new guy from CA - 84 6.2L Crew

[mikev]

Hi, I'm Mike.

I grew up driving my dad's 86 and decided it's time to have one of my own.  Searched around forever and finally found an (almost) ideal starting truck for my plans.

I didn't really want a dually, but since I'm planning to convert to short bed anyway I'll just have to do an axle swap as well.

Current projects are things like getting a radio and speakers installed, and converting the doors to power window/locks (I just found a full set of 4 with all the wiring harness on CL for 100 bucks).

The shortbed conversion will be in the future.

[Edahall]

Are you keeping the 6.2L diesel?  They get excellent fuel economy but are a bit underpowered in stock but that can be remedied. 

[mikev]

Yes, keeping the diesel.  I'll probably just wake it up a little with intake and exhaust upgrades, but probably no turbo.

Overdrive is in the cards as well at some point.

[Captkaos]

Welcome!

[zieg85]

Welcome from NW Indiana

[bd]

Welcome from Central CA.  Nice to have you here.  And, nice truck!

[bake74]

     Welcome from Sac. Ca.  That will be a nice truck with a short bed and single rear axle.

[1982 Daily Driver]

Welcome from South Carolona.

[DustyRusty]

Hi Mike.  Welcome from Alaska.  Really clean truck you have.  I wish I could find something like that in a 4x4.

[Custom Deluxe]

Welcome Mike !

Sweet lookin' Truck 

[Edahall]

Yes, keeping the diesel.  I'll probably just wake it up a little with intake and exhaust upgrades, but probably no turbo.

Overdrive is in the cards as well at some point.

IMO intake and exhaust is the way to go on these engines.  You can get about 90% there without the stress on the engine.  If it hasn't already been done recently, change out the harmonic balancer.  I've seen too many instances of broken cranks that might have been prevented had the harmonic balancer been changed out.

For overdrive, either a 87 and newer 700R4 will do or a NV4500 manual.  If you're going to be doing lots of towing, the 700R4 might be a little weak for this.

[Captkaos]

Ed, who's exhaust do you recommend?  As in from the heads to the rear?

[mikev]

IMO intake and exhaust is the way to go on these engines.  You can get about 90% there without the stress on the engine.  If it hasn't already been done recently, change out the harmonic balancer.  I've seen too many instances of broken cranks that might have been prevented had the harmonic balancer been changed out.

For overdrive, either a 87 and newer 700R4 will do or a NV4500 manual.  If you're going to be doing lots of towing, the 700R4 might be a little weak for this.

Noted, thanks!

There won't be any significant towing done with the truck.  At MOST a smaller boat or something, but nothing anybody would consider significant towing/hauling by any means.  No big trailers or 5th wheels or anything, even though the truck currently does have a kinda need under-bed gooseneck that I'll be removing.

[Edahall]

Ed, who's exhaust do you recommend?  As in from the heads to the rear?

I recommend a set of Stan's Headers.  They are well made and fit nicely.  They're not cheap but the increase in fuel economy has more than paid for itself on my 1982 Suburban.  Behind the headers, I would go with dual 3" pipes that connect with an "H" pipe or a 4" single and go with a big Donaldson muffler.    With this setup, you get free flowing as well as quiet.  I used to live in Los Angeles and the 6.2 engine (originally with 130 hp)  had plenty of power to stay in the left land and keep up with whatever speed traffic was going.  At times, the speedometer needle would be maxed out at 85 mph and with 3.08 gears, the engine would just be purring along.

Stans Headers
http://www.stans-headers.com/

Donaldson Muffler
http://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/ryder/af/ryder/core/content/product/srm/oid/78183/erm/productDetail.do

[slammed79]

Welcome from Arizona. I hate to see a dually lose it's hips, but crew ban short beds are cool!