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Posted by: OffRder15
I got a '94 Silverado 1500 4x4 w/ 350. I love it, but I wish I either would have gotten the Vortec (96 and up) or an old '85 1 ton with a 454. The Vortecs have more power and better milage.
Posted by: rc3
well personally i like the body style from 81-87, and i reccomend a Turbo 400 tranny. also the 87's have throttle body fuel injection! so you will probally want a 1981-1985, anyways I own a 82 checy, lifted with 35 BFG's and I could not be happier with it!
Posted by: rc3
NOT 18
Posted by: rc3
First of all does it have overdrive,if so it is a 700R4, if it does not and you look at the tranny pan a turbo 350 will be a square pan. and on a Turbo 400 the pan will be all square except one corner cuts across and makes it not like a square. I might be wrong but I think that is the easiest way to tell. That is what I was told anyways!
RC
Posted by: rc3
Well my two of my buddies have had 350's with 700r4 and I believe they are a direct fit!
Posted by: Bing
keep your eyes open for a 96 or better with the 350 vortec
i got one in 2000 for $5000
never know
Posted by: ibdboss
If you want one of the most reliable year Chevy's then you need to look at getting you a 3/4 ton 1971-9172. They have been rated by many magazines and have won most of the offroad challenges. The thing to make sure to get is the 350 and not the 305. Ideally if you can find one that someone has modified with a 383 stroker buy it. What a great powerhouse engine. I owned one of these trucks and you can't beat how reliable and strong they are. The only drawback to that model year is that the cab corners seem to rust out very easily, so if you do find one without these rusted out take a magnet to them because they are probably filled with bondo! You can put a 4" lift under the truck and get 33" tires to fit with no problems.
One thing to check on any model Chevy before 1989 is the area around the steering box. Chevrolets have been known in the past to have a problem with the frame cracking in the area around the box. One way to avoid this problem is try not to turn you tires on a hard suface without moving forward or back. This will eliminate some of the stress on the frame. Most people I know have boxed in their frames in the area or added some cross hatching welds to beef up the metal.
Posted by: TrailBlazerguy250
my dad has a 89 GMC 4x4 1500 w/ a 305 thats reliable and iahoping to get a 89 GMC 4x4 2500 w/ a 350 , both wonderful trucks that haul alot
Posted by: hondarulesinnc
I have a '87 Custom Deluxe 4x4 with a 305 it may be week but it is very reliable, we have done all kinds of towing and pulling with it. I get around 13mpg and up to 16 on the highway. I have a question my self, where on the truck can I find what kind of tranny it has? I would like to know. It is some kind of automatic but what kind I don't know.
Posted by: hondarulesinnc
yeah it has overdrive so I guess that means it has a 700r4 and plus it has a 10 bolt rearend, but hey I have a winch with 150' of cable so I have something to help me along.
Thanks
Posted by: hondarulesinnc
seeing as I have a 305 and a 700r4 transmition can I put a 350 engine in it and it bolt up fairly easy or would I have to do some fabing to make it fit, and also would my old tranny handle much more power?
Thanks for the help.
Posted by: Trasher
Welcome to the forumBR>
I have a couple of questions before I answer your's. Do you want four wheel drive? Do you plan on hauling anything of size?
Posted by: Trasher
I would look for a 85-87 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton, depending on the size of your boat (better go bigger if the boat is)
You stated that you didn't want EFI. Why??? I had one for 10 years and it was flawless. Carbs are more trouble and maintance in the long run. Look for a least a 12 bolt rearend, a 14 bolt would be the best. You can get away with the wimpy 10 bolt in the front if you aren't a hard core wheeler and just need 4x to get through normal conditions.
Posted by: Trasher
Quote
Originally posted by: rancherripper88
ya i probally wont be doing alot of the hardcore wheeling- too much money for broken parts. I just figured i would stay away from efi since then it is just carbs and isnt it eaiser to work on carbs and dont they have less problems? So how bout a 89 silverado 350 4x4 short bed with a 5 speed for 2,800? does that seem good if its in good shape?
