Newbie question: Right truck to buy and how much

[SBCruiser]

I don't have any specific amount budgeted for the initial purchase, but in the long run, after the truck is "done" I'm hoping to have spent the least amount. In other words I'm willing to spend more up front if it provides an overall savings. Main use initially is to tow a 1000 lb wave runner about a 90 minute round trip. I like the idea of 4x4 for future versatility, but don't know that I need it. I'm not planning on doing much wrenching myself. I'm looking for something reliable now that I can slowly put money into to make it exactly what I want. Do you guys think having a 4x4 hurts road characteristics too much? Or worth it? How about 350 vs 454 motor? Big block worth the extra hassel and search time? When it's all said and done, I think what I want is a 3/4 or 1 ton, 4x4, 454, 33 to 35 inch tires, primer black, healthy sounding exhaust, and reliable to drive and tow. What is the right price in California to budget for something like this?

Cheers

[Jason S]

I personally liked the yellow C-20 you posted (I even liked the color).  As for price, I'm in Kansas, but I would seriously consider something like that- especially for an unmolested rust free California truck. Even if you don't go for this C-20, that is the type of truck (2wd or 4wd) I would prefer to buy.

Having 4-wheel drive generally doesn't hurt road characteristics, other than some lift kits may give a harsher ride. There are also more parts to service, maintain and/or repair.

350 vs. 454?  That's a personal choice.  A 250 I-6 will pull a 1,000 lbs trailer... A 454 shouldn't even feel the trailer. A 383 (350 w/ 400 crank) will have plenty of torque and is a pretty common swap nowadays. The 350 is common, parts are cheap and plentiful and it can make good power- especially for a daily driver.

When it's all said and done, I think what I want is a 3/4 or 1 ton, 4x4, 454, 33 to 35 inch tires, primer black, healthy sounding exhaust, and reliable to drive and tow.

If that is what you want, my thought is to keep your sights set on that combination.

Good luck with the search!

[roundhouse]

A one owner unmolested rust free truck would be very nice
A 4 cylinder will pull a jet ski
454 gonna get single digit gas mileage
350 won't be more than 13-15 max

[SBCruiser]

Decided I really do want 4x4 so I've found a mechanic near the black/454/4x4 and am going to pay him $100 to give it a one hour inspection. My local mechanic will call him after to evaluate his review. Hopefully a panel of experts will keep me from buying a truck with any major, expensive issues. Other than what's already said above, anything in particular I should have checked? Can anything useful be found from engine/transmission serial numbers etc or historical info from vehicle vin? Thank you.

[roundhouse]

The numbers on the engine dont mean anything

Your mechanic gonna do a compression test ?
Thats what is important

Bet the frame is cracked around the steering box
That's very common   Especially with oversize tires

What's the axle ratio ?

Running monster tires (those look like 38's) requires a gear change in the axles
Most people dont spend the $$ to have that done

[Captkaos]

Found this and made it a tech page:  Areas to look at when buying a 73-87 Truck.
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=29780.0

[SBCruiser]

We'll see how this turns out, the seller didn't want to leave the truck, says he doesn't trust anyone. He has opted to sit in the mechanic's waiting room for four hours while the inspection is completed in increments. The mechanic and I didn't discuss a compression check but I did mention to look for a cracked frame around the steering box. I'm guessing we wont make it far and it will be clear the issues are too many and too expensive to move forward.

Captkaos, that's an incredible list. Thanks for getting that dialed in! Great information for a pre-purchase inspection.

[Irish_Alley]

i can understand the seller not wanting to leave the truck. but my 79 was a good truck before i got it paid about half of the 75 4x4 you want. it came with a 350 465/205 same axles same tires and had a dvd player in dash. never saw the point of that lol. a 454 is nice if you need it for racing even hauling trucks or other heavy things. but imo its overkill for a trash run and will suck more gas but it wont see a lot of miles.

 not to mention those tires are crap they will wear real fast if you under inflate them or will be bumpy as heck if you over inflate them. i know its only been a week since he posted it but if it was a good deal it wouldnt last a day or two. 200 miles on a rebuild but if you only race or mud your not going to put that many miles on it. i think my 79 has 2k since i got it. its been in the snow mud and ice and this has been my truck for 7 years. the reason it not driven much is cause if its not broken from the abuse i give it its cause the gas prices are too high lol

[roundhouse]

If he doesn't have a receipt for the engine rebuild ,
It didn't happen .

BTW. We paid $1600 for a 77 K-10 stepside 4 speed
From AZ,  so Zero rust
Needed wheel bearings and suspension bushings
Tires and brakes
Interior was toast

[SBCruiser]

Guy never showed up at the mechanic. I told him I wasn't interested, spidey sense says something is off. Now I'm back to the search...

[Irish_Alley]

kind of glad. i think you will find a better deal