The M1009 CUCV - A Manly, Eco-Conscious, Military Rejected Survivalist's Dream Vehicle.
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To Hell and Back
Are you a survivalist nut? Do you crave a real man's vehicle that will
take you anywhere and let you pull tree stumps out of the earth if they
get in your way? Are you looking for an authentic, "I've been to hell
and I'm going back," rolling chassis with original toxic military grade
paint (called CARC, which ironically stands for Chemical Agent Resistant
Coating)? How about that perfect addition to the mountain militia
armada?
Do you want a vehicle that features no complicated
computers and electronics and still has the old round air filter housing
that sits on top of the engine with a little butterfly nut instead of
the goofy air canister casings that are off to the side and out of the
way in the engine compartment found on modern cars? How about a bare
bones - no carpet interior that embodies the spirit of the no-frills,
exclusive society of men that own at least two handguns, two rifles and a
shotgun, and secretly cry while watching movies like Gran Torino?
Poor Military Vehicle but Great for Civies
Then look no further than the ex-military M1009 CUCV. What the heck is a CUCV? It stands for Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle and was brought into military service as a converted civilian vehicle intended as an intermediary for the more expensive and capable amphibious Gama Goat and the rock climbing, trail blazing HMMWV. It is rumored that while the M1009 served in combat during Desert Storm, the results were "less than desirable," and it has been supplanted by the Humvee (HMMWV) it was intended to support.
What is a M1009?
By now you're burning with curiosity - what is a M1009 exactly? It's an
old Blazer with a diesel engine. The models converted for military use
were built from 1983 to 1987 - the big hair years.
Despite its
ordinary K5 Blazer heritage, you just can't ignore the standard rifle
rack. It does hold only two rifles, but hey, that's better than the
over-the-top expensive and plushy Tahoe at your local dealer which has no hunting accessories at all! Speaking of expensive, you can pick up a
used M1009 for dirt cheap. Often, they can be found with extremely low
miles. Specimens of this common breed have been seen on Ebay with 70,000
miles, in great running condition and a new paint job and undercarriage
paint for between 5 to 6000 dollars. There are some that have even less
than 50K miles!
Veggie Conversion
In addition to the reinforced tow hooks attached to the front and back of the M1009 optimal for Chevy maintenance intervals, the standard non-turbo diesel engine is an ideal platform for bio-diesel or veggie oil conversions. Just think, that old corn field you've just let grow wild can now be harvested to run your M1009! Or you can just hit the local Chinese buffet or McDonalds and instead of meekly begging for grease with your pasty, white vegetarian eater's complexion and your wimpy diesel Vanagon parked behind you, you can instead roll up in your beefy, military, olive drab monster of a truck, step out with your plaid hunting jacket over a pasty, white skin and flabby, aging, meat eater's body and subtly imply that it would be in their best interest not to interfere while you suck some of the goo out of their grease trap.
Big Gun
There is no end to the benefits of owning a Blazer CUCV, not to mention that the official designation of your M1009 sounds a lot like a really big caliber weapon that needs a tripod to operate safely. The combination of the 6.2 liter diesel engine with the tough TH400 transmission and the locking differentials hooked to the NP-208 chain driven transfer case make this militarily inadequate SUV the perfect off-roader for the tough and independent outdoorsman.
Sweet Smell of Freedom
And just think, converting the beast to take used vegetable oil will not only add to your sense of independence from the oil industry and the government, but it will also confuse the hippies who want to condemn your fuel guzzling choice of transportation and complain about the dirty diesel exhaust. They will stall like a Smart car going uphill when they smell nothing but french fries as you pass by.
Be Different
You want independence? You want to be different? You want to be the
epitome of the rugged individualist? Then find yourself a good used
M1009 to put those MRE's and camping supplies in and take off for parts
unknown. (Don't forget the toolbox, it's still a Chevy).
Fording Deep Waters
Rock Climbing
What Do You Think?
Is there a M1009 in your future?
