need help with my new toy.. my first 4x4

[DirtyShawn]

hi every one my first time here.
i just got a 78 k10 stepside.
I'm looking for info on what i have and if its good or bad
got this in trade for a 96 1500w/t and a 1969 shata camper
i know its a worked 350 motor & th400 but not sure of  the transfer case.
some one has done a real nice job on the rear four link and coil overs.
but other then that I'm lost with what i have.
i hope i didn't buy something that is not worth much..
iv allways wanted a 4x4  like the one in chip's
here are some photos for every one to look at.

[choptop]

cooool, ive never seen a 4 link on a 4x4

[Irish_Alley]

judging by the shift nob i would say np203 don't quote me on it just what i think tho

[Blazin]

X 2 on the shift knob looking like its a NP 203. But the sift lever looks like NP 205? If its all cast iron its a 205, If it has an aluminum tail shaft housing its a 203.

[Chevalade]

Looks like the links/shocks are set up for drag racing....

Also the way they are setup, with the links being so short, and the pivot point in the middle of the driveshaft, I imagine you are going to end up with some serious driveline issues. Also the links look on the smallish size. Are the 1" or 1.5"?

If you want the links done right, you are gonna have some work ahead of ya.

Good base for a project though. Good luck with it.

[DirtyShawn]

i'v never seen a 4 link on a truck before  it rides and turns real good .
i dont know why i would have to worry about the drive line please tell me more?
im goal is not to rock crawl or any thing i just want to make it mys its daddys toy as my lil girls says
but i do want to stick it in some holes around here...  

[Captkaos]

With those 4 link mounts hanging so low you may Stick it in some holes.  For a 4x4 that isn't a good strategy in my opinion.

[DirtyShawn]

ya iv been thinking about the with rocks and thing but its just a toy for me.. i love the motor most.

[beastie_3]

It looks cold.....Brr! ha. With having a custom 4 link setup, I would keep an eye on the attachment points of everything. Keep a look out for the welds cracking and bolts coming loose. Major rust in some areas can be a concern also.

[Chevalade]

As far as the links are concerned, picture the movement of the links as they cycle from compression to droop.  Picture the pinion angle. The shorter the links, the more rotation the pinion goes through as the suspension cycles causing bind. Most 4 link setups have the links approx the same length as the driveshaft, or the front mount of the links near the back of the t-case/tranny.

[DirtyShawn]

ok now i get it . well not much i can do there . im not able to do the kind of work where i live..
but i don't really plan on doing and off road with it .. this is my dream truck. so i want to get it back right .
the only body work i have to do is one rocker driver side. cab corner and the bed needs new steel sides.
rest is great. i have locking hubs and i think a th400 np3?? trancase. my motor is a custom built 383
gear drive timing header some kind of cam it lopes slow and strong 0% smoke sound like cans popping  lol.
but to day i got it out on the road and it did not  drive right so i think.. 3speed   but to do 50mph
motor rpms was hi so i think i feel like i need a 4 speed.  40mph was 3500 rpm.. i looked to see if i was in the wrong trans gear but im in 4hi
and it snowing so i have the hubs locked in.     am i doing something wrong? or its the gearing off... 


any one got any trick sub boxs for this year chevy i can see i need ideas..

[DirtyShawn]

X 2 on the shift knob looking like its a NP 203. But the sift lever looks like NP 205? If its all cast iron its a 205, If it has an aluminum tail shaft housing its a 203.

whats the best one to have and the last one i want?

[beastie_3]

As for the sub boxes, it depends on what your interior setup is. Do you have a bench or buckets? I have two sub enclosures behind my bench (dont really like them, but its all I can do). If you have buckets, you can custom make a enclosure between the seats and incorporate the console as well. There are a few links floating around of some custom work.

[Irish_Alley]

X 2 on the shift knob looking like its a NP 203. But the sift lever looks like NP 205? If its all cast iron its a 205, If it has an aluminum tail shaft housing its a 203.

whats the best one to have and the last one i want?

the 205 most say is the best out of those two but i have the 203 in my 79 with 38's seam to be taring up more axles than t cases non as a mater of fact of you really want to know just do a internet search for t cases or post a pick from under the truck and we should be able to tell ya

[Chevalade]

The 203 is stout as well....hence why crawlers use them with the 205 for ultimate gear reduction.