Anyone ever owned an ex military Blazer (cuck-vee)?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Anyone ever owned an ex military Blazer (cuck-vee)?

Posted: 1/6/2009 3:42:37 PM EDT

I'm currently in the process of trying to buy a retired cuck-vee 3/4 ton 4wd Blazer. I'm picking it up to be a cheap boat puller and off-roader. Are there any problems with getting them licensed/insured? What kind of issues do these things have long-term? Anything to look for immediately after purchase? What's a reasonable price to pay for one of these things?

-Chris

Posted: 1/6/2009 3:45:42 PM EDT

[#1]

Never have, but it's CUCV.

Google search for CUCV or M1009 comes up with a bunch of good rebuild info.

Posted: 1/6/2009 4:02:03 PM EDT

[#2]

This site was made for you.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/

More info about surplus CUCVs, parts, maintenance, etc, etc than anywhere else on the web.

I expect you already know about governmentliquidation.com.

Posted: 1/6/2009 7:12:00 PM EDT

[#3]

Here's one in Oklahoma for ya
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/983249037.html

Posted: 1/6/2009 7:34:23 PM EDT

[#4]

They absolutely love to leak oil. From everywhere.

Posted: 1/7/2009 9:37:24 AM EDT

[#5]

If you can find one that's already registered you may be better off. Getting one from GL takes literally months, because you have to wait for the SF97 (govt title form) to clear. I have an M1028 and had no problems at DMV. There is a different VIN code from a standard chevy truck/blazer and that can throw some curveballs to some insurance people but mine took it in stride with no problems.

M1009's have less heavy-duty axles than the trucks, and more highway friendly gearing. Parts to keep an eye on are the glow-plugs and controller, and many people switch to 12V electrical system. The standard is a hybrid 12/24 system and parts like starters and alternators are expensive for it.

Hit up steel soldiers, you will probably find one for about 3K if you look around. They're good solid trucks and I enjoy mine.

Posted: 1/8/2009 5:20:56 PM EDT

[#6]

Just got one that has been converted over to a SBC. The motors blown, but I was glad to get it. Ill have before pics up soon...Chris

Posted: 1/8/2009 9:33:02 PM EDT

[#7]

I just sold mine that I bought and fixed up from govliquidation.com. I paid $1500 for it at the auction, put another $1000 into it, mostly in new tires, painted it myself, and sold it for over $3000. The one I had a diesel leak coming from the injection pump, which is common. It didn't leak any oil though.. Insurance was cheap and registering here in Georgia was a breeze.

Here's some pics

Posted: 1/8/2009 9:48:42 PM EDT

[#8]

Wow, I was in the army when we first got those. mine was brand new and painted woodland camo. had my name stenciled on the front windshield. it was great!

before that I had a gamma goat with no heater. hell, the damn thing didn't have a windshield when went went to Germany for reforger. man was it cold on the autobahn.

Posted: 1/23/2009 8:22:19 AM EDT

[#9]

My roomie and I have 4 of them. Good vehicles.

Posted: 1/24/2009 5:34:37 AM EDT

[#10]

They're not 3/4 ton, they have the same 10bolt's axles as the civie version.

Posted: 1/24/2009 5:43:18 AM EDT

[#11]

Had one for 3 years. Save your self the time and effort and just
go to the bank, withdraw a pot of money and flush down the shitter.

Honestly, they are a maintenance nightmare. My M1009 ate starters
for breakfast. Rebuilt the starter about every 6 months, constant
rust problems, lack of a block heater lead to the diesel gelling up,
electrical problems...

On the plus side, they handle very well in the snow and mine was geared
low and there for had lots of torque.

If you decide on getting one, I've got al the manuals on a CD if you need
them (and you WILL).

IHC

Posted: 1/24/2009 7:48:14 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
Wow, I was in the army when we first got those. mine was brand new and painted woodland camo. had my name stenciled on the front windshield. it was great!

before that I had a gamma goat with no heater. hell, the damn thing didn't have a windshield when went went to Germany for reforger. man was it cold on the autobahn.

I drove th e shit outta one,sure was better than the M880(Dodge truck).

Damn,a Gamma Goat.......

Posted: 1/24/2009 6:22:47 PM EDT

[#13]

I am currently in the Army and I would never buy one of them. We have a bunch on our motorpool and they are so rusted and problematic.

Posted: 1/25/2009 10:06:33 AM EDT

[#14]

Taggage. I've always been tempted by these.

Posted: 1/25/2009 10:19:37 AM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:
I am currently in the Army and I would never buy one of them. We have a bunch on our motorpool and they are so rusted and problematic.

DRMO Vehicles are hit and miss.

I've turned vehicles that were like new and I've turned in vehicles that were wasted pieces of junk.

A year ago I turned in three 1988 International 15 ton 6x6 tractors that had less than 4000 miles on them (The engines weren't even broken in). I've also sent CUCVs to DRMO that had the engines and transmissions pulled and the good axles swapped out with wasted ones. The problem with DRMO is: Unless you know what to look for it's hard to tell the good from the bad.

ETA: A bunch of our "War Stock" equipment has been getting updated lately. Vehicles that have been warehoused for 20 years are being replaced because they don't meet today's mission requirements and parts support for vehicles that old is hard to come by.

Posted: 1/25/2009 2:51:04 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
I'm currently in the process of trying to buy a retired cuck-vee 3/4 ton 4wd Blazer. I'm picking it up to be a cheap boat puller and off-roader. Are there any problems with getting them licensed/insured? What kind of issues do these things have long-term? Anything to look for immediately after purchase? What's a reasonable price to pay for one of these things?

-Chris

Check over at CK5.com. Its a K5 Blazer website.

Also, thats not 3/4 ton its 1/4 ton unless someone switched the rear end. It should only have 6 bolts holding the wheel on, that is 1/4 ton, if it has 8 than its 3/4 ton.

The only issues is the some kind of excelerator pump or something that goes bad, its like a 500dollar part, but once replaced would last awhile. Itll be a 6.2L which isnt known for having much power. Itll be a dual 24/12v system, so get good with electrical work.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Anyone ever owned an ex military Blazer (cuck-vee)?

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