1st time FSJ from NH

[ce170b]

First off, thanks to IFSJA and all the members. There is a wealth of information on here that has answered many of my questions. I recently bought a 1969 Kaiser-Jeep J3000 StakeBed w/a Buick 350 V8. It sat outside for many years and was only used as a plow truck for the last several years. Eventually I would like to bring it back to driveable condition. It runs and drive now but it will take a lot of work to pass the New Hampshire vehicle inspection. Major things that need fixing are the wiring which is an absolute hodgepodge of miscellaneous wires. No parking brake, all the seals are dry rotted and just the usual rust on the rockers/floor pans/fenders etc.

Question I have:
1 What is it? My vin is 2406W19 300510 GVW 5000# and the engine code is KS 0 488
This leads me to believe it is a 1969 or 70 J2500 even though the badge says J3000.

https://1drv.ms/f/s!AtK60WbCDjsygq99gixmkSrUmB464A

[KaiserMan]

That's a pretty cool truck you bought yourself. It is indeed a J2000. The first two digits of the VIN identify it as a series J2000 4WD.

It's also rolling on a set of axles from a Military Jeep M715 series.
Sad to tell you, but the rear brakes on those have NO provision for a parking brake. M-Series full size Jeeps used a transfer case mounted parking brake.

It also looks to have M715 rear springs with aftermarket over load packs.

You've seen all the frame rot behind that left rear forward spring mount, right?

[mud89]

2406W 300510 is a 1968 VIN
"S" in the engine number means 1970 ?
Original paint was "president red"

[ce170b]

KaiserMan and Mud89, thanks for the great info on the truck. I've enjoyed learning about these trucks and some of the history of mine. I did see the rot on the forward part of the left leaf spring only after I bought it and started crawling around it. I will probably weld a patch panel on it and enjoy driving it while I can.

[KaiserMan]

Just so you know, unless they have been re-geared (I doubt it) those axles have 5.89 gears in them.

Is it my imagination or does the LF tire sit inside the fender flair and the RF tires sits a little outside of it? You may want to make sure the axle is centered under the truck.

[ce170b]

This is why pictures are worth a thousand words. Yes, you are right that one wheel sticks out further than the other one. You have a good eye for detail. I have already moved the front wheels to the back because they were roughly 35"' and the rears were 31's. Eventually I'd like to do an axle swap so I have more options for wheels/tires as well as disc brakes. But for now I will remove the plow (if it ever stops snowing) and take a look at centering the axle this weekend. Any recommendations on seats/brackets that will fit?

[rang-a-stang]

Fantastic truck! Love it!