Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

You did an amazing job on this truck! You knew what you wanted, stuck to the plan, and forged ahead.

I was surprised by your mileage and the mileage reported by 3drburb. I have 79 with a stock 305/2 brl, and get about 12.3 mpg. I would have thought the six would have done better, but mine is a 2wd.

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

I was pretty surprised by the milage too. I had this motor in a 80 stepside, and got around 15. I think the timing adjustment will make a difference though. It's a full time transfer case, so I guess I probably won't get great milage no matter what I do, but I was hoping for 13 or 14.

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

Finally got the cover for the fuel neck built. It's not as nice as I hoped, but it will keep the slop out of the box. I got the speedometer, and fuel gauge working as they should be. The change in timing made a big difference for milage, on the next 150 mile round trip I got 14.2 mpg, and that was with sloppy roads, and a high wind advisory for half of it. I can live with that. I put a old school cobra am/fm 8 track radio in it. I'm not sure if I will be able to help but installing a new head unit, it definitely has that "old school" sound that you can only get with just a tone knob.:lol:

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

Congratulations, that's respectable mileage... and with full time 4wd!

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

Full time awd? Hows that? Sorry if it's a noobie question.

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

It has a np203 transfer case. There is basically a differential in the transfer case, there are slugs in the front axle where lockout hubs would go, so in "2 wheel drive" it will send power to the front, or rear axle depending on what wheel needs traction. That is called "4 high", then regular 4 wheel drive is "4 lock". With the front end always spinning, and the huge np203, they aren't known for excellent fuel economy.

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

Thanks, when it warms up outside, I don't think that 15 mpg will be out of the question.

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

Looking good, it's almost too nice now to call it a beater. The bed liner looks like it sprayed pretty well.

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

No kidding, that sounds pretty sophisticated for back then, how do they work in the real world?

So there is no way to keep it in 2wheel drive?

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

I think they work fine. They are chain drive, and heavy. It was popular to put a kit in them to make them have regular 2 wheel drive. The problem with the kit was that every couple hundred miles you have to engage 4wd for a few miles to keep the case properly lubricated. The only ones I have had fail on me, are ones I have got that had the kit installed. If left alone, and used under regular conditions , I think they work good. I think generally the have a bad reputation.

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

so if the truck is in 4x4 all the time do the front tires wear out faster?

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

Everything looks awesome! Job well done! Mike

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

Have you been giving the truck a winter beating?

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

I love this truck! I think the colors and stance are perfect!

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

I drove it a few times, then I found a guy that wanted it more than I did. Now I'm back at square one. I guess I get bored with somthing pretty quick once the work is over. I found a decent 87 v10 that needs a make over, so that will be my beater for the rest of this winter.:metal:

Re: 77 k10 short box winter beater build
 

Didn't see that coming. Hope you got what you need out of it. Link up that V10 build when you get it going. Hope the TBI and overdrive make for a good commuter.