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Humvee upkeep question...??

Leatherneck2111

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Our local 24-man volunteer fire department (actually just the current chief and a guy who likes to act like He's the chief) is all worked up about taking over a M998 (1st generation or early 2nd generation) in truck configuration from the county. The county has had this thing for at least 5 years but could never figure out what to do with it, therefore it has sat in a basement garage doing nothing as it supposedly can't be returned to the .gov per the agreement. So my local yobos want to get it and use it for a brush truck.

What kind of yearly upkeep costs can they expect to incur?? This is a small self funded/small grant funded department and unfortunately they have no former military experience with M998's, so they called me but I haven't messed with a Humvee since retiring in 1995.

I personally think this will turn into a money-pit and should be left with the county but I told them I'd do the research and try to figure things out.


Help????
 
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NDT

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Remember the early M998s are going on 30 years old. Depending on what the military did as far as maintenance, you could be looking at a substantial cost to get the truck back to a baseline reliable condition (cooling system overhaul, etc.). After that, costs to maintain should be no greater than any other brush truck. Consider drawing a newer, Heavy HMMVW Variant (HHV) truck from the gov't, as they can carry a greater payload, and would be more current on maintenance.
 
Last edited:

73m819

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Just what are we talking about here A Hummer ( H1, a CIVE truck made by AMG and sold by GMC) OR a MILITARY m998 (HMMWV) these ARE NOT the same truck even though a lot of people think they are.
 

Mercunimog404

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Just what are we talking about here A Hummer ( H1, a CIVE truck made by AMG and sold by GMC) OR a MILITARY m998 (HMMWV) these ARE NOT the same truck even though a lot of people think they are.
The manufacturer says they are exactly the same truck. With very few changes. Ie more creature comforts and no ballistic protection or black out lights on the h1
 

SETOYOTA

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Hummer and HMMWV / Humvee comparisons

Here is a list of differences between the HMMWV’s (High-Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle) and Hummers The body styles are very similar, however the soft-top is different for the military then civilian and the military hard doors are different then the civilian full hard doors and the civilian half soft / hard doors. (Military Vehicle Variants Listed at the end)

This list is generalized and is not meant to be a comparison from year to year of the Hummers and / or Humvees. Both have changed in options and architecture since their first conception (1985 for the Humvee and 1992 for the Hummer).

The largest difference between the two is the electrical system

HMMWV’s Have:
100% waterproof electrical system (gauges, instrument panel, wiper motor, etc.)​
24 Volt electrical system (2 batteries in series under pass. seat)​
100% Waterproof Horn​
Blackout light for lights out driving (next to drivers side turn signal on the hood)​
Taillights and turn signals are equipped with blackout accessories (small lights barely noticeable)​
Ability to turn off every light on the vehicle while driving​
4 Side Marker lights and 6 Reflectors (no marker lights on front or rear)​
o Large style marker lights (semi-circle – similar to side lamps of 92-01 Hummers, they just have 12v bulbs)​
Deep fording kit as an option​
o Small box receptacle by passengers foot well (under truck) to activate system by use of pressure​
o Completely air lockable fuel, and oil fill tubes​
o Extra vent tube on the CDR valve​
o Vent running up the air stack when installed​
o Solid rubber cap on air cleaner assembly (duckbilled on Hummers)​
o Power steering, geared hubs, fuel tank, lift pump all sealed and vented​
Foldable Windshield (after detaching the roof, of course)​
Different windshield frame​
Different windshield wipers / motor / spindles​
Seat compartments (not wasted space as in Hummers)​
o Space available under rear seats and a medical kit under the front pass seat next to the batteries​
3 speed transmission without park (GM THM400 - park pawl would not hold the vehicle at GVW)​
o Current have 4 speed trans with park (GM 4L80E)​
Top speed – 55MPH (long durations – the trucks with 4spds can go faster but, convoy speeds and Speedos still register 60mph as top speed / over speed)​
2.73 Rear-Axle Ratio (3.08 for some newer models) *Add 1.92 to get total drive ratio (from geared hubs)​
GM Diesel 6.2L NA, 6.5LNA, 6.5L Turbo All were / are options for Humvees (no gasoline power engines)​
Torque Sensing differentials (Torsen) 4.0:1 ratio​
Park Break attaching to the drive shaft (GM 6.2L Diesel Humvees only)​
Hydraulic Fan clutch​
Single thermostat​
Single fuel tank​
Small Washer fluid tank​
No cruise control (there is a throttle lock though – not to be used as a cruise – it won’t turn off when the brakes are applied)​
Steering wheel lock (cable from under dash)​
No ABS​
No CTIS (Option on some Humvees – newer trucks have the CTIS equipped hubs but do not have the lines nor the compressor)​
No A/C (unless Ambulance or armored)​
STE/ICE (simplified test equipment, internal combustion engine) diagnostic connector - next to the gear shifters
6 100% waterproof guages (fuel, water, oil, electrical, speed, air) 2 warning lights (wait light, e-brake light)​
Originally setup with 8 bolt 2-piece rims for low pressures or bias-ply tires (Trucks now are being converted to the 12 bolt 2-piece)​
2 point seat belt harness​
Low-back seating (some models have high backs)
Rear seats fold down and mold into the bed to continue the bed further forward
No key needed for start or operation​
CARC Paint​
Slave receptacle for the electrical system (under front pass-seat)​
HVAC Unit different​
Non-catalytic system (exempt)​
Standard 36” tires (Bias-ply – old style not in current use for A2’s)​
Light duty half-shafts and ball joints (accept on ambulances and some other models) – therefore the control arms have different sized holes in them​
Ballistic grills available​
Arctic kits available (harder fuel injection system, more interior cushion / padding)​
HD Civilian style rear bumper available as an option (otherwise no bumper)​
Tool storage under rear of truck (where aux fuel tank is on a civ truck)​
Tool storage also under hood where Hummer Batteries are placed – (newer models)​
Different frame rails (7,700 GVWR – increased on newer Humvees)​
GVWR of 10,300 (most common now), and 12,1000​
o 12,100 variants have super duty suspensions – totally different then any other HMMWV suspension​
Steering column, pump, and box are different then civilian​
No Actual VIN number, just a serial number and national stock number​

