1984-1987 Chevrolet CUCV Vehicles
For the 1984-1987 model years, GM built 70,000 military-spec Blazer, Pickup and Chassis-Cab trucks for the U.S. Army. This was part of the Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle (CUCV) program, whose original purpose was to be a dollar-saving bridge between out-and-out tactical vehicles and off-the-shelf civilian vehicles.
The CUCV performed many support role functions, which are detailed below. It did not take much to ready these already tough squarebody trucks for military duty, and Chevrolet engineering put together an impressive lineup of K5 Blazers and K30 pickups and chassis cabs for the U.S. Army.
I’m a big fan of the squarebody trucks, and watched with admiration when they were selected by the military to fulfill important duties.
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Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicles
CUCVs were intended to perform background roles, providing support for frontline forces. These trucks were used for cargo transport, background support, ambulance, and communications. Interestingly, they also replaced the aging Jeeps and Dodge M880s in the military fleet. CUCV trucks proved to be so reliable that the U.S. military continued to keep them in active service long after their projected lifespan.
The Chevrolet CUCVs were perfect for the task. GM took commercially proven vehicles and added military specific equipment to meet the needs of the Army. Between the Blazer, Pickup and Chassis Cab products, GM made the five variants pictured below.
Unique Features
At the heart of every Chevrolet CUCV truck is a 6.2 liter diesel engine with a THM400 automatic transmission. Thankfully, GM chose the THM400 over the normal 700R4 overdrive transmission found in civilian trucks. Early 700R4s were prone to failure, a fact I know, because I was working at the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center at the time, and fielded MANY angry phone calls over that transmission! When I heard CUCV trucks were going to receive the THM400, I breathed a big sigh of relief.
in addition to the diesel engine and THM 400, the trucks received heavier duty suspensions and electrical systems. Aside from the unique General Motors components this list of military equipment and features was standard or available as part of the CUCV package:
- Air transportability
- Blackout lights
- Camouflage paint
- Engine diagnostic connector
- Military markings
- Multi-purpose towing/tiedown eyes
- Nuclear, biological and chemical warfare protection
- Radio mounting provisions
- Rear pintle hook with trailer wiring connector
- Slave-start capability
- Towing capability
- Weapon holders
- Winterization kit add-on capability
Full detail about CUCV equipment and specifications can be found in the CUCV brochure and spec sheets HERE.
Final Thoughts & Questions
Like the other Blazer and K-series trucks of the 70s and 80s, my dad was involved in the development of the CUCV trucks for GM. He had fun putting this military package together. It was also one of his final projects prior to retirement, so he went out with a bang!
If you are looking for a good community of CUCV truck owners, check out the Facebook Chevrolet CUCV group. This group shares trucks for sale as well as owner stories.
Please let me know if you have any added thoughts or questions in the comments below.
Hi, new to the CUCV Chevys. I am purchasing from a town fire department their 1985 K30 dual rear wheel. They shortened the chassis and wheelbase to fit on a utility body. I can’t seem to find any info on these trucks, dual rear wheels, extended wheel base, 454 , turbo 400, and AC. The truck was used over in the middle East (Gulf), the FD acquired it with only 200 miles on it. They haven’t made any changes to this truck in the time they have had it. Any info would help. Thanks, Jonathancrowell@comcast.net
Thanks for your note. Everything I have about the CUCV trucks is in this article, but CUCV trucks all came with the diesel engine, no gas versions. It’s probably more likely that the FD truck was a civilian model that found its way overseas.
I’m wondering if the spec sheets might further answer your questions? Those can be found in the link above the Blazer pic and here:
Spec Sheets
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