Hey Guys,
I'm new here and was hoping to get some peace of mind. I've always wanted to own a 2 dr full size blazer. My dad had a few when I was growing up and I've always wanted to pick one up. To be totally honest, I never thought I'd have the chance this quick.
I totalled my daily driver in an accident in New Orleans, LA. I work down in N.O. and commute to my home in a little town called prairieville, just south of Baton Rouge. That's where the meat of my "issues" come from.
I've read a good bit already on the forum concerning M1009's but I need to ask a few questions. I've found one in town from a private seller who is dumping one that seems to be in good shape. it's an '85 M1009 with just over 35k. He's had $4975.00 on it for the better part of a year. We've been talking back and forth and I think I found his selling bottom price of $3750.00. Real nice guy, loves his trucks, has evidently moved on to a new toy(amazing vintage landcruiser). I know this price seems a little steeper than those that I've seen here on the forum but it's in pretty good shape. He's also put new 33" tires on it.
My main concern is the daily driver aspect of an M1009. I've read several threads but my situation seems unique. I run a 72 mile one way commute down to N.O. and I'd say 80% of that run is interstate. I've read several of you say that the cruising speed is 70-75 and that you're getting 20+ mpg. But is that common/true for that long on the interstate. Will 50+ miles one way of 70-75 miles an hour drive me deaf and blow my engine quickly. I've not owned a diesel but the thought of a 35k mi. diesel that could run, basically, forever in vehicle terms really intrigues me as opposed to the 150k mi. gas burner trucks that I've been reduced to look at due to my totalled vehicle insurance check.
On paper, it's a perfect vehicle. Something I've always wanted, An engine that could run longer that any gas burner I'd pick up, and a truck that is just freakin' cool. I'm a shade tree mechanic at best so I'm somewhat capable but I gotta tell you, I'm hesitant to pull the trigger. I test drove it and it started to "wallow" and I though, Oh, I better slow down. I looked down and I was going 35 mph. made me laugh. Seller recommended that I immediately put billsteins underneath it but I'd like to gird the front end up as well along with hitting the recommendations that you guys have outlined in the FAQ and other newbie posts.
If anyone is still reading, could you speak a little towards the massive amount of interstate driving I'm looking at and the money and time it would take to rework the front suspension components. I love the idea of owning the truck but I worry a ton about the time/money it might take to keep it as a daily driver.
Thanks to any who could offer advice.
Jake
I'm new here and was hoping to get some peace of mind. I've always wanted to own a 2 dr full size blazer. My dad had a few when I was growing up and I've always wanted to pick one up. To be totally honest, I never thought I'd have the chance this quick.
I totalled my daily driver in an accident in New Orleans, LA. I work down in N.O. and commute to my home in a little town called prairieville, just south of Baton Rouge. That's where the meat of my "issues" come from.
I've read a good bit already on the forum concerning M1009's but I need to ask a few questions. I've found one in town from a private seller who is dumping one that seems to be in good shape. it's an '85 M1009 with just over 35k. He's had $4975.00 on it for the better part of a year. We've been talking back and forth and I think I found his selling bottom price of $3750.00. Real nice guy, loves his trucks, has evidently moved on to a new toy(amazing vintage landcruiser). I know this price seems a little steeper than those that I've seen here on the forum but it's in pretty good shape. He's also put new 33" tires on it.
My main concern is the daily driver aspect of an M1009. I've read several threads but my situation seems unique. I run a 72 mile one way commute down to N.O. and I'd say 80% of that run is interstate. I've read several of you say that the cruising speed is 70-75 and that you're getting 20+ mpg. But is that common/true for that long on the interstate. Will 50+ miles one way of 70-75 miles an hour drive me deaf and blow my engine quickly. I've not owned a diesel but the thought of a 35k mi. diesel that could run, basically, forever in vehicle terms really intrigues me as opposed to the 150k mi. gas burner trucks that I've been reduced to look at due to my totalled vehicle insurance check.
On paper, it's a perfect vehicle. Something I've always wanted, An engine that could run longer that any gas burner I'd pick up, and a truck that is just freakin' cool. I'm a shade tree mechanic at best so I'm somewhat capable but I gotta tell you, I'm hesitant to pull the trigger. I test drove it and it started to "wallow" and I though, Oh, I better slow down. I looked down and I was going 35 mph. made me laugh. Seller recommended that I immediately put billsteins underneath it but I'd like to gird the front end up as well along with hitting the recommendations that you guys have outlined in the FAQ and other newbie posts.
If anyone is still reading, could you speak a little towards the massive amount of interstate driving I'm looking at and the money and time it would take to rework the front suspension components. I love the idea of owning the truck but I worry a ton about the time/money it might take to keep it as a daily driver.
Thanks to any who could offer advice.
Jake
