M1008 vs M1009 Which to buy???

[danochamp]

Hey, Im new to the forum and the trucks. However I'm beginning to love them both, I need to know some opinions on which to buy, I've got about 3500 bucks to spend and dependability is my main concern. I have the basic knowledge of an engine and the tools to keep it going, I think, I don't really want to have to put a lot of money into these other than maybe 500 bucks a year tops(excluding gas).

I know purpose is what youll probably base this on and honestly, I have no purpose for this vehicle. I mostly want something fun that I can play around with on the farm or drive to and from school occasionally. I like the opportunity for a second seat in the M1009 but I also like the looks of the M1008 too. Also, if I were to lift one of these, would that take a lot of customizing, or is the suspension setup the same as stock blazers and K30's.

So what do I do, what is the best vehicle to use mostly as a offroad, people carrier, and mud bogger?

Thanks.

 

[hndrsonj]

For a daily driver i'd go with the M1008 (cause it's a pickup) and change the gears to 3:73's.

 

[dskchevy]

I say M1009 get 22mpg do 65mph & buy trailer if you need to haul something.......

 

[davo727]

If you dont need 1 1/4 ton suspension and bomb proof axles then the 1009 is good. But I like trucks Truck is geared slow though, cant be in a hurry.

 

[justinwregier]

Hey, Im new to the forum and the trucks. However I'm beginning to love them both, I need to know some opinions on which to buy, I've got about 3500 bucks to spend and dependability is my main concern. I have the basic knowledge of an engine and the tools to keep it going, I think, I don't really want to have to put a lot of money into these other than maybe 500 bucks a year tops(excluding gas).

I know purpose is what youll probably base this on and honestly, I have no purpose for this vehicle. I mostly want something fun that I can play around with on the farm or drive to and from school occasionally. I like the opportunity for a second seat in the M1009 but I also like the looks of the M1008 too. Also, if I were to lift one of these, would that take a lot of customizing, or is the suspension setup the same as stock blazers and K30's.

So what do I do, what is the best vehicle to use mostly as a offroad, people carrier, and mud bogger?

Thanks.

people transport-M1009 for 5 in cab or M1008 w/troop seats for tail gate parties
offroad-M1008
mud bogger- either w/some $$$

M1009 roll better on the freeway but M1008 will take more abuse
regardless these trucks are 25 years old so be ready to spend some $$$ on maintenance intially to stay within $500 anually

 

[scrambled]

I love the blazer. Drop the top on the nice days and let the diesel fumes blow into your hair.

I bought a 1028 so I could throw the axles under my 1009. Now its time for the 37's and hummer beadlocks...

Travis

 

[319]

Tough question! Best to get a second job, make extra cash and get both!

 

[stampy]

It depends. Are you going to be pulling stumps out and being off road the majority of the time? or are you going to be driving on the highway and taking passengers and want some fuel economy. The m1009 is solid, great daily driver, great on the highway. Can tow but is limited to smaller loads due to the short wheelbase ( I pull my car trailer but rarely tow anything big on it as the trailer can push the rear end of the truck around a little. M1008 can tow larger loads but its geared lower and your engine will be screaming at highway speed as well as sucking down fuel. Only a 2 seater, nothing stays dry in the bed unless you have a camper top. I would go with the 1009 for all around versitility, but I drive on the highway more than I wheel and I like leaving my junk in the truck locked up instead of in the bed

 

[Recovry4x4]

I love the blazer. Drop the top on the nice days and let the diesel fumes blow into your hair.

I bought a 1028 so I could throw the axles under my 1009. Now its time for the 37's and hummer beadlocks...

Travis

I planned on going this route on my M1008. Bought wheels and tires but decided to change directions and do the 700R4 swap. Tires and wheels in the classified section. I've had both and the Oh-9 is a great daily driver but I've found that so is the M1008 as long as you're not on the highway most of the time. Fuel mileage around town is acceptable.

 

[ODdave]

when ever i buy a truck i look at it as parts, "if something major happens what are the parts worth" By far the parts that go into making a 1008 are worth far more than a 1009.​

..........................1008.................................. 1009
front axle - ...1000-1400 ...........................200-400 (at best)
rear axle - ......400-800 .............................100-250
engine - .........500......................................... 500
trans - ...........300-400............................... 300-400
transfercase- .....200..................................... 200
frame - ..........300-500................................ unshure
cab - ..............300-700............................... 500-1000
box - ..............200-500 (depending on GL)... ------------​

this is just something to think about. Also if you plan on wheeling hard, remeber the "gov-bomb" in the rear of the 1009 WILL break.​

 

[danochamp]

Thanks all who posted. I think I'm going to go with the 1008 and do a gear swap. I'm not gonna be wheeling very hard so breaking a dana 60 isn't really a concern for me right now. I'll just make sure to out about 500 bucks in a oh **** fund in case something happens to the truck. What are some initial things you would reccomend doing to one of these? I've heard the glow plugs are junk but the reall problems begin after replacing them?

Thanks again.

 

[Mudstone]

Buy a 1008 and trade me axles from my 1009....

 

[danochamp]

Buy a 1008 and trade me axles from my 1009....

haha that doesn't seem fair

 

[BKubu]

Asking which truck to buy, when they are so different, is like asking which outfit to wear if you are going out to dinner. Fine dining...wear your suit. Arby's...wear whatever you want. A Blazer is nice for highway use. The pickup can't be beat for hauling. Do you want to haul loads? The Blazer would be out. Do you expect to drive at 65-70 MPH while commuting? The pickup is out.

 

[Preacherboy]

I know you guys often say that m1008's only go 55 tops, but I was just behind one on I-69 east in Flint that was going 80. I had the diesel engine for sure, but must have different gear ratio in the rear end. It was a nice looking truck and he was hauling!

 

[p3amea6]

My m1008 is my number 3 truck ,it is for fun and big loads ,I have a SUV for people and aF150 for work.

 

[ryan77]

Swap in a overdrive tranny and be done with it....