See results without voting
Useful and Fun Links
- Ye Old Military Trucks for Sale
Lists a few M1009's for sale.
- Details, Specs and History about the M1009 - Must Read if planning on buying!
Also discusses how to change the 24 volt system down to 12 volt.
- Military Blazer for Sale
M1009 Seller
- 1984 M1009 CUCV Blog
This page looks abandoned but has some nice pics and info with some useful tidbits.
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I heard about the Dodge's doing that, that would be a joykill for me. Kudos to you for making the best of it. I currently have 2 4X4's and they are more maintenance intensive than anything else I've owned. Love having them though.
Thanks for stopping by.
We bought a 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon last spring, and that's enough 4WD for me!
Having one of those would be nice. Initially I wanted a 2006 Unlimited, but those are pretty pricey even used, so I have a Tahoe and a Bronco (talk about being disloyal!).
Cool stuff. Tell me though, do 4x4s have to be Big and Heavy - not that there's anything wrong with that? I think I would go for the downsized Jimmy, even though there's not much capacity to haul around heavy guns. I just know from experience that it's a lot easier getting a lighter vehicle UN-stuck, because having any one of them just begs you to go where the risk of getting stuck is just a yard away! I'd definitely drive one of those mothers though, if I could afford the luxury - and if I did get stuck, I bet I'd have a lot of fun doing it!
I don't think they have to be heavy, I just want the room and power. I hear the Samurais are great off-roaders. I saw a video of a short 2 door 4runner (must have been South America) that went through a mud hole and climbed up a hill like a goat, while the M1009 behind it could not make it out of the mud hole no matter how many times it tried. Eventually the Toyota pulled it out!
Great Hub Alexander!
I want one! It would be great to just get in one filled with supplies and just take off!
JSMatthew~
Thanks JSMatthew, I think you got the point of this hub :-)
No way I will drive one of those but the way you describe it almost makes me want one. With the emphasis on almost.
LOL, I'm that convincing? Thank you Utrecht.
I'd like the roominess of the inside, but every part ever made for my jeep can be bought, A 41 or a '89 the M1009 has the 6.2 diesel that many don't like but I've had good luck with them in the past. For the right price I'd get all over one still, Dusty
I heard that that particular diesel has some kind of weakness, but every vehicle does.
I read some of the off road mags at work (at an FBO strangely enough), and it seems that Jeeps are the most popular. Last year I almost bought an old Wagoneer and the guy also had an old Jeep and said they are the easiest to work on and modify. It's easy to see why one would want one, you can work on it and they're built for off road purposes.
Maybe the military should have stuck with Jeeps.
They still use jeeps but not for ied road patrol. If they start surplussing them out I will be after one, dusy
Are you talking about this one: http://www.jgms.com/products/ ?
Those would do, I was thinking along the lines of the old style with steel wheel flares, they outlawed personal armored vehicles I think, do to car to car shoot outs while rapping. Most of the ones I'm thinking of go to sales like in the Philippines. Most cool stuff is no longer sold to us here by laws. I bought a 41 Willis at an Army surplus, 175 bucks in '65 I think, no top, no cage, just a jeep with 5 bullet holes in the passenger side and two in the passenger floor board. A flat head 4 banger with a 3 speed that would do 50 to 55 and in low gear hubs locked about 20, but would climb a tree. Unlike today's jeeps they had Chrysler style posi units front and rear, I paid 300 each for Dana 44 axles that had the same type posi in them, If I were to get a new or newer jeep I'd swap out the Dana 30 front and 35 rear for these 44s, they are what is under the M1009, cut and narrowed. A so called 4x4 with 1 legged axles better buy a winch and mud boots cuz if they get out much they'll need them both [ask me how I know] ever since I went to the 44s my winch is mostly for looks but I have had to get out and un-spool the winch with all four wheels digging graves. I've found that the "R" on the shifter is best used if you realize in time, backward is a good direction, if it's to late and your plowing dirt on the devils desk, if you don't have a rider shotgun side to deploy the cable and maybe drive an old axle in the ground to tie off to, there will be some getting in and out to be done and now days that high step on the old jeep is making the new ones that don't have it pretty attractive, my days of throwing my right leg 34 inches up and over then using the roll bar to pull my old butt in are getting thin. The new jeeps are just trying to compete for the poorboy's Humvee and at 38k I can't even talk to them about the sales tax much less price. I'm looking for 75,000 mile lease turn ins or something, I'd take a m1009 for the right price. Dang son we need to go email at this rate of exchange, dusty[when it ain't raining]
Holy cow, you know exactly what you want! Can't really say much to that. What is the devil's desk?