Or would a 1984 chevy 4x4 4 speed, 8' bed for 1,750 be better?
I know you dont know the condition , but assuming they are both in the same good condition which would be better?
The 5 speed is better on gas right?
Thanks for all the help.
The '89 has independent front end correct? I'm an 'ol straight axle kinda guyBR>
The decision is your's my friend. I like the older 84 but the newer 89 will ride smoother and probably get better gas mileage. I still think the 84 would be a better truck for working
Posted by: UltimateAussie
definatly agree with derag2 the 305's were gutless compeared to the 350 but consumed just as much gas so stay away from the 305. if the seller isnt sure what the engine it it the air box should have a label about emissions that tells you if its a 400 350 or a 305, a 400 is the other small block, although not as common are very good engines and are a bit more powerful
Posted by: UltimateAussie
i dont know if you want a manual tranny or what but for what you said an auto would be better. aim for a turbo 400 like RC but the turbo 350s arent bad either thats what i have in my truck and we pull some heavy $hit. hope it helps
Posted by: KINGSCLEAR
My family and I have never owned anything but chev trucks, I'll tell you there are some really great Chevy between 1975-85. They all basically where the same except for some grill modifactions . The running gear will go from one to the other and after market and used parts are eveywhere at a reasonable price. We had a 76 shortwheel base stepside with a 400 small block it was sweet wish I still had it. Every once and a while I'll see it going
Posted by: MeYHymN
You need to look into getting one from the south, or west if I were you. Problems are this, your budget limits you to older vehicles. New England w/ it's snow/ice and salt is hard on vehicles. You may luck out and find a cherry that's been immaculately cared for or left in the garage in your area, just be patient. As far as when things break and you want to fix them yourself then your probably wanting 84 or older (I think they went efi 85, don't quote me). If you could find an early 90's s-10 (4.3 ONLY) then you should be able to find one in decent shape in that price range. A 4.3 S-10 or 4.0 Ranger will haul two quads or sleds easily, but I don't know how big your boat is. I know markets vary, but finding a 4x4 in decent shape for ANY year is $3000, and that's rare. Good luck in your search. Me personally I'd be looking at 77-80, but availability of parts becomes an issue which is something you need to look into as well.
Edit: I know he said Chevy but I couldn't resist plugging Ford, sorry to all you bowtie diehards. Secondly, even if it's a 2005 truck you can always convert it to carb if the intake is available, and converting isnt that difficult. It just depends on what all you want to work as far as computer/gauges go. An intake/carb combo should be able to be had for $500 in new condition (a few other things must be done, but that's primarily it). Just something to think about.
Posted by: MeYHymN
I dunno. 5th gear on the interstate at 50mph going downhill with a tailwind.
Depends on driving style, maintenance and/or things he could have done to improve fuel economy such as air filter/exhaust/ignition. With a high gearing and driving like a "grandpa" (no offense to our over 60 readers you may pull 18 but still unlikely.
You need to pay attention to the frame, make sure it doesn't have any rust holes or signs that the frame has been replaced or repaired. Check the body bushings; large 3-4" rubber washers between the frame and body. Look for any signs of leaking from the diffs/tranny/transfer case. A minor engine oil leak isn't significant but heavy buildup is a bad sign. Look at the exhaust, the only color that's acceptable besides clear is black, black just means it's got carbon buildup or it's running rich. Check the parking brake and the feel of the clutch. Also, examine the wiring under the hood and under the dashboard drivers side. Check to see if it looks like something a manufacturer would have done or like something 2 guys in a garage did over a weekend.
Good luck.
Actual mileage could be anywhere from 10-18, but most likely in the 13-16 range, but really too many variables to guess.