Hummers Have:
CTIS​
Duel fuel tanks​
14 Marker lights (5 front, 5 rear, 2 left, 2 right)​
o Small rectangular marker lights​
No reflectors​
Heated Fuel filter (used to pre-heat the fuel for easier starts)​
Square style turn signals and taillights​
Traction system TT4 (later models)​
ABS (later models)​
TT4 equipped Hummers have Torsen 1.7:1 ratio differentials (others are the same as military)​
A/C​
Stereo​
Cruise Control (later models)​
8 non-waterproof gauges (fuel, water, oil, speed, CTIS, electrical, Air filter is the same as military, Tach) plus warning lights​
3 point seat belt harness​
12 Volt Electrical system (2 batteries in parallel over RH front wheel post ‘93)​
Waterproof electrical system up to 30 inches (interior / marker lights NOT waterproof)​
2 thermostats (turbo equipped engines only)​
Large capacity washer fluid (later models 99-current)​
Hood Decapitation devices installed​
Non-movable windshield​
4-Speed with park transmission​
Engine Options for Hummers​
o GM Diesel 6.2L (‘92/3), 6.5L NA (94-current), 6.5L Turbo (96-current)​
o GM Gasoline 5.7L No longer offered (short build duration mid 90’s)​
Skid plate protection​
Rocker panel protection​
Interior complete and appeasing – creature comforts (carpet / vinyl, glove box, accessory outlets)​
Heated windshield​
Hard doors are actually Solid​
Keyed ignition​
Top Speed - 75 MPH (long durations)​
Undercoated body​
Sealed body​
Rear HVAC Unit​
Gear shifter lights up for both T-case and trans​
Catalytic converter​
Standard 37” tires​
Heavy duty half-shafts and ball joints​
Tilt-wheel​
Have a VIN on dash visible through windshield​

Variants of the Humvees (compliments from Liberty Kruger)

Truck, Utility: Cargo/Troop Carrier
M998 (2 or 4 door soft top)
M998A1 (2 or 4 door soft top)
M1037 (S250 shelter carrier)
M1042 (S250 shelter carrier w/ winch)
M1038 (soft top w/ winch)
M1038A1 (soft top w/ winch)
M1097 (heavy variant)
M1097A1 (heavy variant)
M1097A2 (heavy variant)
M1123 (heavy variant)

Truck, Utility: TOW Carrier
M996 (hard top)
M996A1 (hard top)
M1121 (hard top, heavy variant)
M1045 (supplemental armor)
M1045A1 (supplemental armor)
M1045A2 (supplemental armor)
M1046 (supplemental armor w/ winch)
M1046A1 (supplemental armor w/ winch)

Truck, Utility: Armament Carrier
M1025 (hard top)
M1025A1 (hard top)
M1025A2 (hard top)
M1026 (hard top w/ winch)
M1026A1 (hard top w/ winch)
M1043 (supplemental armor)
M1043A1 (supplemental armor)
M1043A2 (supplemental armor)
M1044 (supplemental armor w/ winch)
M1044A1 (supplemental armor w/ winch)