I was talking with my brother about the exorbitant cost of a new car, no matter what we get screwed. Why is it the minimum wage goes up barely three times what it was in the 90's but the cost of living quadruples? The cost of a new vehicle is even worse.
I just replaced the radiator in my Bronco myself, and there are a couple other things I can fix because it's old. That's probably the best way to go, but then it's good to have a backup vehicle!
Check out the links and Ebay for an M1009. The gov auction ones usually have CUCV's that need a lot of work.
So those Jeeps are outlawed here because they can be used as assault vehicles? Then it makes sense to send them overseas!
Some people think you have to be an American citizen to buy a CUCV, but it's not true, even permanent alien residents can serve up to 8 years in the military - but that doesn't make a lot of sense either ;-)
The Devils desk is just a joke about him being under ground in hell and when your buried to the frame your in a hell of a fix, Ha!
here is a break down of 30k vs. a M1009CUCV, SO you'll have to know what's tore up and the price you'll end up spending putting it back on the road. 30,000 is 6000 gallons of fuel at 5 bucks a gallon and 12 mpg is 72,000 miles, liability insurance only, cheaper tags, big savings on sales tax,no interest or monthly payments in a fix it yourself configuration. I'd go 5k total fixed right to go another 100,000 miles the most I'd spend on one buying it and doing the labor myself. If they are 6.2 diesels as long as the air intake and exhaust is above water you can use a swim mask and snorkel to see and breath as you ford a river. You need to allow the truck to fill with water or it will float enough to tumble. It would have to be dire for me to try that. Military jeeps had add on fording kits that put the exhaust and intake at roof level, and being gas they had a rubber boot for the distributor and the oil and differential vents went to the highest point under the body and hood for the front. If you sink one you need to drain and refill the differentials and engine oil as soon as possible and re-grease all the joints and wheel bearings, a lot of work but some times hunting in northern California I'd sink my jeep to cross the 3rd fork of the Eel river. I towed my hunting jeeps with a big 1 ton diesel so 70 miles an hour over 55 could be done on the main highways and a quieter less jarring trip could be done. Man this has gone all over the map, could have written a hub as some of this is incomplete. Dusty
That's a great breakdown - and that's a lot of money! I had no idea that you can easily spend 30k in five years on fuel alone. That makes it worth it to buy a newer Toyota or Camry if you want a reliable commuter. Not for me, I'd rather preserve capability and have room and power available and just pay for the gas as long as I can afford it.
You're right, there's enough info to write another hub. My suggestion is you write a hunting trip story including your Jeep or anything else you use off road. I have absolutely no doubt there are at least a few stories rattling around under your hat.
One ton diesel? Would that happen to be a Kaiser Jeep?
The one ton diesel was the only new vehicle I bought, it was an 82 GMC 1 ton cab and chassis, I built the bed and tool boxes and a long cross bed box with a sleeper mounted on it access through the rear window with a boot installed to weather proof it. I got 387,000 miles out of the 6.2 diesel and put a 454 gas in it after that, mpg went from 16 to 6 but rolling at 30 mph you could fry the duals on command.
If I were to convert a truck to a machine you can sleep in, I would connect the cab with the camper too - that is awesome. But this is why I bought the Tahoe, a 2 door SUV that is built open to the back. I like the idea of not having to get out for safety and comfort - in case there are zombies roaming around and you know they leave you alone if you stay inside till sunrise. Also, you can't lean back in your seat in a single cab truck like in a 2 door suv.
