M1009 Blazer Vehicle

[Faol]

I did a search and found surprisingly few posts that even mentioned the M1009 military blazer.

I am wondering if anyone has seen one of these as an expedition vehicle, and why they may/may not be a good platform. I want an expedition type vehicle for use in North America. I am sure there will be water crossings, rocks to navigate, and the occasional flying monkey, but no extreme rock crawling or mud boggin'.

Positives I see:

• diesel (and 20-25 mpg)
• heavy duty
• manual hubs
• simple construction
• many parts are available in any junkyard

I am selling a 4x4 truck that is too nice for me to take into the woods, and will be building up something that I can use as a DD and backcountry vehicle. I plan on making a Utah trip next summer, and Alaska in the fall.

Thanks.

 

[jsnow]

The M1009 are pretty cool trucks. Don't they also have a Detroit in the back? I think you could build a sweet expedition rig with one. Do a 2.5-3" lift on the front with a shackle flip in the rear, some good tires, and you'll be ready for some fun!

 

[77blazerchalet]

From this other thread, you can put a camper on 'em....

 

[Faol]

Thanks for the link to the other thread, I missed that one.

I don't want to put a camper on it, I will be using a cowboy range tent, when I cannot use my hammock and tarp.

 

[ARlZONA]

This was from about 8 years ago, sold the truck long ago but it started as a pretty beat up m1009, lots of work to get it to this stage including new paint. All stock except for the 4" lift and 35" tires. Power from the 6.2 was not great but it got me around for a few years.

 

[Faol]

This was from about 8 years ago, sold the truck long ago but it started as a pretty beat up m1009, lots of work to get it to this stage including new paint. All stock except for the 4" lift and 35" tires. Power from the 6.2 was not great but it got me around for a few years.

Nice setup. I wouldn't want to go any higher than what you have. I would want a winch on front and swing-out rack for tire, jack, pioneer kit, etc. I really like the tailgate advantage for those also. I think a drawer system would be ideal for it as well.

What did you get for fuel mileage after the lift and larger tires? I was thinking more like 33". I guess you didn't regear either, did you?

Thanks.

 

[chasespeed]

I would love to snag one of those diesel blazers, and drop the drivetrain from my truck in there....

Either that, or find a 1 ton suburban with a diesel, and do the same thing.. but, the M1009s seems to be easier to aquire...

Chase

 

[jp0863]

I just got rid of mine a few months ago. I picked mine up from www.govliquidation.com The m1009's have 10 bolt axles with 3.08 gears and a limited slip in the rear. The 6.2 is good for about 18 mpg in the cucv. I used mine lots off road, but had to get rid of it to build something bigger (4 kids). I threw in a dana 60/14 bolt with 4.10 gears and it was geared plenty low. For moderate wheeling the 10 bolt axles will do fine, but the "gov loc" in the rear axle is not the best. Parts are cheap and a good running m1009 should set you back about $900-1300 from gov liquidation. If you want some more insight, pm me and i'll share what i know.

 

[85CUCV]

I love my M1009.

I ditched the rear 10 bolt for a six lug 14SF from a later truck. I had to move spring perches to get it to fit. I also installed disc brakes, a detroit and 4:10 gears. I'm running a 33" tire. I wish I'd only went with a 2" lift rather then 4". Rear Disc brake conversion is the best modification I've made. Worst was the bling snorkel.

I wish it had a 6.5L.

 

[Faol]

I love my M1009.

I ditched the rear 10 bolt for a six lug 14SF from a later truck. I had to move spring perches to get it to fit. I also installed disc brakes, a detroit and 4:10 gears. I'm running a 33" tire. I wish I'd only went with a 2" lift rather then 4". Rear Disc brake conversion is the best modification I've made. Worst was the bling snorkle.

I wish it had a 6.5L.

So the 2" lift is all that is needed for the 33's? That would be great. I was wondering about a snorkel on one of these. What made it the worst mod?

What was the mpg with the 4.10 gears and 33's?

 

[85CUCV]

2" lift should clear 33"tires. I went 4" because I found it cheaper and it would clear snow chains easier.

Snorkel was expensive and not really needed. I modified a Safari Snorkel for a series 100 If remember correctly. I messed up the current fender when I installed it without a template. Which is okay because the inner fender was rusted bad and needs replaced.

I have never checked my fuel mileage. Seems to be in the right RPM range. I like the 4:10's with 33's. Nice when towing a loaded trailer. I did not want to go with 4.56's and possibly loose pinion strength in my ten bolt front. At 65MPH it is wound out with the stock TH400 transmission.

 

[Faol]

I guess the 700R4 would be the right choice then. I will probably build out an M101 trailer for extended trips, and I will want to pull it at speed without dumping the tranny.

Thanks.