help wanting all the info i can get

[dparks32]

hi i'm trying to do some research for the 1968 three speed on the column 4x4 truck my step father now owns one; That we happen to find in the bushes and are trying to restore back to original. We have part of the window sticker stating that it is in fact a factory 3 speed on the tree 4x4 c10 but im curious as to how many may have been produced and any other information that may go towards the rebuild will help thanks in advance.

[special-K]

The 3spd transmission was standard equipment in all C & K trucks. Not sure about C/30, but I think even those...but can't say I've ever seen one. There were never records kept on how many got what option, just on all the various models produced. Any other questions you have, be specific and you'll get your answers.

[kwmech]

There is a chance that the t-case is a Dana 20.

[57taskforce]

I thought only some blazers got the 20?

[kwmech]

They did, some of the 1/2 ton trucks did also, kinda rare. 68 for some reason was a weird transition year. I've got a 68 GMC with a ford 4 speed.

[mike16]

records were kept,

for all the GM divisions

but there was a law suit when NBC niteline did an expose on the chevy truck side tanks fire hazzard. remember when they hooked up squibs to the tanks to ensure a firery explosion upon side impact. Well that resulted in law suits. NBC's lawyers went on a fishing expedition and demanded all the GM records. Courts compelled GM to comply. very time consuming and expensive.

But sadly, from a leagal and statistical perspective, it was only a matter of time befor some crooked azzed lawyer was able to show a pattern of some sort. sooner or latter GM would end up paying out or settling out of court.

So after that lawsuit, GM purged all thier documents. Some were salvaged; Pontiac I am sure of and maybe buick and caddilac. but Chevy and GMC were gone baby gone.

that makes documentation/SPID's very important.

I had a friend, in the army who had an early 2 wheel drive blazer with a 307/3 speed on the column. It also had the black fiberglass top which is suppose to be rare too.

My 72C10 long fleet is a 3 on the tree. I love it. at 109K miles I can shift into any gear without the clutch.

[dparks32]

Sweet thanks guys and as far as being more specific on my question I left it broad to get the most information as possible I'm open to just about all good to know on the Dana did not realize they did that I will do further investigating and get back thanks a lot for the context and read.

[mike16]

service and repair manuals, owners manual and body chassis parts catologs. All of it available repro or on a disc.

[cypressbog]

There were 4024 long fleetside 1/2 ton 4X4 trucks built in 1968.

[dparks32]

so the three speed on the column in the four wheel drive isn't anything special? I had been lead to believe from a semi-local restorationist/enthusiast said that he had made some calls and everyone he had talked to said they had heard of them but never laid eyes on one and that he had only ever heard of two personally.

[towbar]

Cool truck. There's a huge difference in rare and desirable. Even if 3OT were rare, save for personal preferences, 3OT are not very desirable or command the biggest money. There were 6 cylinder Impala and Chevy II SS's made and they are pretty rare, but the desirable ones are the higher HP cars which command much more $$ but aren't as rare as the 6 cylinders.
The 4X4 is way more desirable IMO.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by dparks32

so the three speed on the column in the four wheel drive isn't anything special? I had been lead to believe from a semi-local restorationist/enthusiast said that he had made some calls and everyone he had talked to said they had heard of them but never laid eyes on one and that he had only ever heard of two personally.

My dad had a 71 K10 from the mid 80s-mid 90s. It had a tott. He pulled it in favor of a 465. They are out there but as said above I'm not sure they are really all that desirable.

[In The Ten Ring]

Manuals in general have been on the way out for a long time and it seems most restored vehicles have had their manuals replaced in favor of automatics. I find this tread disturbing as I think manual trannies are much more fun to drive, longer lasting, and even safer in some respects.

My truck is a 3OTT and it's fun to drive if only because it's so different. 3OTT and a bench seat lets you have all the fun of a manual plus more room for your friends or just your GF sitting next to you on the drive.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

Manuals in general have been on the way out for a long time and it seems most restored vehicles have had their manuals replaced in favor of automatics. I find this tread disturbing as I think manual trannies are much more fun to drive, longer lasting, and even safer in some respects.
...

Right, I was shocked to learn school buses now have auto gear boxes and that was some time ago! The new BMW 5-series ( 2017 ) will not come with a manual tranny. First time ever, not even the M5.

I don't think the manual will be a thing of the past in my lifetime but I think the pressure to 'update' to a dual clutch automated manual, or whatever the next best thing happens to be, will become increasingly difficult to avoid. Especially as the prices come down and the technology gets more reliable.

These automated gear boxes ( not the new 10speed auto boxes ) are a different animal and deserve respect though. Imagine being able to plunk one into the C10, mount your paddles or other shifting levers/buttons, brain, sensors then plug and play! Then if it fails, you drop it off down at A-1 Transmission and they fix it for 800 bucks! Right.... lol

-klb