I guess those 6.2's are pretty durable. Why did you go to gas? Tired of the smoky slowness? You sure don't skimp when it comes to power though!
I like your style. If the world ever runs out of 2 door suvs, I'll get a truck with an extended cab and put a nice camper on the bed and mate them together like you did.
I'll have to get some pictures scanned, it was a cab and chassis with a wheel base set for a 14ft bed and I built the bed and a tool box that was tall enough to set a sleeper that was being made at the time. It was made to span a pick up bed and a boot between. One person could climb up and sleep in it, parked or while another drove. check this, they show them on angle iron but I made a tool box that went all the way across with a door at each end, you could put long items like shovels or tent poles in it.
http://www.cowtownsleepers.com/sleepers.html
I put a 454 gas out of a low mile [20k] wrecked motor home because it was a straight bolt in for $1,200.00 vs 5k+ for a new 6.2 diesel. Just hook the wire for run and shut off on the coil hot lead and drain the tanks and fill with gas. I figured 4k at the $.95 cent to $1.08 would buy a lot of gas, then I bought a Dodge 1 ton cab and a half with the drop down rear seats and a Cummings that got 22 mpg and sold the Chevy.
Awesome vehicle, very rugged looking!
Thanks for coming by Silver, glad you like the manly truck.
Hey 50, those sleepers look pretty cool, but I see that you have to lay across the width of the truck, and I am 6'4". Those things are great, but probably wouldn't work for me ;-) I had to chuckle when I saw one for a Toyota with a walk-in door on that website. I wish I was shorter!
For a long time, a Dodge Cummins was THE diesel to get, I remember working with two brothers who had the Dodge trucks with extended cabs and the straight six Cummins diesel engines with turbo. Those things accelerated like nothing else, I am still impressed to this day. That was the old body style before Dodge went with the "semi" look.
I just checked out that link - that is cool. There were two other useful links on there - the surplus warehouse is only 200 miles south of me, so I envision a trip down there in the future, maybe I'll take some pictures for you.
People don't realize what a treasure trove used military equipment can be. Wonder if the military will ever get Ipads? That is a great article, thanks for turning me on to it. I'll let you know if I get some cool stuff from there. Apparently they also ship.
I still like the Cummings 12 valve and rotary pump over the noisy clatter of the 24 valve inline computer pump.Your right that engine with a 5 speed could take off in 3rd gear and accelerate fast and with my 4 horse trailer and living quarters with all my tack and 4 1800 pound Belgians a trip to Shawnee national park for a week stay, they still got 20 mpg at 70 cooking down the road with added captain chair seats that reclined and swiveled the passenger could turn all the way around prop his feet on the fold down seat and recline then keep me awake driving with all his snoring. I wish I had kept that truck!
Well, you win. You have lived the life I only imagined. Pulling horses around in a luxurious diesel truck camper unit with swiveling captain's chairs, flying helicopters and now living away from civilization and hanging out with the wild animals. I'm just glad when I can drive down to the ocean. In fact my biggest goals this year, (other than building an online income from writing) are to start flight training and start surfing regularly.
Your setup with the truck reminds me of the Millenium Falcon, and you are Han Solo, living life on your terms.
You may wish you had kept your truck, but I think your lifestyle is different now, and it's perfect the way it is.
Just last night I dreamed of my KLR, a good motorcycle but always in the shop for something costing me loads of money. I miss riding but not the headache of negotiating dangerous city traffic and the repairs. I have a great old station wagon I absolutely love, but want to sell and can't because of the sentimental value. Stupid, maybe I just need to move on.
Man station wagons are cool! you don't see them any more, If I were to want one I'd like the old Buick Wagon built on a tube frame and a fire breathing 454 hiding in it and when the teens pull up laughing fry the tires and split!
