What kind of mods for a camper?

[81Cheyenne]

Hi all,
I have an '81 LWB C10 with a stock 305 4bbl, TH 350, standard rear axle and heavy duty rear springs. What mods would you suggest to make it more suitable for a camper?  I would prefer to go with a slide-in but may also wind up with a pull-behind. 
thanks,
-Shawn

[zieg85]

Hi all,
I have an '81 LWB C10 with a stock 305 4bbl, TH 350, standard rear axle and heavy duty rear springs. What mods would you suggest to make it more suitable for a camper?  I would prefer to go with a slide-in but may also wind up with a pull-behind. 
thanks,
-Shawn

Slide in with a 1/2 ton is scary.  The newer ones are lighter but stay within the trucks limit.  Good shocks and a sway bar up front definately helps.  Older heavier ones make the truck feel like it is going to tip over.  If you go with a pull behind, make sure if you get one with trailer brakes put a unit on your truck. 

[79apache]

Gotta agree, Slide-in might be a bit heavy. Trick out your topper(lights, blow-up mattress, etc.) and add one of those tents that hooks to the back of it. OR, tow a small trailer.

Guess you could always beef up your suspension but if you are going to go to that trouble, might as well getcha a beefer 3/4 or 1T 4 wheel drive Chevy.

Course then your fuel mileage goes down the hole and you will never come see your brother in WV.
LOL!!

[81Cheyenne]

Got the sway bar.  I'll look into the shocks too.  What about the springs?  Anybody know what the "Heavy Duty" springs are rated for?  Will springs from a 3/4 ton fit?

79Apache:As far as I can tell, the Interstate between here and WV is a 2 way road Bro! I'll tie up the dogs and keep the light on for you.

[zieg85]

Got the sway bar.  I'll look into the shocks too.  What about the springs?  Anybody know what the "Heavy Duty" springs are rated for?  Will springs from a 3/4 ton fit?

79Apache:As far as I can tell, the Interstate between here and WV is a 2 way road Bro! I'll tie up the dogs and keep the light on for you.

Count your leaf spring stack.  I have a healthy stack on my on Suburban parts truck that was added to by a spring place that beefed it up for towing (I have a receipt).  You should have a sticker on your door with that info on GVW/GVCW

[VileZambonie]

Use an air helper spring

[81Cheyenne]

Use an air helper spring

Where can I find out more about that?  I don't know what they look like or where to buy them.  Anything online that has a pic?

[zieg85]

Use an air helper spring

Where can I find out more about that?  I don't know what they look like or where to buy them.  Anything online that has a pic?

I got a set of helper leafs from the back end of my 1/2 ton GMC.  I think they came from JC Whitney.

[VileZambonie]

Lotsa places sell them, Summit, just google it. http://www.stengelbros.com/AirLiftApplicationGuideGM.htm#ChevTrk

[81Cheyenne]

Ok, here's what I found:

The sticker on the door says    GVWR                GAWR   FRT                     GAWR   RR
                                          5600/2540          2950 / 1339                     3406 / 1545

I have counted a total of 5 leaves on the springs, the 4 top leaves are the same thickness and the bottom leaf is quite a bit thicker.  The bottom leaf is a bit shorter also.  They measure 51" from bolt to bolt and have what appear to be shackles that lower the frame about 4".  Looks like the shackles are a stock part.

I like the ride of what I have but would like to be able to safely handle the weight of the camper.  I checked out the link (thanks Vile) and I like the looks of the air helpers.  Would these work better for this than going to heavier springs?

[VileZambonie]

I've put them on trucks carrying a 5th wheel with lots of extra cargo and never had a problem. Personally I would probably go that route also.

[Lt.Del]

Now that you have ideas on suspension, don't forget your transmission and coolant.  If your truck wan't designed for pulling, you cannot overlook the idea of getting a 4 core radiator.   And, you MUSt get a transission cooler that mounts in front of the radiator.

Check out what i did for my 79 big 10.

[81Cheyenne]

Now that you have ideas on suspension, don't forget your transmission and coolant.  If your truck wan't designed for pulling, you cannot overlook the idea of getting a 4 core radiator.   And, you MUSt get a transission cooler that mounts in front of the radiator.

Check out what i did for my 79 big 10.

Pretty cool site.

Is a TH 350 tranny sufficient for my needs?  I have an extra one that I can tinker with.  Would I be better off rebuilding and modding this one or just looking for a TH 400?

[DirtyLittleSecret]

The TH350 is a VERY capable transmission, and some might even say its better than a TH400.  Tranny cooler would be a MUST on my list.

[81Cheyenne]

I'm also curious about a 700R4.  Is this a viable alternative? I like the idea of the overdrive for fuel mileage and a lower 1st gear.  Sounds like it might do well with a torqy motor.  Would it hold up as well as a TH350 when hauling or pulling?