Truck, Ambulance
M996 (armored, 2 litter)
M996A1 (armored, 2 litter)
M997 (armored, 4 litter)
M997A1 (armored, 4 litter)
M997A2 (armored, 4 litter)
M1035 (soft top, 2 litter)
M1035A1 (soft top, 2 litter)
M1035A2 (soft top, 2 litter)

Hummer Variants
2-door
2-door extended cab
4-door soft-top hard doors
4-door soft-top soft-door
4-door slantback
4-door hardtop
4-door wagon

P.S. Slantbacks were used in the military so they wouldn’t burn holes in the wagon roofs with their missile launchers (Pictures at http://www.amgmil.com)

 

Mercunimog404

Banned
352
1
0
Location
Carson City/Nevada
Hummer and HMMWV / Humvee comparisons

Here is a list of differences between the HMMWV’s (High-Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle) and Hummers The body styles are very similar, however the soft-top is different for the military then civilian and the military hard doors are different then the civilian full hard doors and the civilian half soft / hard doors. (Military Vehicle Variants Listed at the end)

This list is generalized and is not meant to be a comparison from year to year of the Hummers and / or Humvees. Both have changed in options and architecture since their first conception (1985 for the Humvee and 1992 for the Hummer).

The largest difference between the two is the electrical system

HMMWV’s Have:
100% waterproof electrical system (gauges, instrument panel, wiper motor, etc.)​
24 Volt electrical system (2 batteries in series under pass. seat)​
100% Waterproof Horn​
Blackout light for lights out driving (next to drivers side turn signal on the hood)​
Taillights and turn signals are equipped with blackout accessories (small lights barely noticeable)​
Ability to turn off every light on the vehicle while driving​
4 Side Marker lights and 6 Reflectors (no marker lights on front or rear)​
o Large style marker lights (semi-circle – similar to side lamps of 92-01 Hummers, they just have 12v bulbs)​
Deep fording kit as an option​
o Small box receptacle by passengers foot well (under truck) to activate system by use of pressure​
o Completely air lockable fuel, and oil fill tubes​
o Extra vent tube on the CDR valve​
o Vent running up the air stack when installed​
o Solid rubber cap on air cleaner assembly (duckbilled on Hummers)​
o Power steering, geared hubs, fuel tank, lift pump all sealed and vented​
Foldable Windshield (after detaching the roof, of course)​
Different windshield frame​
Different windshield wipers / motor / spindles​
Seat compartments (not wasted space as in Hummers)​
o Space available under rear seats and a medical kit under the front pass seat next to the batteries​
3 speed transmission without park (GM THM400 - park pawl would not hold the vehicle at GVW)​
o Current have 4 speed trans with park (GM 4L80E)​
Top speed – 55MPH (long durations – the trucks with 4spds can go faster but, convoy speeds and Speedos still register 60mph as top speed / over speed)​
2.73 Rear-Axle Ratio (3.08 for some newer models) *Add 1.92 to get total drive ratio (from geared hubs)​
GM Diesel 6.2L NA, 6.5LNA, 6.5L Turbo All were / are options for Humvees (no gasoline power engines)​
Torque Sensing differentials (Torsen) 4.0:1 ratio​
Park Break attaching to the drive shaft (GM 6.2L Diesel Humvees only)​
Hydraulic Fan clutch​
Single thermostat​
Single fuel tank​
Small Washer fluid tank​
No cruise control (there is a throttle lock though – not to be used as a cruise – it won’t turn off when the brakes are applied)​
Steering wheel lock (cable from under dash)​
No ABS​
No CTIS (Option on some Humvees – newer trucks have the CTIS equipped hubs but do not have the lines nor the compressor)​
No A/C (unless Ambulance or armored)​
STE/ICE (simplified test equipment, internal combustion engine) diagnostic connector - next to the gear shifters
6 100% waterproof guages (fuel, water, oil, electrical, speed, air) 2 warning lights (wait light, e-brake light)​
Originally setup with 8 bolt 2-piece rims for low pressures or bias-ply tires (Trucks now are being converted to the 12 bolt 2-piece)​
2 point seat belt harness​
Low-back seating (some models have high backs)
Rear seats fold down and mold into the bed to continue the bed further forward
No key needed for start or operation​
CARC Paint​
Slave receptacle for the electrical system (under front pass-seat)​
HVAC Unit different​
Non-catalytic system (exempt)​
Standard 36” tires (Bias-ply – old style not in current use for A2’s)​
Light duty half-shafts and ball joints (accept on ambulances and some other models) – therefore the control arms have different sized holes in them​
Ballistic grills available​
Arctic kits available (harder fuel injection system, more interior cushion / padding)​
HD Civilian style rear bumper available as an option (otherwise no bumper)​
Tool storage under rear of truck (where aux fuel tank is on a civ truck)​
Tool storage also under hood where Hummer Batteries are placed – (newer models)​
Different frame rails (7,700 GVWR – increased on newer Humvees)​
GVWR of 10,300 (most common now), and 12,1000​
o 12,100 variants have super duty suspensions – totally different then any other HMMWV suspension​
Steering column, pump, and box are different then civilian​
No Actual VIN number, just a serial number and national stock number​

