'73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN

[Gandalf1969]

I'm looking at a '73 C10 (SWB/Fleet/2WD) with what is clearly a factory 454. 

VIN starts "CCZ143...."

http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN.htm

Confirms '73 454 but the "1" would be a "4" if it were a Big10.  So this is a 1/2ton with 454.  Does that mean they just didn't fit the 3/4 springs in the rear?

I wonder if any difference in the rear ratio, brakes, cooling etc?  (No RPO code sheet in the glove compartment that I see).

Anyone seen this combination?

[79K30_89C7000]

I have one. I have a 1973 Cheyenne Super 10 with the factory 454 with 71,000 original miles. It is not a Big 10. It has a TH400 transmission, 12 bolt rear with I believe 3.42 gears.

[Captkaos]

trucks with 454's didn't neccesarily come with HD suspension

[Gandalf1969]

"trucks with 454's didn't neccesarily come with HD suspension"

I understand that - my question is specific to the "Big10".  I had thought all SWB C10 (2WD) '73-'79 with 454/TH400 were Big10.  This one appears to be different.  Just looking to see if there were others out there who own or know of other non-Big10's with this 454 swb combo from these years.  FYI - This one has "Custom Deluxe" trim.  My last Big10 was a '73 with "Cheyenne Super 10" trim.

Oh yeah - this truck has dual tanks from the factory (just like the red one in this thread.  I thought the swb in '73 did not have that option?

I find these combinations and exceptions fascenating.

[Captkaos]

No, all Big 10 was a truck build on the HD F44 Suspension chassis.
In 1978 or 79 you could only get it with a 454.  Prior to that the Big 10 could be had with an inline 6.

Prior to 1980 (1979 was the last year for a BBC in a halfton) the 454 was an option on any model and trim level.

Dual tanks were an option on all 73-87 pickups EXCEPT those with 250 inlines.

[ccz145a]

My user name is from my vin, 75 Regular Cab 1/2ton LWB 454.

BTW, lovin the wood grain, seriously.

[zieg85]

BTW, lovin the wood grain, seriously.
[/quote]

X2 + stock hubcaps, an awesome look with the camper mirrors even...

[Lt.Del]

all Big 10 was a truck build on the HD F44 Suspension chassis.
In 1978 or 79 you could only get it with a 454.  Prior to that the Big 10 could be had with an inline 6.

for what it's worth, my 79 Big 10 came with a 350 4bl th350 3.08 stock.

www.delbridge.net/79truck.html

[Layne]

Mine was a 250 three speed heavy half

[Captkaos]

Thanks for the note Del.  I was second guessing myself, so I looked it up my notes last night and all of the Big 10's were available with any size motor.

[Gandalf1969]

Thanks guys - great info!  

I bought the truck - she's very original except someone did give her a cr*p paint job in recent years.  A little bodywork in the lower doors/cab but not much at all.  Found the RPO label affixed to the inner drivers fender as another member pointed me to.  Factory 454/400 and she still runs clean and strong.  Factory a/c, 2WD, SWB, Fleetside, 12bolt (not sure of the ratio yet).  Someone added a fabbed 2nd tank and it needs it because it drinks a LOT.  Has the two piece driveshaft and rear suspension has an additional bottom spring that looks to be about 3/4" thick!  Dosn't look to be part of the bound pack.  Looks like it was there since new.  Am going to drop the front and flip the rear so not too worried - just thought it was interesting.  Bed and remainder of body is real solid and original.

Replaced the battery-tray yesterday - was rusted most of the way through but luckily didn't affect anything below it.  Got some headers to go on (so I can loose the smog stuff too) and found some BFG 295/50/15's local this week!

Never knew you could order with any size motor, even 6cyl!  I have also built early Camaros and it seems, like those, you could order almost anything if you could get the sales guy to write-up the order.  

Still curious about the RPO code for the rear:
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=16957.0)