Which truck...?

[Aughtsix]

I just found this site and I'm soooooo glad I did!!

I'm shopping for a Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 but I'm not sure which year to get. I don't want to go too old because it's much harder to find a good truck that hasn't been either worked to death or beat apart, so I'm currently looking in the '73-'87 range. Of course I'd like to have a 205 transfer case and the toughest axles available, and either the TH400 or the best 4 spd (not sure what that would be). I want a bulletproof truck.

Is there any particular year or series that just stands out? Fewest problems, toughest drivetrain, etc...

I'm also looking for minimal amount of smog equipment and computer control, but I tend to like the looks of the '81 up trucks. Again though, if I need to go older to fulfill my needs I'll happily do that.

I need your advice and educated opinions, and they're very much appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

[72chevyLWB]

Your too late. Just sold a 78 chevy 3/4 with a running 454, 4 speed, 4X4, 4.56 gears with the 205 T-case for $600. Had it posted here before

------------------
72 Chevy C/10
87 Chevy Silverado 4X4
www.geocities.com/chevylwb/chevylwb.html
Aberdeen South Dakota

[KIILew]

If you want the year with the most impressive specs for a K20, there is one...1980. This is the one year that offered an 8,600 lb GVW, full floating rear axle, turbo 400 w/NP 205 transfer case and a 3.92 frame section modulus. This was also the last year that you could get the 400V8, although you might actually prefer the durability of the 350.

Earlier years GVW maxed out at 8,400 and had turbo 350's with full time 4wd (not talking about 4spd manuals here). Later years lost a little frame strength (at least according to section modulus numbers), had an NP208 transfer case and also had a semifloating axle in back.

Of course, you can build anything you want by swapping parts between years, or getting a K30.

[gchemist]

I have found that in order to get the best truck for personal driving style is to build it. Just check out my site. What I don't like or won't hold up I just replace. Hang around you'll find a nice project truck sooner or later.

------------------
Gerardo
1983 Custom Truck
TX Plates: "BAD BOW"

[Aughtsix]

Hmmmm, I posted a reply but for some reason it didn't take.

Anyway, a couple of questions if I may -

1) What sort of smog equipment would be on an '80 3/4 ton?

2) Are all of the '80 3/4 tons 8600 GVW?

Thanks for your help guys!

Steve

[KIILew]

Steve:

I will answer your questions as follows:

Two GVW's for 1980 regular cabs - -

6,800 lbs. This is a light duty emission class 3/4 ton. It had EGR, catalytic converter, early fuel evaporation, etc., the whole ball of wax! Note too, that this lighter GVW offered higher axle ratios (lower numerically) and a turbo 350 tranny.

8,600 lbs (look for option C6P on the option list). This is a heavy duty emission class 3/4 ton. It is essentially free of controls (except for minor stuff like PCV, etc.). Most importantly, no EGR and no cats! And of course, the turbo 400 tranny, as I originally noted, and 4.10 gears.

With a few minor adjustments, the above applies thru the 1986 models.

Ken

[This message has been edited by KIILew (edited March 28, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by KIILew (edited March 28, 2002).]

[Aughtsix]

Excellent!! Thank you. It sounds like exactly what I'm looking for.

Not to seem like the slow student here, but just to clarify, you're saying that clear up to '86 these heavy 3/4's have almost NO smog equipment?

Lastly, where would I find the option list on the truck to look for the "C6P" code...

Thanks again

Steve

[KIILew]

Steve...

It's a good thing you're pressing me on this a little bit...it's keeping me honest!

Actually, I am looking at an old Chilton's Chevy/GMC Pickups 1970-87 repair guide. It devotes an entire section to showing all of the emission vacuum hose schematics for various years up thru 1980 (unfortunately does not show 81 and beyond). And I must admit that the operative word in my earlier statement "almost no smog controls" is ALMOST!

For 1980, the heavy duty emission 350 and 400 engines do show an occasional air pump and evaporative canister, but no cat or egr. For whatever it's worth, I am very sure that this is the case thru 1986. I am aware, however, that the '86 heavy duty emission 350's actually adopted a dual air pump system (yes, TWO separate air pumps).

Actually, it is significant to note that this dual air pump system allowed GM to tune the engine to acheive much more power than any other Chevy pickup 350 engine used in the '73 to '85 model years. This was a good thing, particularly since the 400 disappeared from the scene after 1980. Consider the following numbers:

1980 LT9 350 (i.e. the version found in a C6P):

Horsepower = 165 @ 3800 rpm
Torque = 255 @2800 rpm

1980 LE4 400 (again, found in the C6P):

Horsepower = 180 @ 3600 rpm
Torque = 310 @ 2400 rpm

1986 LT9 350 (found in the C6P):

Horsepower = 185 @ 4000 rpm
Torque = 285 @ 2400 rpm

Oh, and while I'm at it, my data book shows that the '86 version of the C6P chassis has a 4.53 frame section modulus, so it appears to be more robust than the '80 model's, after all. Just wanted to set the record straight!

Whichever year truck your looking at, look for C6P on the option listing in the glove box, or on the left front fender. Or, just look at the vehicle cert label on the driver's door frame. It will show the GVW rating; you are looking for 8600.

Hope some of this is what you are looking for! Just let me know if you need any additional clarification!

Ken

[Aughtsix]

Wow Ken - you're quite the reference guru!

Okay then, what color is the fastest...

I'm really not overly concerned with the 2 A.I.R. pump issue - they'll be coming off anyway and placed gingerly in a box. There is no DEQ testing where I live, but rumor has it that it's coming, so if/when it does I want to have a truck that fulfills all my wants and needs, but is easily converted back to 'stock'...if you know what I mean.

You've hit the nail on the head for what I'm looking for - 14 bolt/10.5" rear, NP205 transfer case, either the TH400 or the Muncie 465, and while I'd like the Dana 60 front I'd be content with the 44, which is probably what I'll end up with. I don't want a full-time truck, and I prefer the post '81 body style. It sounds as though I'll get this all in one package with the '81 - '86 C6P option truck, the only question now is whether I want the 350 or the 454. I would tend to doubt there would be too much of a difference in mileage...probably not more than a couple miles a gallon.

Anyway, thanks a billion!

Steve

[KIILew]

Steve,

remember that the '81 and later K20's don't have the NP205 (they have the chain driven NP208) and they don't have the full floating rear (unfortunately 1980 is the last year to get those items). Of course, you can always swap those items. And if you want the 454 in one of those trucks, you will have to swap it in yourself too. The 454 was available only in 2 wheel drive models until 1980, and then was expanded into only the 4 wheel drive one ton K30's. Incidentally, the full floating axle was found in 2 wheel drive 3/4 tons between '81 and '87, but only in those with the 454.

You know, maybe you should consider a K30 from the '81 to '86 period. Those have the heavier axles, are full floaters, have the 454, turbo 400, and NP205.

Ken

[crossy]

I am really nt a 4X4 person BUT I just missed a local K30 4X4 Camper special ,rebuilt 400, TH400, and it was loaded with options surprisingly, ALL OF THEM!. Very minimal rust with new GM fenders. I didn't need it BUT man I wanted wanted it . what an animal. $1900 and it was leaving his house as i called about it. I had already pulled the cash out of the bank. I pitured dragging my house,with the full basement, down the road with it ! LOL . DAVE