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:
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!
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.
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!
