For questions or comments on this site, click here.

[HitCounter]

Classifieds

Information Technology

Off Road

Real Estate

Preferred Contractors

Best experienced with

Off-Road Engineering, LLC

Off-road Engineering was established in 1994.  We started out converting former military vehicles for civilian use.  The success of these vehicles led many others bring their stock pickups and SUV's to us for similar modifications.  Call to see if we can help you.

United States Military M1009 Command/Utility Combat Vehicle

            Our vehicles are US M1009 CUCVs that have been modified to accommodate civilian demands for both highway and off-road use.  CUCVs are built to very tough military specifications and are designed to meet stringent NATO field requirements.  These vehicles are were acquired directly from the united states military with less than 28,000 miles on the vehicle (certified on the us government title).  They had been held in storage for several years and were released from the military due to the service wide transition to the HMMV.  While in storage, the vehicles were maintained in excellent condition through the military's preventive maintenance and oil analysis program.    . 

            These vehicles are perhaps the very best 4x4 value in the market.  Like the army's new HUMMV, they are extremely rugged: in fact, much of the CUCV's drive line (engine, transmission, etc.) is identical to the HUMMV.  Yet they are much comfortable, since the body style is a conventional general motors full size K5.  Accessories and parts are therefore much easier to obtain for a CUCV than they would be for a HUMMV. 

            The vehicle is also arguably more rugged and reliable than some other high-end 4x4's such as the range rover or land cruiser, yet it is far less expensive.  Below is a list of some the special features that make the CUCV one of the best choices for off-road use:

            1.   6.2-liter fuel injected diesel engine.  This is the same engine as that put in the HMMV.  Very reliable. Has passed the stringent 400-hour NATO endurance test.   This engine could run for 500,000 miles if properly maintained.  Because the vehicle has low miles, it is thus broken in and any factory flaws have already been remedied.  The vehicles were operated in a very limited sense by a National Guard unit, and were released only due to a service wide order to transition to the new HUMMV.  All of these vehicles were maintained under the army's oil analysis program, and were thus serviced and the oil tested and changed when required.  This engine has extremely high quality stanadyne gear driven fuel distribution and bosch fuel injectors, which allows the engine to be run on all types of fuels in an emergency--even jet fuel or kerosene. 

            Because of these high quality fuel injectors, and because the vehicle is a diesel which operates at low rpm and with long piston strokes, these vehicles have achieved gas mileage as high as 21 mpg on the highway.  This is much better than a similarly high-powered full-size sport utility.

            Other engine features:

                        a.  Forged steel carburized/ground camshaft.

                        b.  Cast iron alloy block, webbed for strength.

                        c.  Cast iron cylinder head with hardened valve seats and large coolant passages.

                        d.  Five bolts around each cylinder.

                        e.  Four-bolt main bearing caps for each of five main bearings provide strong support for the crankshaft.

                        f.  Heavy-duty nodular crankshaft with deep rolled fillets.

            2. 400 Turbo automatic transmission.  This is one of the toughest transmissions on the market.  Due to its heavy-duty torque converter, this transmission will allow you to pull heavier payloads than with a standard transmission.  Top quality after market oil coolers have been installed to provide more towing capability than you will ever need.  An automatic will allow you to keep both hands on the steering wheel while on rough terrain where the extra control is necessary.  Resale value is also better with an automatic, maintenance costs are lower, and there is no clutch to wear out.

            3.  Heavy duty brakes, suspension, differential, gears, yokes, drive arm, and casings.

            4.  Armor plated 27-gallon gas tank.

            5.  Fuel economy of as high as 21 mpg on a full tank of gas provides a nearly 600 mile range.

            6.  24 volt start system consisting of two high capacity batteries and two 100-amp alternators.  This system provides plenty of start power in all weather conditions and lots of power for accessories on the additional normal 12-volt system.  The system also has a NATO compatible external receptacle for jump-starts, which does not require the opening of the hood.

            7.  Black out and convoy lighting systems in addition to normal lights.  These military lights are designed to allow enough light to drive the vehicle, but dim enough to prevent attracting attention from snipers or attack aircraft. 

            8.   Heavy duty towing brackets mounted on  3/4 ton frame.

            9.  Several layers of tough camouflage paint that is practically impervious to paint.  The first several layers are  "CARC" (chemical agent resistant coating) paint, which is designed to resist the affects of chemical agents by preventing molecular breakdown.  Several additional layers of federal specification rust-inhibiting paint is sprayed over the CARC layers.  This finish is easy to repair if scratched--just spray paint over the damaged area.

