Please help me decide. M1028 with auto or 3spd granny?

[tbrent]

Hello gang. Pretty new to the CUCV world. Going to buy my first M1028. Having a hard time deciding. Maybe you can be of assistance.

1. Stock 86 M1028 clean with under 20k miles. $4500

Vs

Mod 84 M1028 with unknown 3 spd granny installed and lift, had floor pan replaced, aftermarket ac with 45k miles for $5k

Im looking to build this. For BOV and also some occasional mudding, trail and camping.

Any input would be great.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Welcome!

The first thing that comes to mind is, that 4:56 rear end is already pretty low. I'm thinking a granny first out of the trans might just be a bit TOO low. Do you know the numbers on that trans?

The second thing that comes to mind is a quick heads up: "BOV" is a topic that is not welcome here, along with SHTF, zombie apocalypse, EMP, and similar trains of thought.

The third thing that comes to mind is, air conditioning? What are you? A man or a mouse?


Okay, back on a serious note, the stock beast is a known quantity (as much as a used vehicle can be). The modded vehicle? Uh, dunno. Did the guy know what he was doing? Or is it hacked up?

Questions, questions....

 

[tbrent]

Thanks for the fast reply. stock has been my gut feeling. Its pretty dang clean. Great canvas.

Thanks!
From Florida, Mouse Heaven

 

[Recovry4x4]

Drive both if possible. The trans in the stick truck is likely an SM465. I have all the parts including a ranger torque splitter to do one of my trucks. I'm looking forward to shaking hands with a shifter again.

 

[cucvrus]

My opinion if it matters. Automatic. It is nice to just sit back and drive. Less things to do while driving. I am getting older and don't like to be uncomfortable while I am driving. You ask for opinions. And off road and plowing my automatics have always held up better and less fatigue to the driver. I used to be the opisite at one time. But I have learned over the years. Put it in Drive and the automatic transmission takes care of it's self. Service it once a year and it seems to last indefinitely.

 

[Lebowski]

I like both, but in the end prefer auto. I don't have to worry about the clutch if a family member uses my truck. No loss of momentum in mud/snow as the auto always keeps power flowing even in gear changes. I did install a Trans Go shift kit TH400: Summit Racing Part Number:TRG-400-1-2. It allows you to manually upshift/downshift at any rpm, and stay in any gear regardless of rpm.

 

[rsh4364]

And with an auto you can drive and eat an icecream cone!

 

[2deuce]

When I was younger I would have said manual, but now that I'm wiser(lol), I say auto.

I like the stick for better control off road, but auto is a big plus with today's traffic. So bottom line is, with all other things equal with condition of the trucks I would go auto for primarily highway usage. Good luck

 

[Cucvnut]

Its a 4 speed not a 3 speed....

 

[CUCVLOVER]

For just out and about rocking up and down the block a auto is best.
I have an old jeep I use off road (more like abuse) and it has a 3 spd manual, it is ok for just idling around the hills and hollers. But in the mud you better pick a high gear because you will wind out in a low gear. That's any vehicle though.

I take it the pic is of the 84 ?
If so I think it would be a great camping rig. You could sleep in the back.
But that is just my opinion and results, millage, and performance may very.