Is there anything I should know about these two trucks ?

[boreguard]

Did a search before this post to be sure I wasn't maybe overlooking any sort of review.

I've located two trucks ( am open to just about any with some age but life left in em) one is 1986 short wheel base 305? with auto. It's in really nice condition.

The other is a 1989 4wd 350 with auto, and ex cab.
What I'm curious to know is are there any "issues" that make either of these models something to beware of. I feel confident about judging the individual condition and roadworthyness (not sure that's a word), but just don't want to find out after I make a decision that I should've stayed away from one or the other because of "this or that" being a chronic problem with that particular model or smoething like that.
I appreciate any input no matter how small.
Thanks
Dennis Neal

[nova801428]

If they both have 700r4's they both suck in my opinion.  I have seen and heard from many mechanics and from personal experience that those tranny's aren't very good.  I am sure some people with highly disagree but that's alright.  I have heard too that the 305 really isn't all up to the 350 too.  I don't know much about that subject though.  The 350 is WAY more popular though. 

  I personally stay away from vehicles with "options".  Power windows, sun roof, cruise control, air conditioning, and like a power rear window or really unnecessary stuff.  Do you really need windows that are powered twice?  On my 91 Yota I consider my power steering to never ever fail since I am the power.

And, if you look at it this way.  Say you break a window regulator that rolls the window up and down, now, that will cost about $125.  Breaks again $125x2=$250.  Then the passenger side window regulator breaks $125x3=$375...now you see where I am coming from?

Anyway.  Post some pictures of the trucks so we can get a better idea.  If you really want one of the trucks then get it.  It's all up to you.  Good luck on your decision though.

[Captkaos]

Any 1/2T pickup that was 2WD from 1981 to 1986 ONLY came with 305's (except California which got the 350).  So finding any of them with anything other than a 305 means it has been changed.  The 305 is a good engine for a stock application, but if you are building for power it makes sense to use a bigger motor.

700R4's are great transmissions and are used extensively.  The current 4L60E is an electronic controlled 700R4 (4L60).  Anything that was built before 1987 will have issues, but the updates can be applied to many of them.  If you can avoid them, this is where the bad rep came from.

You are also comparing 2 different trucks the 86 is way different than the 89.  86 is carb'd, 89 is TBI, make a BIG difference in drivability (EFI +)  If the 89 has the electronic T-case, they are know to have engagement issues when it is really cold, but there is a fix for them.  The 89 is new and has more interior room.  Is the 86 a 4x4?  If it is, the drivetrain is supperior to that of the 89 due to solid axles, if not this is mute...  86 could have rust issue in the floor boards, rockers, lower front fenders, cab corners core support on the battery side....   I haven't seen this with the 88-99 trucks...

What are your intentions/plans for the truck you buy..

[werewolfx13]

Chris pretty much covered it. All I can offer is a +1 to the 700r4/4l60 being a good trans, though it should be noted that in pure factory form, the 82-87 especially, is a bit weak when put behind power OR driven hard. However, they can be built to be as strong as a th350, some would say stronger, and it really doesn't cost much more than a standard rebuild. The better mileage from overdrive and a lower first gear EASILY pays for the extra cost very quickly in a daily driver.  I guess I can offer another +1 about the 305..its a good, reliable engine for stock use. I think the only thing worth mentioning is they tend to eat a cam and lifters at around 150k-200k miles if they've been driven pretty hard. The 305 in my '84 that I gave to my dad didn't experience this til around 220k miles.

[86 chevy silverado]

Problems with 86- down 700R4, '87- up are great trannys to build and are based on the th350.
I'm Putting a 700R4 w/9" converter rated to take 600hp into my chevelle. They are running them on BB Chevelles and getting 18+ mpg highway. The gas prices are no joke, everyone should be thinking overdrive.
Also, Isnt there both body styles till '90?

[VileZambonie]

The C/K body style was changed to R/V 87-91 which 88 up were Blazers and heavy duty trucks. The new body style was named C/K for 88