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New member, starting first M1008 Resto-Mod

wayward_viewfinder

New member
3
1
3
Location
Alaska
Howdy! Today, with the purchase of an ugly M1008, I begin a journey that I've had on the back burner of my mind for 16 years. My goal is to build a reliable daily driver capable of long distance and moderate loads. I work 7 days on-shift, 7 days off, with a total daily round trip of 120 miles (hoping for a transfer to a closer facility later this year). I also hunt, fish, and camp, and need this truck to take me hundreds of miles away, sit and wait for me for a week or so, and fire up and haul me back home when I'm done. This truck must also serve as a utility truck to haul 300 gallons of water to my cabin 3 times per week, plus any other supplies/equipment we may need along the way.

That background out of the way... I've stalked SS for the past few months, making a mental checklist of things to do. First off, I'm starting with a rig that was used for snow plowing at one point, has already been converted to a full 12V system, and has had the glow plug card removed and replaced with a manual push button. The rear driveshaft has also been dented by a forklift... kinda made my 60 mile maiden voyage home a little tense, lol.

Here's a rough outline for our future together:
  • Replace rear driveshaft and u-joints
  • Lube check and change
  • Starter relay Mod as described on the forum
  • Get two batteries back under the hood
  • Glow plug change
  • Screw-on fuel filter mod
  • Homebrew "ram air" intake
  • Engine block heater, battery blankets, oil pan heater
  • New headlight wiring harness and upgrade headlights and tail lights
  • The largest tires I can fit on stock rims without lift, might consider slight trim (thinking 265/75r/16 load E, maybe 285?)
  • Custom front winch bumper, probably homebrew
  • Some body work, Behr paint OD Green throughout, Hurculiner, and POU
  • Passenger side fuel tank rigged for fuel transfer to either driver side tank or to external tank
  • Some sound deadening to the cab and engine compartment, not a huge priority.
  • Various cool-guy and creature-comforts, not to mention facelift to the panel and dash.
Far distant mods include GearVenters addition, Cummins swap (undecided between 4bt and 6bt, gotta balance power and economy), and transmission cooler.

I have until my caribou hunt in September to get some peace of mind established with this rig (400 mile trip to the boat launch where it will sit for a week in possibly freezing temps).

I guess I'll mention here that this is my first project truck, and beyond general maintenance, I have very little automotive mechanic experience. I've done a few major repairs though, and am confident that between SS, youtube, and the TMs, I can get most things figured out. I welcome any tips, tricks, and cautionary tales you may have. I'll keep this post updated with progress along the way. Glad to be here among you fine folks!
 

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