FNG from AZ

[74 Shortbed]

One of the many reasons I'm happy to call Tucson home, and not Phoenix! They get those sumbitches more and more these days.

I lived in Mesa and we used to get some dandy's, sometimes I couldn't even see 20ft from my window. Got caught in one by Casa Grande coming back from a delivery in Tucson, I could barely see the end of the nose on my tractor, had to pull over and wait it out, scary ****.

 

[HotRodPC]

In all honesty, 350 rebuild kits are cheaper. Usually for the cost difference between a Wee O Five rebuild kit and the Three Fitty, you can find a good rebuildable block on craigslist. The 350 with 3.73 locker rear end and that transmisison, then you'd have a fun ride. But the 3.73's and a locker would make it much more ejoyable to drive.

 

[HotRodPC]

I lived in Mesa and we used to get some dandy's, sometimes I couldn't even see 20ft from my window. Got caught in one by Casa Grande coming back from a delivery in Tucson, I could barely see the end of the nose on my tractor, had to pull over and wait it out, scary ****.

That's pretty much what we went through in NM that time. Visibility was about 20-30feet. I wanted to drive fast cuz I was afraid some asshat would run up my ass and not see me, but I was also afraid of running up someone elses ass. As it was, I was driving by GPS not the road. When I seen a straight away on the GPS I was going faster, when I seen a curve coming up I slowed down a bit. Driving blind via GPS. Scarey ****. Glad it was only 15 miles or so.

 

[MikeB]

Boring 3.08 rear end. Just about 240K on the clock.

Ha, that 3.08 is downright exciting compared to the 2.56 I had behind a 305 with TH350C, and a 2.73 behind a 250-six with 3-spreed manual.

Many years ago I owned a 69 C10 with a mild 383, TH350, Hughes GM20 converter, and 3.08 axle. That thing would spin the tires like crazy in 1st gear, and chirp them pretty good in 2nd, and would cruise at 2100-2300 RPM. So don't dis the 3.08.

Also, do your homework on the 700R4 swap, especially when it comes to TV cable adjustment and T/C lockup control.

 

[HotRodPC]

I had thought that 2.73 was the tallest gear in these trucks. My buddy claims his 84 has 2.57's and that he can do 70 in 1st gear no problem. He's told me to keep my eyes open for a 3.42 but he'd even settle for a 3.08.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Both are very nice squares. Whatever you do with the engine and gearing on the pickup is up to you, but I think you lucked out with the gearbox. That Burb would be nice with a late model 700R4 in it.

 

[TIE_Fightertk06]

Thanks, everyone. Lots to think about. The pickup work will start with the diff and work forward once the 'burb is sorted out.

I think you lucked out with the gearbox. That Burb would be nice with a late model 700R4 in it.

Right place at the right time, really. I was on the hunt for about 8 months for the right truck, and passed on two others with manuals because both had the granny gear 4speeds. As soon as I saw the shift knob on this one I checked the code, and crawled underneath to confirm, and there was no way I was going to pass it up. I've known a couple of these A833s from my Mopar days, and I like 'em

Probably going to have to piece a rebuild kit together soon as she leaks like a sieve the synchro for 2nd is knackered.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Ouch. Well, at least you have the gearbox now. If I were on the hunt, and I would have found that one, I would have gotten it, too. The thing about the 350 may be worth looking into when you're ready for something else. If nothing else, try to breathe some life into that 305 if you want to hold onto it. They are quite anemic in their stock form. My car runs it, and it's okay for a daily, but it's capable of more without doing too much. I don't have a catalytic converter anymore, but headers would really help. A nice cam would be a good update. At least we don't have the LG4 peanut cam, but the one in it isn't anything to write home about. If you decide to stay with the 305, the 601 heads that are on it are like the second best (some say THE best) in the 305 world tied with the 416's. You could port and polish them, and the truck would definitely be respectable. A power monster by no means, but it wouldn't be a turd.

 

[1973c10]

Welcome

 

[smoothandlow84]

Welcome from Phoenix!!

I don't know what everyone is bitchin about...dust storms are cool...dirty but still quite a spectacle.

 

[74 Shortbed]

Yeah, just don't breathe the ****, lol..

 

[1ATony]

Welcome to the site it's great to have you here

Tony