Hummers Have:
CTIS​
Duel fuel tanks​
14 Marker lights (5 front, 5 rear, 2 left, 2 right)​
o Small rectangular marker lights​
No reflectors​
Heated Fuel filter (used to pre-heat the fuel for easier starts)​
Square style turn signals and taillights​
Traction system TT4 (later models)​
ABS (later models)​
TT4 equipped Hummers have Torsen 1.7:1 ratio differentials (others are the same as military)​
A/C​
Stereo​
Cruise Control (later models)​
8 non-waterproof gauges (fuel, water, oil, speed, CTIS, electrical, Air filter is the same as military, Tach) plus warning lights​
3 point seat belt harness​
12 Volt Electrical system (2 batteries in parallel over RH front wheel post ‘93)​
Waterproof electrical system up to 30 inches (interior / marker lights NOT waterproof)​
2 thermostats (turbo equipped engines only)​
Large capacity washer fluid (later models 99-current)​
Hood Decapitation devices installed​
Non-movable windshield​
4-Speed with park transmission​
Engine Options for Hummers​
o GM Diesel 6.2L (‘92/3), 6.5L NA (94-current), 6.5L Turbo (96-current)​
o GM Gasoline 5.7L No longer offered (short build duration mid 90’s)​
Skid plate protection​
Rocker panel protection​
Interior complete and appeasing – creature comforts (carpet / vinyl, glove box, accessory outlets)​
Heated windshield​
Hard doors are actually Solid​
Keyed ignition​
Top Speed - 75 MPH (long durations)​
Undercoated body​
Sealed body​
Rear HVAC Unit​
Gear shifter lights up for both T-case and trans​
Catalytic converter​
Standard 37” tires​
Heavy duty half-shafts and ball joints​
Tilt-wheel​
Have a VIN on dash visible through windshield​

Variants of the Humvees (compliments from Liberty Kruger)

Truck, Utility: Cargo/Troop Carrier
M998 (2 or 4 door soft top)
M998A1 (2 or 4 door soft top)
M1037 (S250 shelter carrier)
M1042 (S250 shelter carrier w/ winch)
M1038 (soft top w/ winch)
M1038A1 (soft top w/ winch)
M1097 (heavy variant)
M1097A1 (heavy variant)
M1097A2 (heavy variant)
M1123 (heavy variant)

Truck, Utility: TOW Carrier
M996 (hard top)
M996A1 (hard top)
M1121 (hard top, heavy variant)
M1045 (supplemental armor)
M1045A1 (supplemental armor)
M1045A2 (supplemental armor)
M1046 (supplemental armor w/ winch)
M1046A1 (supplemental armor w/ winch)

Truck, Utility: Armament Carrier
M1025 (hard top)
M1025A1 (hard top)
M1025A2 (hard top)
M1026 (hard top w/ winch)
M1026A1 (hard top w/ winch)
M1043 (supplemental armor)
M1043A1 (supplemental armor)
M1043A2 (supplemental armor)
M1044 (supplemental armor w/ winch)
M1044A1 (supplemental armor w/ winch)

Truck, Ambulance
M996 (armored, 2 litter)
M996A1 (armored, 2 litter)
M997 (armored, 4 litter)
M997A1 (armored, 4 litter)
M997A2 (armored, 4 litter)
M1035 (soft top, 2 litter)
M1035A1 (soft top, 2 litter)
M1035A2 (soft top, 2 litter)

Hummer Variants
2-door
2-door extended cab
4-door soft-top hard doors
4-door soft-top soft-door
4-door slantback
4-door hardtop
4-door wagon

P.S. Slantbacks were used in the military so they wouldn’t burn holes in the wagon roofs with their missile launchers (Pictures at http://www.amgmil.com)

Same basic trucks ;) like I said before. More creature comforts on the hummer and 24 volts on the military. They sold slant backs to civilians as well.
 

SETOYOTA

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
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450
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Location
georgia
The H1 slant in nothing like a mil unit.

