1986 C10 Longbed project

[JasperC10]

Good morning! I recently acquired a 1986 5.0 C10 longbed with dual fuel tanks. We've decided that we need something with a quad cab for carrying the kids, so I have a few bugs that I'd like to sort out and get it in proper shape. Appreciate the group's insights on dealing with the following:

Fuel level issue - The gauge never reads more than half a tank, even when I know I've topped off one or both of the fuel tanks
Pulls right when braking
Loose steering - steering shaft itself feels loose
Electric choke not working - I have to pump the pedal numerous times to get it to fire

Also, I'm considering an engine swap. What's the "easiest" (least modifications/extra parts) engine to swap in, ideally keeping the existing transmission and driveshaft?

[zieg85]

Good morning! I recently acquired a 1986 5.0 C10 longbed with dual fuel tanks. We've decided that we need something with a quad cab for carrying the kids, so I have a few bugs that I'd like to sort out and get it in proper shape. Appreciate the group's insights on dealing with the following:

Fuel level issue - The gauge never reads more than half a tank, even when I know I've topped off one or both of the fuel tanks
Pulls right when braking
Loose steering - steering shaft itself feels loose
Electric choke not working - I have to pump the pedal numerous times to get it to fire

Also, I'm considering an engine swap. What's the "easiest" (least modifications/extra parts) engine to swap in, ideally keeping the existing transmission and driveshaft?

Welcome since this is your first post
Addressing the fuel gauge there is a resistor on the back of the gauge itself since both tanks do this.
Electric choke.  Check to see if there are 12V at the choke when running.  Blown fuse could have caused the PO from adjusting the choke not to work.  The correct oil sending unit switch needs to be working as the 12V are triggered when oil pressure is seen.  Loose steering is hard to diagnose without seeing.  How is the frame where the steering box is mounted?  Prone to cracking on 4x4's but it is seen on 2 wheel drives.  Pulling to the right may be a bad caliper or more likely a bad break hose on the left side.  Engine swap easiest with a similar year SBC.  If you do go that route the dipstick needs to be on the passenger side assuming it is the original to the truck.  Original exhaust manifolds won't work on an older engine with the drivers side dipstick

[JasperC10]

Thanks very much for the thorough reply! I'll run through these and see what I can discover.

[zieg85]

Your welcome... Holler if you have any more ?'s.  We have a bunch of very knowledgeable folks here.

[JasperC10]

Decided to keep the truck - at least for now - and take care of a few minor issues. It's not a high performance engine, but what are the recommended upgrades to get a bit more power out of it?

[79 Royal Sierra]

My dad just got a real nice 84 lwb with the 5.0. His truck looks better, but my 79 gmc lwb with a 350 pulls alot harder then his. First thing to do is a good Tune up, wires, plugs, cap and rotor along with an oil and fuel filter change. Then I would not go to crazy, you dont need a crazy sounding cam or anything stupid. Along with the tune up, you can put an Edelbrock Performer intake, and rebuild your carb if it needs it A tune up along with intake, and a dual 2 1/4 dual exhaust with a crossover pipe would wake that motor up just fine. For a few hundred bucks not a bad way to get her going. Good luck and keep us posted. God Bless