Discussion and Opinions on 83'-87' Builds

[Coop8202]

Hey guys, looking to buy a 83'-87' Single Cab LWB 4wd 4 speed and do some work to it.

Plans are built 350, 1 ton axles, small lift, exhaust, stacked headlight swap, etc.

Just looking for opinions from others who may have done a similar swaps or recommend certain motors or upgrades. Maybe even post their build.

Open discussion!

 

[Grit dog]

My opinion, why the 1 ton axles? Assuming you’re looking for a 3/4 ton already, are you wheeling it to the point that the front 10bolt will break or loading the payload over the capacity of a sf 14bolt? Otherwise a D60 and 14FF will be of zero net benefit.
Don’t take this the wrong way, but sounds like you’ve just been browsing the web and found some cool words that you don’t understand but think will make a truck cool.
The real question is what do YOU want out of the truck? Otherwise suggestions go from bone stock classic car show winner to mud buggy on 44s and many things in between.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Yeah, what's the planned usage for the truck? Also as far as the quad lights are concerned, just buy a truck that's already got them.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

A k20 is generally cheaper than a k10 or k30. You'll pay the most for a k30.

I would say if you want a 4 speed manual, I would stay away from 85-87 as those will have hydraulic clutches and parts availability is usually not good, or really expensive. A manual clutch will serve you well and there are way more of them and replacement parts.

 

[Dmack]

My 83 K20, 4sp, 350, 4" lift on 315/75R16

 

[Rusty Nail]

It costs more than you think.

Centerbolt cylinder heads or nah?
83-87 is no good range.
81,82 83,84,85 are all one thing but 86,87,88, are different trucks.
Mmmkay

That's all too new anyway.
Think in the 70s.
'77 was the last good year- then they changed the frame and it was all downhill from there.
73-77
Mmkay??
Hope this helps!

 

[ali_c20]

Welcome from Austria. Get a solid K20, make all the mechanical stuff work good and do the cosmetics later. The times when our trucks and parts for them were cheap are long gone.