Going to look at a military K5...

[Charlie Kleman]

Hey all, I’m going to look at an 85 military K5 tomorrow afternoon. If I bought it the goal with this truck would be turning it into a weekend warrior off road vehicle. I was just wondering if anyone knew what transmission and transfer case the military blazers came with? Also if there’s anything major I should look for with the 6.2 diesel (don’t really have any experience with diesel motors) any input is appreciated!

 

[WebMonkey]

i drove one for years patrolling the west german/czechoslovakian border.

np208 transfer case

unfortunately, that's all i know
at that time in my life, i drove them hard, then dropped them off at the motor pool for the smart guys to fix/prep them for the next patrol.

lots of websites dedicated to these trucks though.

a quick google search will give you more than you could ever want to know.

i always thought i get one for myself but ended up with the flying turd (my 85 k20).

good luck!

 

[Colin]

Lots of info & specs here...

https://olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_m1009.php

 

[SquareRoot]

i always thought i get one for myself but ended up with the flying turd (my 85 k20).

Wtf?!!!! I have an 85 K20. Why the bad rap?

 

[HotRodPC]

i drove one for years patrolling the west german/czechoslovakian border.

np208 transfer case

unfortunately, that's all i know
at that time in my life, i drove them hard, then dropped them off at the motor pool for the smart guys to fix/prep them for the next patrol.

lots of websites dedicated to these trucks though.

a quick google search will give you more than you could ever want to know.

i always thought i get one for myself but ended up with the flying turd (my 85 k20).

good luck!

You got that all wrong dude. You're 85 K20 is more of a truck than the CUCV K5.

 

[HotRodPC]

Hey all, I’m going to look at an 85 military K5 tomorrow afternoon. If I bought it the goal with this truck would be turning it into a weekend warrior off road vehicle. I was just wondering if anyone knew what transmission and transfer case the military blazers came with? Also if there’s anything major I should look for with the 6.2 diesel (don’t really have any experience with diesel motors) any input is appreciated!

The CUCV K5's are Turbo 400 3 speed auto and NP208 transfer case. The axles will have 3.08 gears in them and if IIRC a limited slip rear diff, peg legger front diff. They are cool as hell trucks, but not near as tough as the CUCV trucks with 14B Full Float rear axles and Dana 60 fronts with 4.56 gears and rear Detroit Locker, some with front Lockers but not many.

If you get a good deal go for it, but in all honesty, I like my K5 better that came with 3.73 gears, AC, 700r4 and 305. Now one thing about that CUCV K5. If that Diesel runs good, you'll have a good gas mileage vehicle. It's power is about equal to a 305 gas engine so don't expect much there. But for a cruiser, they're great. Also with 3.08 gears, you don't need the Overdrive. The Turbo 400 and NP208 combo will be about bullet proof and you won't hurt it with that 6.2 engine. Not a rig for towing though with the 3.08 gear ratio. But, it's still a CUCV with a nice cool factor. If you can buy it right, I'd be all over it if I could afford it.

 

[Camar068]

that NP208 will be 32 spline. Good for a 4L80/6l80 trans if it's ever in it's future.

 

[Charlie Kleman]

The CUCV K5's are Turbo 400 3 speed auto and NP208 transfer case. The axles will have 3.08 gears in them and if IIRC a limited slip rear diff, peg legger front diff. They are cool as hell trucks, but not near as tough as the CUCV trucks with 14B Full Float rear axles and Dana 60 fronts with 4.56 gears and rear Detroit Locker, some with front Lockers but not many.

If you get a good deal go for it, but in all honesty, I like my K5 better that came with 3.73 gears, AC, 700r4 and 305. Now one thing about that CUCV K5. If that Diesel runs good, you'll have a good gas mileage vehicle. It's power is about equal to a 305 gas engine so don't expect much there. But for a cruiser, they're great. Also with 3.08 gears, you don't need the Overdrive. The Turbo 400 and NP208 combo will be about bullet proof and you won't hurt it with that 6.2 engine. Not a rig for towing though with the 3.08 gear ratio. But, it's still a CUCV with a nice cool factor. If you can buy it right, I'd be all over it if I could afford it.

well I already have plans in the works for a Dana 60/14 bolt FF swap among many other things. Pretty much everything besides the motor and tranny is getting swapped out for something beefier!

 

[Charlie Kleman]

i drove one for years patrolling the west german/czechoslovakian border.

np208 transfer case

unfortunately, that's all i know
at that time in my life, i drove them hard, then dropped them off at the motor pool for the smart guys to fix/prep them for the next patrol.

lots of websites dedicated to these trucks though.

a quick google search will give you more than you could ever want to know.

i always thought i get one for myself but ended up with the flying turd (my 85 k20).

good luck!

well I have a 78 K20 that’s currently in pieces so best of both worlds I guess!

 

[WebMonkey]

Wtf?!!!! I have an 85 K20. Why the bad rap?

MY 85 k20 is the flying turd, no one else's.

see my 'hello my name is' thread with photos of MY 85 k20 that has so many things to fix.

everyone has shared their truck names.

i've named my truck 'flying turd'.
or maybe i'll go with 'skidmark'.

 

[SquareRoot]

I've thought about putting 2500HD badges on it. Started life as a K20 with the HD chassis option. Added cucv K30 axles, nv4500, hydroboost, and Vortec 350. Seems fitting to me?

 

[SDJunkMan]

Look over the electrics, these have unique 12/24 volt systems and if the wiring has been cobbeled up they can be a nightmare. Harmonic balancers are supposed to be a weak point in them, although I have not had any trouble with mine yet. Replace the ignition lock as soon as you get it, they all used the same key. Rear window cranks are prone to break and the available replacement parts aren't very good quality. The engine is a J code, which is slightly defferent than the civilian models, not sure what the differences are.

 

[HotRodPC]

well I already have plans in the works for a Dana 60/14 bolt FF swap among many other things. Pretty much everything besides the motor and tranny is getting swapped out for something beefier!

There you go. Then it'll be a badass.

 

[ali_c20]

The army diesel has more torque and power compared to the civil version. 165 hp, 330 lb-ft vs. 130 - 143 hp and 240 - 253 lb-ft.
If you need more power for your weekend adventures you can turbo it.

 

[Dooley]

I loved mine.
My son has the M1009 now and he did replace the T400 with a diesel version 700R4.
The 3.08 rears work good with the stock 31/10.50 tires.

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