[Benjamin]

I agree with Stocker on the cooling system.

I drive my 1972 K10 to work everyday, but it’s only a 15 mile round trip. I also take it on a road trip about 3 or 4 times a year, the most recent from New Orleans to Houston, round trip 892 miles.

My advice would be to drive it as often as possible, that way you are more familiar with the truck and you will expose any problems and can fix them. If nothing is breaking do some preventative maintenance. If something doesn’t look right or is raggedy, fix it or replace it. Stay ahead of your repairs.

I have had my truck for 6 years now and I have replaced the following items:

starter
battery (optima Red Top)
battery cables
distributor (HEI upgrade)
thermostat
water pump
radiator hoses
fan belt
alternator (upgrade)
fuel pump (stayed with mechanical)
front wheel bearings
brakes all around
all rubber brake lines
master cylinder & booster

The fuel pump was the only thing that was broken when I replaced it. Everything else was OK, but maybe showing signs of needing to be replaced.

Overdrive is great, and I want it on my truck, but unless you are cruising at 70-75 mph a lot, you may not need it. It seems like all the guys complaining about not having overdrive are the ones doing a lot of interstate driving.

We can go on an overdrive tangent in this thread if you want to, just say the word.