was nowhere near as good as in older years. I live on the firing ranges of Ft. Dix and I see trucks all the time with lights out, half flat tires, broken windows. When I was in (1969) you NEVER saw that. It did NOT leave the motor pool if it was not checked out in perfect condition.

Rick

 

[NMerenda]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Until I go down and check it out for myself I will not know. Are there parts I can look for to see if they've been replaced? One's that aren't usually replaced with that low mileage? Also here is one more pic:

 

[NDT]

That thing has seen a lot of hard civilian use. I assume you saw the gooseneck hitch. Rode hard and put up wet comes to mind. But I would welcome it to my stable if the price was right.

 

[NMerenda]

Yes I did. What does put up wet mean? And I'm picking her up for $3300.

 

[NDT]

Sorry, it's an expression having to do with poor treatment of horses.

 

[NMerenda]

I should've googled it before asking. My two biggest concerns were rust (that's why I went for a Southern truck) and driveability. I plan to fix it up as I can but I needed it to run and drive as is. As far as other 1028s I usually see prices in the $4500+ range. This is what I can afford as a broke college kid at the moment. And like I said dents and dings don't bother me. When I get done fixing her up she will look great, especially because I'm OCD. Do you think $3300 is fair price? Besides the cosmetic aspect of the truck, the seller says the glow plugs are not working, and that it's not the relay. He suggested a glow plug replacement.

 

[NDT]

Do you plan to drive that from GA to NY? Please say no.

If the glow plugs do not work, the 6.2 will not start when cold.

 

[2002ford]

How do you plan to get it back? You have to add that in with the cost. I wouldn't even try to drive it to new York. You may be better off with a closer truck. Also I don't think its a 1028.

 

[NMerenda]

My grandfather will be coming with me. He's worked on these trucks before so He will decide whether or not it's roadworthy to drive all the way back. If the glow plugs do not work can't you use ether?

 

[NMerenda]

If it needs to get towed back to NY then I will go that route and figure that into the cost. Also, what makes you think it's not a CUCV?

 

[NMerenda]

And i ran the VIN, and it indicated it was a D30 Military postal unit.

 

[2002ford]

I think its a m1008. I may be wrong but I thought the m1028 had the np205 transfer case. It is a CUCV.

 

[NMerenda]

I read the that only the 1028a1s had a 205. And check out the pic showing the rear springs. You can see the overload spring atop the leaves.

 

[2002ford]

Ok, I have been wrong before. Lol. Don't use either......................................................

 

[NMerenda]

Yea lol the 1028a1s start life as 1031s and have a bed added at some point, according to the wiki.

 

[rtk]

NEVER use either or starting fluid in a 6.2 diesel or any diesel for that matter , especially a well used one . NFN , but that is one rough looking truck , what it's worth is what YOU are willing to pay for it . I also agree , do not DRIVE that back to Rochester , but that's just me , I do NOT like sitting on the side of the road waiting for a TOW . Pull the shafts and dolly it or trailer it save yourself some early grief . REMEMBER you have to pick your battles . BTW , welcome aboard and good luck