1984 - M1008 - General Questions - ABS

[Kaosrida]

Hello All,

I've been looking into getting a Chevy M1008 and one came up at a local online auction. I went to inspect it and it’s in pretty good shape with 80k on it and a solid body. My questions are:

Q1. The interior has a sign that says "Max Speed 30 MPH - No ABS" Now, I've never owned a car without ABS. My concern is, this truck is a v8 diesel as you know and it has some power, and I'd probably be driving down the highway once in a while doing 60+, that "Max Speed" sign kind if scares me, I know it’s probably just to cover their behind when it was being used in the service, but can anyone tell me about their experience with breaking with this truck and some tips about speeds and distances? Ik, a lot of it is common sense driving, but I just need someone to clarify so I'll have an idea

Q2. I've never owned a Diesel and recently became familiar with what a heating block is. This truck has one, in fact I saw the 3 prong power chord hanging out of the grill when I went to see the truck. I’m assuming there a place to plug that sucker in under the hood?

Thanks!

 

[Warthog]

Q1. You max speed to keep the engine in one piece will be around 55mph for long periods of time. With the axle gearing, tire size and the TH400, anything over 55mph will be above the rpm limits of the engine. It will go higher but is not a good idea. Braking is a non-issue. Millions of the trucks where built and non-ABS was the rule at the time. Yes people had accidents but many more did not.

Q2.The block heater is an add-on. You run an extension cord from the house and plug the truck into it. The heater replaced one of the freeze plugs.

While you have no experence with the diesels, you will have to learn or have plenty of $$$ to pay someone to work on it. They are 25+ years old and DO require maintenance.

 

[Kaosrida]

Thanks! My uncle is an experienced mechanic, he works on military cars here in my state so he'd probably be working on it for me. I was under the impression the truck had an outlet somewhere since this truck was used for emergency management :0

 

[doghead]

It has a 6.2 liter power source. It should also have 2 6TLs as a power source.

 

[Kaosrida]

Ill get more acquainted with it if I win the auction. How much do u think would be a fair price for this truck? Assuming there is nothing major going on with it? Again its an 84, M1008,solid body interior os 7/10 a few rust spots under the front wheel wells. I was thinking no more than 2k

 

[Warthog]

They are selling on GL for upwards of $4K without any test drive. Your $2K may be too low.

If you are about to get for less than $2K, you are gettting a deal.

 

[dependable]

These trucks can be great local work trucks. But if you are used to ABS and want to drive over 60 MPH, this might not be the truck for you. They are primitive by today's standards.

 

[GM72K10]

If its the one I think you're talking about it brought $2801.00

 

[Kaosrida]

Yes, it sold for 2,801. Great deal! I stopped trying at 2,500 I just didn't have enough.