So it starts... My M1010

[krebsatm02]

Well not yet. I just won it and have to go pick it up...

M1010

Future modifications include:
Paint for the cab/front clip
See what the interior needs
new windows where needed
Change back to 12 volt
6.5 turbo/manifolds/etc... and serpentine belt setup
NV4500 backed by a NP205 with a PTO for a front winch.
Rear Warn HS9500i
Honda EU2000 and a polar cub AC unit
35"bfg mt's
lift if necessary or if it rides too rough
Custom bumpers, sliders, etc...


Let me get it and we'll see how far this progresses

 

[krebsatm02]

Oh for those of you wondering what this is... It's an ex military truck. It has a dana 60 front and a 14 bolt rear with a detroit and 4.56's. It also has a 6.2 diesel with a th400 and a np208.

The cab actually has a pass through to the rear box. The rear box is all aluminum and has a seperate AC system that is run off a engine driven compressor.

Stock they are sluggish and slow. With the turbo, nv4500, and 35's it should be able to hold it's own. I'd like a 6bt but at this point I don't think I have that money or time.

 

[Rot Box]

Cool truck! Should make for a great build.

I wouldn't doubt it if the M1010 has the Limited Slip in the front differential too :elkgrin:

 

[Sport-Trac 01]

Cool! Always was hoping someone would do a build on one of the old ambulances. I can about guarantee you that you'll need a life to fit 35's.

 

[krebsatm02]

we'll see... I fairly sure I want to take off the 1 ton springs in the future as I'm sure it will ride very rough.

I'm very familiar with building a chevy. My last vehicle was a k5 blazer on 1tons, etc...

I don't think the M1010 came with a limited slip, but if it did all the better.

 

[Sport-Trac 01]

A good forums for information about the CUCV's (Or any other military-vehicle, for that matter) is www.steelsoldiers.com. You need to be a member to view pictures though.

 

[krebsatm02]

A good forums for information about the CUCV's (Or any other military-vehicle, for that matter) is www.steelsoldiers.com. You need to be a member to view pictures though.

Thanks I'm a member there. Also, CK5, pirate4x4, expedition portal, etc...:victory:

 

[krebsatm02]

pics... I got it running, but I may trade with a guy that has a nicer one, so I'm not going to do much until I figure that out.

 

[GetGone]

NICE! I have an M1008 that I was going to modify close to what you listed... when I got the '94 donor truck (6.5 TD NV4500) it was so nice I decided to just swap a solid axle into that instead. Now I have both trucks to work on!

 

[Sport-Trac 01]

pics... I got it running, but I may trade with a guy that has a nicer one, so I'm not going to do much until I figure that out.

You found a nicer one than that!?!?!? WHAT?! HOW?!

Okay, that thing is in great shape. Looks like a great starting truck. Can't wait to see this get going.

GetGone, my old man wants to build a expo truck out of a M1008, he wants to swap in a 6.5 like it sounds you were gonna do. He wants to swap in the whole engine, tranny, and trans case out of a wreck. I'm helping him get the project rolling. Gonna be sweet once it's done. If you're looking for a front axle for a SAS, Boyce Equipment rebuilds the whole front axle from the M1008s, be a good spot to start.

 

[GetGone]

You're right, he has a great M1010 specimen already! Must be the red...
As for the swap, HAHA, that's why I was looking for a WRECKED '93 or '94, the NV4500 has the lower 6.34 1st gear in those years. I was going to bolt up a LoMax 205 t-case onto that and swap the whole package. The '93 has mechanical injection versus the electronic drive-by-wire that started in '94 - the mechanical is simpler, especially for a swap. But I found a decent '94 that will work even better for the long haul and short work. BTW, the '88+ GM trucks went to a drivers side t-case versus the passenger drop on the solid axles so you need a different t-case anyway for the swap. I just happened to have access to a Ford (high pinion driver side diff) Dana 60 already.

Threadjack over... krebsatm02, looking forward to your build-up!

You found a nicer one than that!?!?!? WHAT?! HOW?!

Okay, that thing is in great shape. Looks like a great starting truck. Can't wait to see this get going.

GetGone, my old man wants to build a expo truck out of a M1008, he wants to swap in a 6.5 like it sounds you were gonna do. He wants to swap in the whole engine, tranny, and trans case out of a wreck. I'm helping him get the project rolling. Gonna be sweet once it's done. If you're looking for a front axle for a SAS, Boyce Equipment rebuilds the whole front axle from the M1008s, be a good spot to start.

 

[krebsatm02]

Getgone, thats exactly the truck I'm looking for, but hopefully wrecked. I found a 95 that was rolled in st louis a couple weeks ago, but I couldn't commit before I won the M1010. Problem is I can't justify more than $1500 on it as I can eventually find a 94-98 dodge for $3000.

At the moment I'll probably work on lifting it as I have a enormous vet bill to pay. I should have everything to lift, but I haven't figured out the combination I'm going to use yet.

I parts left over from my K5 including 6" front springs, 2.5" rear springs, and a 4" shackle flip. I really need to find out the weight of this box. I doubt the 2.5" springs will handle the weight....

 

[GetGone]

Coffee!!

Yeah, I looked daily for a wrecked version and when I finally found a wrecked one it ended up being repaired by a father and son before they sold it. So that's the one I bought for $2200 - so far so good too! As a donor rig I figured I could sell the body panels and complete bed for a few hundred so, in theory, an all-straight body on frame could gain some more bucks for you! That's how I justified my expense anyway.

Just to note it, the Dodge version (primarily) of the NV4500 had issues with the 5th gear stripping out behind the Cummins due to diesel harmonics and load and torque combinations. There are kits to fix the issue but to do it right will cost you... HERE is a link to a pretty extensive write-up on the issue and solution... it may sway you in your decision of a cheap Dodge versus wrecked GM... or not! Just something to be aware of in your search.

Not sure what your springs are like from the K5, but diesels are mighty heavy and 1/2 ton springs with a 6" lift might not give you the results you want with such a heavy/top-heavy rig. Body lean and saggy springs are going to be a big feature of that combo... I have been considering using something like THIS. I think it can be made to work with taller springs, personally. I think you're right though, the K5 springs will be inadequate for an M1010. Can you trim out the rear wheelwell on the box at all? Minimal lift is what I would be after...
Sorry for the long post... I just had too much coffee! :coffeedrink:

 

[krebsatm02]

I wasn't too worried about the extra weight of the 6.2 on the front springs, rather the weight of the ambulance box. Now if a cummins went in there, that would be a different story.

The more I think about it, the more I don't want to do a cummins conversion on this vehicle. This is more of a test rig to see if we like this sort of thing. With chevy stuff being cheaper and easier to incorporate I think I'll just stick with it.

Really all I only want to be able to tow about 7500 pounds well. I think a 6.2 with the 6.5 turbo, N4500, and 4.56's on 35's will work decent.

As far as lifting... I could always tub the ambulance, but that seems like too much work. I think I'll try a test soon and install the 6" lift springs in the front and the shackle flip in the rear. I may take some leafs out of the rear and add an air bag setup so it rides better.