            10.  Warn 9000 pound winch with roller fairlead mounted inside a heavy steel grill guard and bumpers. 

            11.  Mickey Thompson 33x14.5 all-terrain tires mounted on high quality American racing 15x10 six-lug steel wheels.

            12.  Rugged quick-release rifle racks located behind the driver’s side seat.

            13.  102 inch whip antenna for c/b hookup.  This type of antenna is the very best available for the frequencies at which C/B's operate.

            14.  Front and rear axle positraction

            15.  Factory rust proofing

            16.  Extra heavy-duty radiator

            17.  Confer roof rack with integral mounts for fuel cans

            18.  Hella 100-watt long range lighting system, and backup spotlights.  

            19.  High back bucket seats

            20.  Federal emission system.

            21.  Heavy duty tow package, including NATO standard spindle tow mount and heavy-duty conventional mount.  Six way electrical adapter.

            22.  Wins frost-temp air conditioning unit.

            23.  Dual exhaust system.

            24.  Power assisted brakes, with disc brakes on the front end.

            25.  Alpine stereo/cassette player with removable theft deterrent faceplate and 105 watt Alpine 6x9 speakers.

            26.  Antenna installed in the windshield where it is protected from damage while off-roading.  Selectable signal amplifier extends range when needed.

            27.  48" high lift jack mounted on the brush guard with Confer brackets

            28.  Insulated cab to keep temperature extremes to a minimum.

            In summary, these vehicles offer probably the best off-road value you can find.  In addition, the vehicle is an excellent choice for family transportation.   Because of its weight and size, occupants are much more comfortable and better protected than in smaller vehicles.  Overall, the entire vehicle is designed with simplicity in mind.  Call for details.  We presently have 5 converted vehicles in stock, including one HMMV with a 575 hp Cummins 600 Turbo Diesel mounted to an Alison 6-speed tranny. 

Choose from hundreds of the Best Selling 4X4 Handbooks, Videos, Trail Guides, Maps, Mapping Software, GPS, Bumper Stickers, Decals and More.  All in stock ready for same day shipping via Priority mail at discount prices.  Visit Now!

M1010 Option:

Calculating Torque At the Rear Axle

    To determine torque at the real axle, you must multiply engine torque by the overall gear ratio.  Let’s take a Dodge 3500 powered by a Cummins High-output Diesel with a NV5600HD six-speed manual transmission and a NV241HD transfer case.  Here are the specs:

1. 505 ft-lbs of torque
2. Transmission ratio (first gear): 5.63
3. Transfer case ratio (low): 2.72
4. Rear axle gear ratio: 3.55

    Multiply these four numbers: 505x5.63x2.72x3.55.  You end up with 27,453 ft. lbs. of torque!  While this sounds like too much, it really makes sense when you think about it.  The torque increase created by gear reductions explains why small tractors producing only 50 HP are able to pull tree stumps out of the ground.  The Dodge six-speed offers a fairly low first gear.  When combined with the transfer cases ratio of 2.72 and the rear axle ratio, you end up with a pretty good final drive ratio of approximately 54:1.  This is another reason why I’m a big proponent of four wheel trucks…you only get a transfer case if you buy a 4x4.  The lower ratio and increased torque you obtain with the addition of a transfer case can be very useful when you really want to work your truck, whether you need four wheel drive or not!  I’ve used the transfer case not for the only for the added traction of four wheel drive, but for getting better and more refined control when backing a 15,000 pound trailer up a slope into barn.  With the lower gear ratios a transfer case offers, you can really take your time and you don’t have any need to race the engine or ride the clutch.  Indeed, you can do some jobs with the motor running at idle.   

 Of course, the formula above is an approximation.  If you want to be more precise, don’t forget this:

1. You should subtract about 3% of torque for every gear (this loss is caused by friction).
2. You should divide by the number of axles driven (you must pay attention to the torque split ratio in the transfer case if it’s a full time unit.  50/50 means the torque is split evenly between the front and real axles).
3. Divide the torque on the axle by the loaded radius of the tire to get the actual tractive force at the contact patch. 

 Author: Rod Funk, December 2000

Questions or comments can be sent to:   webmaster@alphapilot.com  
URL:  www.alphapilot.com    Last modified: March 14, 2006    Disclaimer.