M1008 M35A2- Drab Is Good - Four Wheeler Magazine

M1008
Like the Blazer-based M1009, the Chevy pickup-based M1008 cargo truck was also a member of the CUCV program. It was manufactured from 1983 through 1986 and shared some commonalities with the M1009, like the 6.2L diesel engine, TH400 transmission, and NP208 transfer case. The main driveline difference was in regards to the axles. Up front, it used an open-diff Dana 60 that sported manual lockout hubs. Out back, it was fitted with a Detroit Locker-equipped a Corporate 14-bolt. The M1008 was also offered in a variation called the M1008A1, which was fitted with an additional 100-amp, 24-volt generator and communications kit. It’s said that the M1008 had a weight distribution of 55 percent front and 45 percent rear. The bed could be fitted with a folding cargo cover with bows that could be used to cover the cargo box or it could be outfitted with troop seats that would seat up to eight personnel. If you’re looking at purchasing an M1008, check the NP208 transfer case for chain wear or aluminum housing damage, and inspect the body for corrosion in the floorpan and rocker area. Also plan to possibly have problems replacing the 6.2L engines glow plugs due to swelling of the heating element. Pricing varies depending on condition and source. Average Boyce Equipment pricing for a stock, titled, drivable M1008 is approximately $6,800.

The Details
General
Model: M1008
Engine: 6.2L V-8 diesel
Displacement (in): 379
Horsepower/torque: 135/240
Transmission: TH400 3-spd auto
Transfer case: NP208 2-spd
Low range ratio: 2.60:1
Crawl ratio: 29.4:1
Axles f/r: Dana 60/GM 14-bolt, Detroit Locker
Axle ratio: 4.56:1
Brakes f/r: Disc/drum
Electrical system: 24-volt (two 12V batteries in series)
Tires: 235/85R16
Length/width/height (in): 220.7/81.2/75.4
Weight (lb): 5,900
Fuel capacity (gal): 20
Top speed (mph): 55

M35A2
For those of you who need to own a classic American military truck, take a look at the M35A2. It’s part of the family of trucks that have been nicknamed the “Deuce-and-a-Half,” and they’ve been a major player in American military history since the original M35 was trotted out to replace the M135-series in the mid-’60s. There have been a significant number of variations of the M35, but the M35A2 is arguably the most common. The M35A2 can be powered by the multifuel LDT 465-1C I-6 diesel engine, which in addition to diesel fuel, can run on a wide variety of fuels including jet fuel, kerosene, heating oil, and even gasoline (when mixed 15:1 with a quart of clean motor oil). Power is routed through a Spicer 3053A five-speed manual transmission (with 6.00:1 First gear) and split by a divorced, cast-iron, gear-driven, 400-pound Timken T136-27 air-operated transfer case (more desirable than the Timken T136-21 sprag-style transfer case) to the trio of Rockwell 2½-ton axles. Braking is via an air-assisted-hydraulic braking system. If you’re looking to purchase an M35A2, start by finding one that runs, because towing a rig of this weight isn’t easy. Inspect the fuel filter O-rings because they can wear out and let air into the fuel system, which can create a loss of power. Also check to make sure that the air compressor is working correctly because among other things it assists the brakes. Another area of wear can be the axle pinion bearings. These vehicles were also known for having rust in the cab corners and the battery box. Pricing varies depending on condition. Average Boyce Equipment pricing for a stock, titled, drivable M35A2 is approximately $7,000. FW

The Details
General
Model: M35A2
Engine: LDT 465-1C I-6 multi-fuel turbodiesel
Displacement (in): 478
Horsepower/torque: 140/305
Transmission: Spicer 3053A 5-spd manual
Transfer case: Timken T136-27 2-spd, air-actuated
Low range ratio: 2:1
Crawl ratio: 80.6:1
Axles f/r: 2½-ton Rockwell/2½-ton Rockwell
Axle ratio: 6.72:1
Brakes f/r: Drum/drum
Electrical system: 24-volt (two 12V batteries in series)
Tires: 9.00x20
Length/width/height (in): 277/96/112
Weight (lb): 13,530
Fuel capacity (gal): 50
Top speed (mph): 55

Where To Get ’Em
If you’re chompin’ at the bit for a military vehicle, parts, or general information, here’s a list of websites that should be of some help. These are some of the many sites we found after simply using a public search engine.

Bid on your own?
If you feel adventurous, you can bid on vehicles yourself at www.govliquidation.com. The company bills itself as “Uncle Sam’s Retail Outlet,” and it handles government surplus like military vehicles. Bear in mind that if you are the winning bid you will be responsible for removing the vehicle from the base where it’s located, whether it runs or not, in the timeframe provided. You’ll also be responsible for getting the vehicle legal in your home state. If you think this is for you, log onto the website and carefully read the FAQ section, which explains the procedure in detail.