Way Cool Ride
Reading the Aug. '10 issue (or maybe just looking at the pictures), I have a question. On page 91, in the Chile article, what is the yellow, short-box, cut-down-XJ-looking rig in the top picture? Looks like fun!
Todd Weingartner
via 4wheeloffroad.com
That is a real Nissan Patrol, with solid axles and a Chevy V-8. Except for the engine it's mainly stock, and no, you can't buy it here. If we could we would have one in an instant, but like most manufacturers, Nissan feels there isn't a market for the ride of the solid front axle, as the American buying public is too soft. Yes, that sucks.
Our Final Goof
I've been a reader for many years. My first issue had a story about Bob Chandler getting mad because someone let Fred Schafer park Barefoot with its 72-inch tires next to Bigfoot at the Jamboree Nationals. That's how long I've been reading. For the most part I love the mag. I will say, I'd rather see more trucks, Jeeps, or whatever is street-legal than a bunch of trailer queen buggies.
The reason I'm writing is because of "Tire Chart Woes" (In Box, Aug. '10). You state that CUCVs had eight-lug wheels. If your referring to the M1008 (Blazer), they did not have eight-lugs. They have the same 10-bolt axles as the K5 Blazer that was sold at your local GM dealer. The CUCV M1009 (K30 PK) had eight-lug Dana 60/14-bolt axles. There were a couple of variations of the M1009. Most had NP208 transfer cases. Some had NP205 boxes; these were only in units that required a PTO option. There was also a DRW version that had a Dana 70 or 80 out back.
All CUCVs had 6.2L with Turbo 350s behind them. They had a secondary 24V electrical system (the GM part of the truck was 12V) to run our radios. But for the most part these were Chevy K5 or K30 Custom Deluxe with crappy paint jobs and extra blackout lights.
I have two M1009s in my fleet. They make great snowplow trucks. I retire from the Army this fall, and hope that I don't have to give them up before I go. Other than the mention of the M1008 having eight-lug wheels a couple of times, I think you have a great mag, and I will probably be reading for several more years.
Patrick Dunn
via 4wheeloffroad.com