Hi from the Jersey Shore

[josh2276]

How is everybody doing i am really enjoying the site, there is alot of great info on here. I recently just bought a 1985 GMC Sierra Classic 2500 for $1000, i hope i did good. The truck is pretty solid except for the drivers side rocker panel and both cab corners....the kid i got the truck from had 38's on it and they messed up the fenders but i got a free set of them from someone else i know so no worries. The truck has a 4" rough country lift with blocks on the back and leafs on the front. It looks funny now with the factory tires on it but i am working on a set of 33x12.50x16.5's from a buddy of mine which should hopefelly fill up some of the wheel well. I will try the search function but i do have a couple of questions.....#1: the vin code for the engine is M which is a Heavy Duty 350, what is the difference between M and L which is a standad 350. Question #2: The truck has automatic hubs, so my question is how do they work.....i am guessing that when i select 4HI in the cab and start to move forward the hubs lock the tires....if this is true how hard is it to change from automatic hubs to manual hubs?

Here are some pics of the truck. I also included a pic of the original owners manual which i found in the glove box and what looks like the original factory order form,not sure though. I thought it was cool to find these in such great shape for 25 yers old.

[oldyeller]

Welcome from Texas.  Hope you enjoy the site.  Nice find.

[VileZambonie]

With some elbow grease and some new parts (including mirrors  ) That thing will be a beaut!

[joesgarage71]

Welcome

[josh2276]

With some elbow grease and some new parts (including mirrors  ) That thing will be a beaut!

YA i agree with you on the mirrors.....they are horrible

[zieg85]

Welcome from NW Indiana, I like the mirrors they are just like mine...

[choptop]

Welcome from West Texas

[1980c10]

Your owners manual will tell you how to use your 4wd I think the heavy duty 350 could mean 4bbl carb and 4 bolt main but not too sure.

[Irish_Alley]

welcome from Maryland. the auto hubs can be swapped out easy but they are OK for everyday use like you said once the axle shafts start turning in 4 hi or low that will engage the hubs. the engine code I think had to due with the emissions since it was the m hd i think that means it came Non-Catalyst with the sticker on the rad support due to it being a 8600 gvwr the l code would of came with a cat plus a few more emission stuff

[josh2276]

Thanks for all of the info guys, keep it coming.

[brownie]

Welcome from Pennsylvania

[fitz]

Welcome from Mass.
That build sheet is always great to have to tell what you have.
It shows you have 3.73's with a locking diff. Those gears should match up well with the 33"s.

[Layne]

Welcome from Ill! Nice truck!