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Why are CUCV prices so much higher that Civi Chevs

Gunzy

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I see CUCVs for sale a lot and see prices that trend higher than an equivalent Chevy truck. So my simple question is, why? I would think the Mil spec stuff would make them a little more difficult to work on and source parts for. So I am curious. Thanks.
 

patracy

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Hard to find a honest to goodness K30. Like Sweet mentioned, the 4.56 gears, locker, lower miles, and diesel powerplant are pluses as well. But I completely agree. A M1009 is just a diesel powered blazer and only worth the same as a civy counterpart.
 

welpro222

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The m1008 are worth it, the m1009? I'd rather buy a civi model and paint it green. I bought my civi blazer with the 6.2, 700r4 and 3.08 gearing for $1600.
 

cucvrus

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I would put a CUCV stock up to any Civi stock model. And in a day to day work and use cycle the CUCV would last longer and work better than the Civi model. That is with out a doubt. I have used both and the Civi have many weaknesses that you do not find in the CUCV. I sold every 700 R transmission I ever had to guys to replace bad ones. And I sold the CUCV 400 transmissions to guys wanting to get rid of the 700R. The CUCV in all models side by side in equal comparison is no contest. That is y 20 + years of observation. They may not have all the comforts of the Civi models but I would gladly give up the creature comforts for the reliability and ruggedness of the CUCV. Very utilitarian and made that way. This is my opinion and I am standing by it. Never left me walking yet.
 

gnick

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i looked long and hard up here in chicago for a civi diesel blazer. they're almost impossible to find, and when I did find them they were swiss cheese. the m1009's typically have less rust and overall they're simpler.
 

welpro222

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The CUCV and its civi counterparts are the same. The k30 has the same dana60/14 bolt/th400/np208 the cucv had. They also had the optional 4.56 gearing. The m1009 was the same as the civi model, but had the th400 instead.
 

patracy

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The CUCV and its civi counterparts are the same. The k30 has the same dana60/14 bolt/th400/np208 the cucv had. They also had the optional 4.56 gearing. The m1009 was the same as the civi model, but had the th400 instead.
No they're not. The Civy had a better electrical system. :mrgreen:
 

welpro222

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Its debatable whether the cucv electrical system was better then the civi model or not. The 12 volt system seems better to me for normal use. 24volt would be great in colder climates.
 
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Recovry4x4

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Civilian 1 tons didn't get the 208 transfer case. When the CUCV came out I found this very weird but the little 208 has proven itself. I've owned an 86 K30, 87 V30 and an 88 V30. All 3 had the 400 turbo and 205 case. I have great respect for the 208 now. 2.61 low range can really be a blessing.
 

reaper556

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HOCKLEY, TX
Not sure where you are looking at prices but I see civy K30's selling for easy 2 to 3 times what a cucv does. I recently saw a 85 K30 Silverado with 454 and TH400 with 56000 miles sell for nearly $11,000. As others have stated there is no magic voodoo in a cucv, all its component's are available in civy trucks which are much nicer and have more power
 

welpro222

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There is a civi K30 crew cab short bed for sale in the Seattle area for $22k, but it has been customized.:whistle: They will most likely never get their money back out of it, but it is nice.
 

rsh4364

Active member
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greensprings ,ohio
The only thing i miss after doing the 12 conversion is the fast spinning starter.
You can always go back,the only thing left 24v on my 1009 is the starter.The only downside I see for keeping 24/12 v is you have another alt.to keep track of and an extra belt.I like the 24v/12v setup now that I understand it?
 
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