Possible New Member

[DeDHaze]

Hello from New Mexico!

I have found a 1985 M1008 for sale, and if things work out, I'll become a part of this community soon, but I need some advice.

I have found numbers all over the place, so first I thought I might ask the experts what they might value this particular truck at, assuming common items check out. I can't check it out in person until Monday, but he did answer some questions. It supposedly has minimal rust, was assigned to an observatory and barely used, 95k miles. He drives it occasionally. Other questions i should ask tomorrow in the meantime?

Just with research tonight, I've learned a few things, but am always open to learning more. I read to check for cracked heads/steering boxes. Obviously check for oil/fuel/coolant where they're not supposed to be, various steering and suspension connections. The guy says it has 90*** miles, but how likely are these vehicles to have rolled over the odometer, meaning it actually has 190***, and is there any surefire way to tell? Anything other common issues specific to the 6.2, TH400, or the M1008s?

I've always loved the square body style, and the military versions especially, and I hope to avoid spending too much money just out of truck-lust.
I mainly just want to use it for basic hauling and off-roading, and maybe pull an old Cadillac on a trailer at most.

 

[cucvmule]

Welcome DeDHaze from Missouri!

If the truck has not had the speedometer replaced then 90,000 is a few miles on a CUCV. The few things to look at are the transmission dipstick level and smell of the fluid. What does the power steering box seals look like? Does the trans, transfer case look like they have been replaced?

The engine, is it original or a replacement? 24 volt or 12, and is the original wiring intact? So many variables to consider. You did well by posting some photo's of the candidate, but the one that caught my eye was the engine firewall. Although pretty dirty it looks to be all there, meaning it looks to be unmolested, GOOD.

Now if you can get it for the right price it looks to be a good base to recondition. But as I alluded to if it has all original drivetrain it will be getting ready for some major maintenance. And it is good for originality, bad because it is getting time for some money to be spent. If you can do minor or major mechanic work at least you can save money and entertain yourself and some friends to help you.

Without seeing the truck firsthand or many more detailed pictures I myself do not like to give any kind of appraisal of truck. But I think that most 1008's average 40 to 60,000 in great overall condition depending what part of the country the truck has spent its life. If it has been in the southwest most of its time then at least rust, cancer has not ate it up.

Good Luck to you and hope that you get a good price on it. It appears to be a Good candidate.

 

[cucvmule]

Maybe a few more pictures as well will help most of the other Troops in their assessment as well.

 

[DeDHaze]

Thank you for the quick replies so far. They had more pictures but nothing that shows more details than the above, though I'll attach them anyway.

I haven't seen much in my (albeit quick) research of common issues about lifespans and expected major maintenance points. Some say they'll go 200k with no major replacements, and some say they're always replacing the trans or other major part. I can wrench pretty well, but I'd rather avoid big projects, and I've never worked on diesel engines. Are we talking engine/trans overhaul and replacement, or more like starter, gp, remove and replace type things? Again, assuming everything else checks out and they are original components.

edit: 12/24v dual voltage, 100A electrical system.

 

[cucvmule]

I will add since they are sending pictures, are that the pictures are recent and not 10 years ago.

 

[tobyS]

It is a good looking truck and relatively rust free. I cannot see it being 190 in those photo's...does not look worn out. I can't venture a guess on price. It would seem to be a good candidate for a restoration. Parts are still available, I believe. Is it in an auction?