Thanks for the chuckle 50, that would be hilarious, unless you were of course driving one of those GM wagons with the diesel! A few women actually like the fact that I own a wagon, I think they think it makes me more "real". I hope it's not just because it's a family car! Mine is a smooth running cruiser and if it weren't for the dent in the front and the fading woody siding, it would be the most beautiful car in my eyes. Here is a link if you want to see it - there are a lot of pictures so don't feel obligated to look through them all: https://picasaweb.google.com/105791875226972428794
Coool is that yours? Buy a wrecked Ford F-250 4x4 and put the running gear under it and you'd have an urban assault vehicle, LOL
I've actually thought about doing something like that, is that possible? I won't though, the ride is out of this world. Yep, it is mine. She's a beaut isn't she?
Yeah it's possible but they get so tall you have to have a 2 to 4 foot stepladder to get in. They are best left alone I remember mine drove like a dream and floated down the road.
Hummm great hub Mark but is not my bug!lol I do like the vegetable oil though for gas...It looks like a good rugged vehicle..Thanks for a great informative hub.
Sunnie
Hey Sunnie! You are so right, the bug and the Blazer are two completely different driving experiences. What's weird though is that when I drive my Tahoe, I get almost the same rush that I did driving my diesel rabbit, especially around corners. It may be that there is a sports car hidden in that big SUV frame ;-)
Thanks for the read and the compliment.
You left out the Amazon capsules. How are we supposed to order this stuff?
Whoops. I spoke with an Amazon representative (yeah right) and they mumbled something about "hazardous waste issues," yet surprisingly, size mattered not (if you use their Yoda shipping deal).
ROTFLMAO
:-)
I still want an Airstream like the one in "Open Season 2" and a dachshund to go with. After all it's still a Chevvy!
I lived in an Airstream for a half year, it was awful.
And you're right, some people swear by Chevy, but there are plenty of lemons out there!
But you're a foot taller than I am!
I mean the insulation was awful and the shower was for midgets. Plus it was always damp in there. Rather sleep outside :-)
Boy oh boy would I love to have one of these bad boys. I know that Active Army got rid of them a long time ago, but my unit with the National Guard still had one or two when I joined. I drove one of these CUCV's, solid back box for tool storage and generator, all the way up to South Dakota one year. I would love to get my hands on one of these beasts. I don't care what anyone says I love this vehicle to death. Oh and yes it is true these trucks have been through hell and back.
Glad to hear a positive report - some people complain about the engine not being reliable, but I hear that if you have that problem, there is a relatively easy fix for it. Roaming around Youtube, I saw plenty of videos exemplifying its toughness and off-road capability, including a cold start in sub-zero weather! I'm with you, if I ever replace my Tahoe, I'll be looking for a CUCV. There's a guy on Ebay that sells military equipment in good shape. He doesn't have any CUCV's right now, but when he does, he's the guy I want to get it from: http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/scyros35/?_trks . Good luck!
Yea when I do finally get back behind the wheel it will have to be a recrational vehicle for me just because of my kids. I know my kids could ride but...... Lets just put it like this, I won't be the best driver with the CUCV. I know exactly what these babies can do I just haven't had the chance to do them do to they were government owned. Just thinking about it makes me want to sell my car and just go and get a CUCV.
You got the bug bad that's for sure!
Very informative hub.Thanks for posting.
Thanks for dropping in and leaving your link.
Great site. I picked up an 85 m1009 and I love it. No frills and all fun. The 6.2 has been great so far, I have read that the 1983 6.2's had some problems but fixed for 84 and up. I wish modern vehicles were a little more practicle, a 4x4 is not supposed to be a luxurey vehicle.
No kidding, I have a Tahoe and although it has a bunch of computers, I like its simplicity. I have manual window cranks and a rubber floor. If I were searching for a perfect survival vehicle today, I would go for the CUCV or the old Blazer with a carburetor and vacuum fuel pump to name a few things I like. Of course the diesel is fuel injection, but the general durability of a diesel makes that a moot point IMHO. I'm glad you mentioned the Chevy diesel engine problem, and unfortunately, I'm hazy on the details, but I know it can be fixed. I'm betting that's the same problem you are talking about, and it's good to know which years are safe.