I like both however much prefer the military unit. Great trucks not to hard to maintain and reliable. The early h1 is full of electrical gremlins.
 

Warthog

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The OP is talking about a M998. No need for a debate about the military vs. civvy version. Start a new thread for that.
 

Warthog

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But the OP did not ask that question.

It is a great question for its own thread, not in a thread about operational costs of a M998
 
Last edited:

gem1410

Active member
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Location
TOMS RIVER NJ 08527
I bought a 1987 m998 a few years back--It was sitting around for 5 years--It looked kind of good when I got it--started and almost drove--I put $5000 dollars into it in just parts--now it is a great driver on the 4 days a year I drive it---so it only cost me $333 per foot to repair it {15 feet long)---not to bad--I recently read a review that the civilian H1 averages $.50/mile in maintenance and repairs
 

KansasBobcat

Member
641
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Location
San Antonio, TX
I restored a 1987 998 that had been in a warehouse for several years. Went past the 10,000.00 mark fairly quickly with paint, tires. top. floor mats, gages, seats airlift bumper, grill guard, etc. You will not be doing much of the restoration. Has been pretty reliable. What is the mileage on the county HMMWV? Can't fire and police get some parts support from the Government. There is a good post on another website that would be helpful. PM me
 

Al Harvey

Active member
1,152
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Location
Dover, TN
Leatherneck, the first thing we need to know is what kind of condition it is in right now. Does it still run and drive? You should be able to gain some access to parts via the government program. Some pictures would also be useful for us to help point out some potential issues that we might see. One thing to remember about these old military vehicles, they don't like to sit. If you do get it and it runs, make sure to drive it periodically. If you let it just sit til you need it, it probably won't start and will give you issues. Best of luck with your decision.
 

Leatherneck2111

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Location
Indiana
First Gentlemen let me apologize for starting a FlailEx over the name...When I was in calling them a "Hummer" was the norm in the Corps and nobody cared. I figured by identifying it as a 998 it would be a given. My apologies.

Second, I have been told that it runs and drives but I am suspect of the upkeep/maintenance as I know how my county treats "out-of-sight...out-of-mind" equipment. Nobody can tell me exactly when the last time was it was on the road or if it got PM'd when parked. They believe it was last on the road during an snow/ice storm last winter but hasn't been touched since.

I know the early versions had electrical issues. Anything else I need to be watchful for, they are arranging for me to take a look at is asap and I plan on taking my creeper and giving it a thorough going over. I retired as a Artillery/Ordnance Maintenance Chief and know how to inspect visually.....but I'm lacking in specific knowledge on 998's and their problems.

I will post pictures as soon as I get them taken.

Thank you all in advance.
 

Leatherneck2111

New member
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Location
Indiana
Our local 24-man volunteer fire department (actually just the current chief and a guy who likes to act like He's the chief) is all worked up about taking over a M998 (1st generation or early 2nd generation) in truck configuration from the county. The county has had this thing for at least 5 years but could never figure out what to do with it, therefore it has sat in a basement garage doing nothing as it supposedly can't be returned to the .gov per the agreement. So my local yobos want to get it and use it for a brush truck.

What kind of yearly upkeep costs can they expect to incur?? This is a small self funded/small grant funded department and unfortunately they have no former military experience with M998's, so they called me but I haven't messed with a Humvee since retiring in 1995.

I personally think this will turn into a money-pit and should be left with the county but I told them I'd do the research and try to figure things out.


Help????

Thanks for the edit Warthog, I did not mean to cause a kerfuffle over a name.
 

Retiredwarhorses

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
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Location
Brentwood, Calif
First Gentlemen let me apologize for starting a FlailEx over the name...When I was in calling them a "Hummer" was the norm in the Corps and nobody cared. I figured by identifying it as a 998 it would be a given. My apologies.

Second, I have been told that it runs and drives but I am suspect of the upkeep/maintenance as I know how my county treats "out-of-sight...out-of-mind" equipment. Nobody can tell me exactly when the last time was it was on the road or if it got PM'd when parked. They believe it was last on the road during an snow/ice storm last winter but hasn't been touched since.

I know the early versions had electrical issues. Anything else I need to be watchful for, they are arranging for me to take a look at is asap and I plan on taking my creeper and giving it a thorough going over. I retired as a Artillery/Ordnance Maintenance Chief and know how to inspect visually.....but I'm lacking in specific knowledge on 998's and their problems.

I will post pictures as soon as I get them taken.

Thank you all in advance.

you are in fact correct...the name Hummer came from troops not wanting to say HMMWV...AM General got the name from just that and trade marked it.

I was driving Humvee's in 85 when they came out...seems almost instantly the name was around.
 
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