Eager to buy a truck!

[Hurleygurlie932]

Hey y'all, Ive been dying to buy a 70/80's chevy for awhile now
And I'm going to look at some trucks later this week, my question to
The experts is "what do I want?", basically Id like something less than
3 grand that I can tow a small boat or a camper, go off road and in woods
And the occasionally mud bog. I'm familiar with the 350 and the 305,
But is either better for my application? I was also considering a diesel
But heard their power trains aren't designed for off road. Is there anything
I should avoid or look for? Thanks guys!

Katie

[Blazin]

Welcome to our family from New Hampshaa Katie.
305 / 350 yada yada yada. The two most reliable, and best running small blocks I ever had were 305s. Not the most powerful, just always ran, & ran, & ran, no troubles etc. As far as towing a 1/2 ton will do, but as always, bigger is better. How ever depending on what parts in question, some parts might be a little more, but the difference is marginal.
As far as $3000, that all depends on what area of the country your buying in as to what you get. Around here $3000 for a 73/87 Chevy could get you a half decent truck but still in need of probably body work. Once in a while you find something that the body has bee done, but not always the best job, or something that is half solid but is in need of TLC mechanically.
things you want to watch for are floor, and cab mount area rust. rockers and cab corners too but these don't require as much work to repair. Doors, and fenders are bolt on so some rust in them is easy to repair or replace.
Broken springs or worn out spring bushings are more hassle than say ball joints, ties rid ends, or brakes. Might want to stay away from a motor that has more oil all over it than paint. Small oil leaks are common, but if its a big block of sludge, chances are it high milage, and would need allot of labor to make it stop leaking, and might still only run okay.
Standard or automatic. I like autos, but most of my trucks over the years have been sticks. I can say without a doubt that a stick is more reliable. But a clutch can be the week link. As far as a new clutch, if you know how to use one correctly, they will last a long time. I have had clutches go 60,000 miles in a plow truck.

[flips87c30]

Welcome from northern New York. Take your time and wait for the right truck. Also spend some time on this site, read the tech pages, look at members rides, and read about others problems. You will figure out exactly what your looking for.

[Hurleygurlie932]

Should I stay away from trucks for sale that are lifted and have swamper tires? Even though I want that is it better to buy a stock truck and make alterations myself? I was told something about gear ratio if the tires are huge.

[Tx_Phil]

In my opinion there are a couple of ways to look at it.  Do you want something ready to roll the way you would set it up or do you want the fun of making it your own, your way?

Both have pluses and minuses.

If you find a truck already lifted with big tires, heavy bumpers, headers and cool exhaust you might be excited but don't forget that most likely whoever put this money into it most likely used it as they intended. In other words it could be pretty well used. If you are budgeting for a rebuilt engine, tranny and driveline then that's no big deal. The other items will save you a few coins.

If you find a stock truck then you can customize it just the way you want. Stock doesn't mean it had an easy life but the odds are someone at least tried to take care of it because they used it for work or daily driving. Not a weekend toy used to dredge the local creek bottoms.

When I found my 87 4x4 suburban my requirements were small. 4x4, mechanically sound, body not falling apart. I wanted a pickup and I looked for at least 6 months and then I stumbled on the suburban. For the price I didn't think I could go wrong. Now I wouldn't sell it for twice what I have in it.

I guess my point is, look at and consider them all. Even non-pickups. Once you check the truck then you will know if that's the road you want to take. Only you know what your needs, plans and budget are. Be patient and you will find the truck for you.

[Blazin]

The bigger the tire the lower you want your axle gear ratio to be. 3:42s and 3:73s will live with 35", or 36" tires, but your power will be lacking. 4:10s would work much better. Typically 3/4 tons have lower gears. Although in the mid to late 80s 1/2, and 3/4 tons were common to have 3:42s. Keep in mind also that 1/2 and 3/4 tons used the same front axle up to 78 / 79 was a Dana 44, after that was a 10 bolt cooperate. Full floating rear axles were fazed out of 3/4 tons in about 81 / 82ish. After that 3/4 tons got a semi floating rear axle. Similar to the 1/2 tons as they used C clip to retain the axle inside, they also used only one axle bearing, and the weight of the vehicle and contents are supported by the axle itself. Full floaters used bolts out at the hub to retain the axle, they also used inner and outer bearings on a spindle welded to the housing to carry the load of the truck, etc. The hubs are retained with spanner nuts over the wheelbearings.
Only way to get a bigger front end is a K30. Danna 60, they also use full floating axles through out the years. If your wheeling / off raoding is going to mild you don't need a Danna 60. On the other hand as you progress you might get to a point where you will be wanting to swap bigger axles in. If you buy a truck with them allready in it then your ahaed of the game. It never hurts to have more rugged parts than you need. It hurts the wallet when you want to upgrade later!

My thoughts on allready lifted / modified trucks is allot of times there are half baked modifications made to them with no thought of any type of engineering put into them. Or they buy bolt on parts that are not made to work well together, or install them incorrectly. Another problem I see allot is the use of grade 5 hardware in both kits, and home made modifications.
Stay away from anything that has a lift block in the front. They are dangerous, and illegal. Not to mention if the owner did that, who knows what else they cobbed up!

[Hurleygurlie932]

Wow okay, thanks for the advice     there's so much to consider! Unfortunately, for now, tools and money are an object. I'm going to try and be patient and wait for the right opportunity. Ive also got an old Porsche build going now and probably should not take another project. Old stock sounds like my best bet.