Forgot to mention. To test the clutch start the truck up put in the parking brake , put it in gear, and let out the clutch. The truck should die immediately. If it rolls then the pbrake needs fixed and you'll need to hold in the normal brake to check the clutch.
Posted by: Derag2
what ever you do don't get a 305 its a pig and uses just as much gas if not more than the 350.
I'd get carb the engines are soo much nicer to work on than EFI or TBI (chevy) Which isn't all that bad because all it is is a glorfied carb is it. I love the Quadrajet carb thou when you open up the secondaries man you know it.
I had a 79 GMC heavy half ton 4spd and i love it.
Posted by: springtuckyn
Quote
Originally posted by: rancherripper88
Im 16 and dont have limited funds. I want a Chevy truck and does anyone know what models and years are the most reliable and good vs. which models and years to stay away from. I want something with a 350 or is the 305 enough. Not efi. What is good before 1995. I would not like to spend more than 4,000 and need a reliable, decent truck.
Thanks.
Posted by: springtuckyn
I picked up my 1981 3+3 Chevy 2 years ago and have been pretty happy with it. Plenty of power with that 454 (Edelbrock Intake/Carter Carb, etc), she like to drink the gas... getting about 8-9 mpg. Built a NICERACK for her, check out my profile, have some pics posted. L8er.
Posted by: springtuckyn
Quote
Originally posted by: DavidLT250S
woh your truck looks sweet man!! I love you rack how think of tubing did you build that out of?
Thanks! We are building them out of 2x2x3/16 square tubing. The top/rear rack pivots down into the bed via the 2000lb winch assembly. So the first bike loads up, then the second, (then lift ramps and pin with 5/8 pins), then load the big 700 EFI in the bed. It works pretty slick...
Posted by: DavidLT250S
my dad has a 85' chevy suburban 350 4x4 4 speed we had it for about 8 years and the only thing we put in it was a new gas tank, new rear leaf springs (we towed way too much and broke them but we still drove with broken ones for a while) and well thats all works great body isn't that bad needs a little work but the thing you gotta watch out for these trucks is the rust under the body like the floors and stuff like that, that you don't notice we also got a 1974 chevy cheyenne super 10 4x4 4 speed and we got over 700,000 miles on it and it runs great still these old chevy's are amazing and you should stay away for EFI because if anything messes up with them you are looking to spend a couple of bucks and you can also find alot of parts for these trucks.
Good luck.
Posted by: DavidLT250S
woh your truck looks sweet man!! I love you rack what kind of tubing did you build that out of?
Posted by: DavidLT250S
nice so its like a car trailer kind of a thing hmm I am thinking of making one when I buy my first pick up cuz it sucks allways having to have a trailer when you have more then one bike
Posted by: ragnredneck
bought my 1992 gmc seirra ext can 4x4 for 1,500 but i had to sink 1,500 into her,new raditor,w/p,hosesbelt. its a k1500 with a 350 engine,we can/towed the snot out if with,i dragged a car withseized brakes halway across my buddys yard with out a blink of an eye!
go efi if u can,check police auctions or lok in peoples yard,u wouldnt believe what uc an get for 100 bucks!
Posted by: rancherripper88
Im 16 and dont have limited funds. I want a Chevy truck and does anyone know what models and years are the most reliable and good vs. which models and years to stay away from. I want something with a 350 or is the 305 enough. Not efi. What is good before 1995. I would not like to spend more than 4,000 and need a reliable, decent truck.
Thanks.
Posted by: rancherripper88
Thanks for the welcome, this is a great forum!
Yes 4x4 is a must. I live in New England and with the snow and ice i will need it cause i will be pulling a quad or two in the summer, mabey a boat, and mabey pulling a snowmobile trailer with 2 or 3 sleds. Probally not really that much pulling though since i will just throw it in the bed. And mabey the boat 3 or 4 times all summer.
Thanks.