Thanks for coming by and thanks for the compliment Chris, hope I've added something useful. And congratulations on your purchase - wish I was you. Post a link if you put up pictures or videos, I'd love to add it here.
Ill stick with my M1008 it has one ton axles better than the M1009 weak 10 bolt axles.
I say hell yes, especially since that rig in the first photo is mine (roof rack, gas can M1009). Wouldn't trade it for anything else. Two years of reliable service driving it everyday. I have put 37,000 miles on it.
Hey Matt, can you switch those axles?
I1a1man, that is really cool! That is a beautiful picture and I'm honored to have you visit. Let me know if there is any problem with copyright infringement and I'll take it off.
It is really good to hear a success story and that you're still in love with your beast. Reliability is a huge must when you're off road. I don't think my Tahoe can go where yours can.
Negative, leave her up. Kinda gives it cool points being on here. I love that truck. Only issue I had with it was the glow plug card, I bypassed it with a manual switch, replaced some wheel bearings, and that is it. I ended up taking the roof rack off and doubled my MPG. I am pulling about 20 miles to the gallon on the highway. These are very simple to work on. Check out governmentliquidations.com, I also picked up a M1028 there as well in very good shape.
That doesn't sound too bad, especially for an older vehicle. Do you find there is a huge difference between the 1028 and 1009 as far as performance? Checked out the website, looks like it is no longer an official site but now has a bunch of links going to other places :-(
Here is the link: http://www.govliquidation.com/
Yes, the M1028 is geared really low and it won't go over 65mph. It is geared so low it chirps the tires when you take off. They were meant for heavy loads. The M1028 we bought is a rare model, it has a heavier front axle, rock crawlers like to buy them to strip them off for their Jeeps. The M1008 is not geared as low but again they only go about 65 mph unless you change the gears in the rear end or put taller tires on them. Fuel economy is about the same. The 1028 is way quieter inside than the M1009.
The M1028 sounds like a real workhorse - no Cummins needed for you! Thanks for the link, that one worked. I'm not sure I have that in the article, so now visitors have another resource to go to.
Noise is the only thing that would get to me, but the trade-off is an awesome rough terrain vehicle.
How much?
Alot if you're poor and a pittance if your rich. Check out the links and Ebay - often there are CUCV's there.
Howdy,
I've got an '86 M1009. Rubber is good, but alas—no spare! No one here in NE Oklahoma has tires or rims for this truck. "Discontinued" they say. Anybody know where I can get 'em?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Hey Paul, I'm sorry you're having trouble, I don't understand how rims can be discontinued unless they are a special order item for military specifications - that's kind of goofy. In the meantime, a seller on Ebay that seems to sell quality military equipment including CUCVs appears pretty knowledgeable and helpful might be a good place to start: http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/scyros35/ . Maybe send him an email or peruse his listings. Let me know if it pans out!
Hello,
Try Boyce Equipment in UT. They have lots of parts and rims. Goodyear Silent armor are the new version of the original tires. I run them on my M1009 and they are the best tires I have had on a 4x4. Hope this helps. www.boyceequipment.com
Thank you I1a1man!
Lolz my grand father bought one and it is awesome
Simmi1313, that's really cool. Do you get to drive it?
It's Very Difficult ?
what???
where can i find surplus military vehicles along with the price Thanks
Check the first link under the last picture and these:
You can also try state auctions and Ebay comes up with some good deals - but you'll have to be patient.
Contacting a Guard or Reserve station might net you some results too - but that is a long shot I think.
Prices vary wildly, if you buy from an auction, you may get one cheap but you can't be sure about the condition. I think a decent one will run you about 5000 bucks.
Thanks for visiting!
WillStarr Level 8 Commenter 13 months ago
I had a military Dodge, 3/4 ton, 4WD pickup. It had no power steering and no front axle hub locks. It was fun, but it was also a pain to drive, especially in rocky areas where the steering wheel would suddenly whip and darn near break your thumbs!
Nice Hub!