CUCV m1008 bed conversion

[cook6657]

I have an 85 m1008 that I restored recently and I want to build an off road truck out of it. I also recently picked up an m101a2 trailer to do the bed conversion, but once I hooked the two together I want to restore the trailer and keep them together. I know it's not a classic, but i am having a hard time with this one. Any suggestions? .

 

[1StumpJumper]

Recently did this myself. The swap was pretty straight forward. Here are a few things to be aware of.

Inside measurement of wheel wells is narrower on the trailer bed. Problem if you want to haul plywood or a camper.

You need to plan something for your tail lights. I used L.E.D. ovals recessed mounted between the bed and bumper.

The trailer bed is narrower. I am running 12 bolts with 2" spacers and the fenders do not cover the tires.

Mounting a canopy is a bit tricky as the top flange of the bed turns outboard, contrary to the stock bed.

I still feel a little shameful that I took a good, serviceable trailer out of commission.

All that said, I do not regret it at all. I think this is how they should have been built in the first place! I just had a pair of rock sliders made and reccomend them as well.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Sounds like a great conversion. Would it be possible to do this with a 1101 trailer too?

brett

 

[1StumpJumper]

If my memory serves me right, the m1101 trailers are shorter and the wheel well was located too far back.

 

[cook6657]

do you have any pictures? I know it will be nasty when done, but like you i feel bad taking good stuff and tearing it apart. My trailer needs some patch work and I want build some rockers like the ones on petersons tug truck.

 

[cook6657]

Rusty the guy I bought my trailer from had a few m1101 and they are huge. They looked nearly 8 ft wide. They are also aluminum, making it harder to modify. Unless you can weld aluminum.

 

[Recovry4x4]

I hope you keep it as is. I've not seen a conversion I liked yet. In my opinion, you would have to section the floor up to get the bed sides proportionate to the truck. The bed just sitting on the frame looks way too high for me. Again, just my point of view.

 

[cook6657]

I know I keep going back and forth. I am dead set on it, then I go outside and look at the truck and trailer, and no so sure then. I need pictures.

 

[Drock]

This one seems to fit http://image.europeancarweb.com/f/p...-conversion/44378250/m1008-bed-conversion.jpg

 

[1StumpJumper]

I agree with you Recovery, I am still figuring out how to properly fill the open areas after the swap.

 

[cook6657]

I know I will have to mount Jerry cans in the front of the bed behind the cab to hide the width difference.

 

[1StumpJumper]

Pics added.

The gap problem is below the bed. There is only a couple of inches between the bed and cab.

 

[cook6657]

thanks

 

[scottladdy]

I hope you keep it as is. I've not seen a conversion I liked yet. In my opinion, you would have to section the floor up to get the bed sides proportionate to the truck. The bed just sitting on the frame looks way too high for me. Again, just my point of view.

Agreed.

 

[Recovry4x4]

I've done a little pic alterations in Paint, to a pic a member posted. He had a 101 bed on the truck. I lowered the sides and it did look much better. I was contemplating using 101 sides on a wrecker bed project I have. I'd post the pic but I don't recall whos truck it was to get permission.

 

[pmramsey]

No

Sounds like a great conversion. Would it be possible to do this with a 1101 trailer too?

brett

 

[llong66]

1StumpJumper, I can defiantly see your dilemma!! I am curious about the brand of tire on the rear in the pic Drock posted in post number 9, any one have any idea?

 

[cook6657]

super swamper TSL bogger. Nasty off the road and even worse on the road.

 

[llong66]

cook6657, when you say nasty off road how do you mean? They do not perform well? I didnt think they looked like they would be an ideal street tire.
Thanks much!

Greg

 

[cook6657]

Yeah I had them on a CJ7 and you couldn't stop them in the mud. On the pavement they make you pay for the off road performance. They wear fast if you keep them on the pavement.