Posted by: rancherripper88
ya i probally wont be doing alot of the hardcore wheeling- too much money for broken parts. I just figured i would stay away from efi since then it is just carbs and isnt it eaiser to work on carbs and dont they have less problems? So how bout a 89 silverado 350 4x4 short bed with a 5 speed for 2,800? does that seem good if its in good shape?
Or would a 1984 chevy 4x4 4 speed, 8' bed for 1,750 be better?
I know you dont know the condition , but assuming they are both in the same good condition which would be better?
The 5 speed is better on gas right?
Thanks for all the help.
Posted by: rancherripper88
it seems that all the 85-87 chevys in my area are eaither beat, wicked rusty, or need a ton of work.
Posted by: rancherripper88
thanks for all the replies.
I dont really care if it is pretty beat up in appearance, i just want something to get to a destination and back. I want reliability.
Posted by: rancherripper88
ok thanks anyone else?
Posted by: rancherripper88
right now i am gonna look at a 89 chevy 350 5speed, short bed, and regular cab. Anything special to look for? Or avoid on this truck? Also what do you think it will get for gas milage? The owner says 18 but that seems really high to me.
Thanks.
Posted by: Kevin108
The 73-87 Chevy 4x4s are pretty much the best fullsize rigs there are. On these, the main thing to look for is cracks in the outer frame rails in the driver's side front wheel well where the steering box bolts on. With larger than stock tires these trucks are notorious for cracking the frames in that location. The frames can be repaired by welding but the best bet is a bolt-on steering brace from Off Road Design. I had to grind a little off of mine to get it to clear the brake lines and the proportioning valve but 99% of the time they're bolt on. http://www.offroaddesign.com The 350 engines are really the only way to go. The 305s have too much stroke for the bore or too much bore for the stroke or something like that. Any hotrod forum should have the answer for you. Another thing to look out for is the 4-speed automatic, the 700R4. These are fairly weak transmissions in stock form but a good rebuilder can put in all the upgrades that make it shift correctly, run cooler, and last longer. A bad rebuilder will make you have to sell the truck. I've learned this the hard way. See where your local hot rod guys get their stuff rebuilt if it comes up. The 10-bolt rear axle in the half-ton 10-series trucks is a weak point if you want to run larger than 35" tires. If you don't care about having a 4x4 then you will be just as happy with an 88-95. They have the same simple TBI fuel injection as the 87. The TBI fuel injection adds in the neighborhood of 60 HP over a stock, carbed 350. GM fullsize stuff is about the easiest rig to work on plus it has the cheapest parts and everything is available for it from a variety of sources. If you want to carry your ATV in the bed, you can go with a shortbed but I'd suggest a longbed with a toolbox. The longbeds are also better tow vehicles. They're more stable on the road. Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
Here's some pics of my 05 Scrambler in my 87 Silverado 4x4 longbed TBI 350, 700R4, 3.42s, 4" Skyjacker, 35x12.50-15 MT/Rs
Picture 1 - My truck and Scrambler Picture 2 - Picture of my Scrambler in the bed
Posted by: Kevin108
The 350 is a direct bolt-in but since yours is an 87 you may have to find a 350 chip for the computer too.
Posted by: fullthrottlez400
I have an 89 1500 with a 350, longbed and 4x4 and its great most of the time. Some of the people in here said that you would be in the 13-16 mpg range but on the highway with the towpackage in the tranny, it gets about 18-19 mpg and it has been able to tow everything we have thrown at it. It also has efi and if I were you I would get that because it still has a carb but runs great. But if you feel you might need that serious four wheel drive then I would get a earlier 80s with a straight front axle because if you get into a really mucky situation in 4 wheel high only one front tire tends to spin, same with the back. They do this to help save gas. But when my truck is in 4 wheel low all 4 wheels spin. So you say you are in maine or something and im sure they get alot of snow and the transfer case up front would be ok but I would rather have a straight front axle. I will get some pics up of it soon here though its pretty sweet, 6 inch lift with 35's and etc
