Question about CUCVs'

[wes-in-nc]

Hello every body. I just found your site and I have enjoyed reading the posts. I'm thinking about buying a CUCV (86' 3/4 ton) but after reading Rally Rebel's adventure, I'm not so sure. My question is, Are these trucks generally good vehicles? I need a good dependable truck, not something to work on. Thanks, Wes.

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome to the Forums!

Generally, CUCV's aren't practical for what you are asking. In most cases, they are recycled military vehicles. This means, for whatever reason, they have been used up, then refurbished in some manner for civilian use. You may run across one that's been done up nicely, but they are few and far between. Many times, they've sat in someone's field for many years. Other things to consider are roadworthiness and current onboard systems. Military electrical systems are different that civi's. 24V, non DOT lighting, etc.

It's not very likely you will find one that will be a daily driver, right out of the box. The can be made to be very reliable daily drivers after some TLC. Another probablem we see a lot is the condition is very often exaggerated. But, condition is very subjective, depending on who's stating, and who's listening.

Most times, CUCV's make great starter kits for the DIY'er. If you don't want to "build" one, better to stay with civilian models, or locate one that's been done over nicely. Don't settle for one sight unseen, as you've heard about those. Just too many variables.

[NH2112]

Another thing to be aware of is that what the military calls a "truck, utility, 4x4, 3/4 ton, M1009" is nothing but a K5 Blazer, complete with 3.08:1 10-bolt (1/2 ton) axles. You do get a TH400 with it, though. If you think you'll be getting a "real" 3/4 ton with Dana 60/14 bolt FF you're going to be disappointed.

[SimonUK]

Been running an M1009 over here in the UK for the last 2 years. 60 odd thousand trouble free miles untill 2 weeks ago when the rear diff decided it wanted to destroy itself. Turns out it wasnt built correctly in the first place. Since it only had 30k on it when I got it I reckon it must have left the factory this way.

[wes-in-nc]

Thanks for the info. Several trucks are coming up for bid on http://www.govliquidation.com/index.html and they will be in Fort Bragg, NC. That's only about 4 hours from me so I thought I could tow it home. Right now the main reason I was thinking of getting one is I need relief from my current truck. Its a 95' Chevy 7.4/auto. Its a great truck but were talking 7-8 mpg city, and at best 12 mpg on a trip. I put in $60-$70 per week in gas driving this thing.

[Rally Rebel]

If you're going to bid on the GovLiquidation auctions be sure you're able to pre-inspect before bidding. I and a few other friends have done a lot of the DRMO auctions and you'd be surprised at what they'll "omit" in the descriptions. There was a 5-ton once that looked great in all the numerous pics and the description was equally rosy as well, even stating the truck was driven to the auction site. They just didn't mention it did so beating itself to death and bleeding oil from the hole in the block.

Buyer beware! ;)

[ccatlett1984]

If you would like more info on the cucv's please come visit www.steelsoldiers.com

CUCV pickups are 1tons not 3/4's, they arent good on the highway unless you change the gears. (they come with 4.56:1's) you would be better off with a m1009 unless you do a lot of hauling.

Now to clear up a few things about them.
THE ONLY 24VOLT ON THE TRUCK IS THE STARTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The rest of it is all the factory setup except for the way the glow plugs receive power, they are fed through a big resistor on the firewall that drops the voltage down from 24v. This is so the truck can be jump started from any other military vehicle (they are all 24v).

The lights are all DOT, as they are the same lights as the civilian trucks, the truck do have "blackout lights" but these are a seperate system entirely and do not affect the operation of the normal lights.

The only stuff that you would prolly have to do once you got it would be to check that the alternators are charging (any shop can rebuild them as they are 12v alts, though one has an isolated ground) and change all of the fluids and filters.

Feel free to ask me any questions about them, I have been driving mine daily for over three years. :)

[wes-in-nc]

Rally Rebel, Inspecting the truck before the auction is a good idea. The trucks I'm looking at all have low miles, between 35 and 53k. Thanks for the info ccatlett1984. I just found out about the 4.56s and no overdrive while I was looking around yesterday. The info on the lighting is very helpful, Thank you. I was trying to figure out what all I would need to do to get "regular" lights on the thing. Did you buy your truck from an individual? I opened an account on the auction site but they charge a 10% buyers premium. After looking around, I think the trucks will go for more than I can afford to spend right now. The bidding opens on 5/15 til 5/17 if anyone here is interested. I'll keep you informed on what happens. Wes.:cool:

[DmaxMaverick]

Mileage is irrelevant on CUCV's. They spend 90% of the time idling (I'm exaggerating, but only a little), and most of the remaining miles at less than 25 MPH. This means the difference between military and civilian use is apples/oranges. 35K is high mileage for a CUCV, when compared to civi use, and 53K is very high. Remember, they had an unlimited supply of parts and labor.

[Rally Rebel]

As DmaxMaverick says, CUCV mileage is irrelevant. Keep in mind too that while these trucks were in motor pool they could have been raided for parts out of necessity or just for the heck of it. Just talk with some military folk and you'll start wanting to crawl all over any potential purchases before even thinking of bidding. That's why a lot of military stuff has the "mix-master" nickname, as they can be a mix of parts from a mix of donors.

I bought my M1028 CUCV from an individual on eBay that had perfect feedback for selling these trucks and their parts. Unfortunately I'm having problems and I don't necessarily feel he was aware of any issues and represented the truck in good faith. My biggest issue was simply not being fully prepared for a fly-n-drive with this truck. And I'm beginning to think my real problem is a disintegrating flex-ring in the IP, which can happen to a lot of these trucks.

[ccatlett1984]

Rally, I have a extra IP sitting on an engine that I would sell ya cheap. let me know.