FEATURED
1997 Stewart & Stevenson M1078 LMTV
$75,000
Year
1997Make
Stewart & StevensonModel
LMTVOdometer
17,302Engine
Caterpillar 6.6L Turbo DieselFuel Type
dieselTransmission
automaticDrivetrain
4×4VIN / Chassis #
AT4923ECBFSeller
private partyLocation
Saint Augustine, FLTitle Status
cleanOriginally designed as a military workhorse rather than a recreational vehicle, the M1078 LMTV is a very different starting point for an overland build. This 1997 Stewart & Stevenson M1078, offered by a private seller in St. Augustine, Florida, shows just 17,302 miles and has received an extensive list of mechanical and usability upgrades aimed at making the platform considerably better suited to civilian travel.
Power comes from the mechanically controlled Caterpillar 3116 diesel paired with an Allison seven-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. More importantly, this truck has been fitted with highway gearing and high-speed hub gears, along with a tuned injection pump and turbo. According to the seller, the combination allows the M1078 to cruise comfortably at 70+ mph—an important distinction for anyone considering one of these trucks for long-distance travel.
Add a 104-gallon stainless-steel fuel tank, air conditioning, adjustable MRAP seats, updated hydraulic controls, extensive line replacement, and recent comprehensive servicing, and this becomes a particularly compelling foundation for someone looking to build a serious expedition vehicle.
- Mechanical Caterpillar Power: The 6.6-liter Caterpillar 3116 is a mechanically controlled diesel, eliminating much of the electronic complexity found in newer heavy-duty platforms. It is paired with an Allison seven-speed automatic that the seller reports has been converted to full-synthetic ATF.
- Built For Highway Travel: One of the biggest limitations of a stock LMTV is road speed. This example has been upgraded with 3.07:1 ring-and-pinion gears and high-speed “Eco Hub” gearing, while the injection pump and turbo have also been tuned for improved efficiency and torque. The seller reports that it will cruise at 70+ mph.
- 1,000+ Mile Range: A 104-gallon stainless-steel fuel tank with matching sending unit dramatically expands the truck's usefulness for long-distance travel. The seller estimates a range of more than 1,000 miles, giving a future expedition build considerable flexibility between fuel stops.
- Major Systems Updated: Rather than simply adding accessories to an otherwise stock military truck, the seller reports replacing all brake, fuel, and air lines. Fluids, filters, and belts have also been replaced, with servicing performed on the engine, transmission, transfer case, differentials, hubs, and fuel system.
- Civilian Comfort Upgrades: Air conditioning has been installed along with new adjustable MRAP seats, addressing two areas where a military-spec cab can leave something to be desired on a long drive. The hydraulic system has also been converted to an air-over-electric setup, allowing the cab to be tilted or the spare tire lowered without the engine running.
Military trucks can make spectacular expedition platforms, but buying one is often just the beginning. Stock gearing, limited range, spartan cab accommodations, aging pneumatic and hydraulic components, and highway manners can all require attention before the camper build even starts. That's what makes the work already performed on this M1078 meaningful. The highway and hub gearing make it better suited to covering real distances. The massive stainless fuel tank addresses range. A/C and MRAP seating make long days behind the wheel more tolerable. And the replacement of the truck's brake, air, and fuel lines—combined with extensive fluid and filter service—addresses many of the less glamorous items that matter when you're considering taking a vehicle like this far from home.
At 17,302 miles, it also offers something increasingly difficult to find in these platforms: a low-mileage M1078 that has already received substantial civilian-focused development without being committed to someone else's finished camper layout. The flatbed remains a blank canvas for anything from a removable habitat to a full expedition box.
Powertrain
- Caterpillar 3116 diesel engine
- Mechanical/non-computerized engine controls
- Tuned injection pump
- Tuned turbocharger
- Allison seven-speed automatic transmission
- Full-synthetic automatic transmission fluid
- Full-time four-wheel drive
Drivetrain & Highway Upgrades
- 3.07:1 highway ring-and-pinion gearing
- High-speed “Eco Hub” gears
- Seller-reported 70+ mph cruising capability
- Differentials serviced
- Hubs serviced
- Transfer case serviced
Fuel & Range
- 104-gallon stainless-steel fuel tank
- Matching fuel-level sending unit
- Seller-estimated 1,000+ mile range
- Fuel system serviced
- Fuel lines replaced
Cab & Comfort
- Air conditioning
- Adjustable MRAP seats
- Updated air-over-electric hydraulic system
- Cab can be tilted without engine running
- Spare tire system can be operated without engine running
Service & Reliability
- Brake lines replaced
- Fuel lines replaced
- Air lines replaced
- New AGM batteries
- Engine fluids and filters serviced
- Transmission serviced
- Transfer case serviced
- Differentials serviced
- Hubs serviced
- Belts replaced
Exterior & Equipment
- LED headlights
- LED taillights
- Full-size spare
- Flatbed configuration
- Front recovery shackles
- Heavy-duty military axles and chassis
This isn't a finished overland truck—and for the right buyer, that's arguably the appeal. Much of the expensive work required to make an M1078 more practical for civilian travel has already been addressed, while the rear remains open for whatever comes next.
Whether that means a serious expedition habitat, a removable camper system, or simply one of the most excessive ways imaginable to make a hardware-store run, this M1078 offers a well-developed foundation with just 17,302 miles and a long list of upgrades already behind it.
Inquire today.
Inquire today.
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