New Guy

[86 C10 Shortbed]

Welcome from Central Ohio

 

[Sad Sack]

 

[Frankenchevy]

I don’t have the truck yet, but as soon as I get it, I’ll post some pics.
I have an f250 I’ve been pulling my rig with, so I’m fine there, just thought it’d be cool to pull up with my rock climbing cj7. I’m sure now, I’ll keep it somewhat original, keeping the 350. I’ll probably put a fuel injection system on it though.
Is there anywhere I can put in the vin and tell what the original equipment was?

Look for the SPID in the glovebox.

The 6.2 diesels that came factory in 80s square bodies were geared towards fuel efficiency. It won’t be a powerhouse towing. Not worth the effort to swap to a 6.2 diesel unless you are really after a fuel efficient truck with a period correct diesel.

Looking forward to seeing pics of the truck!

 

[David King]

Welcome from the FL panhandle!

 

[Long Rider]

Welcome to the square addiction support group.
Like everyone is telling you, keep the 350. I now own an 86 C20 long bed, my second. They are a great truck. Is your trans.. a 700R4 or a 350?

 

[Hoghead]

I’m not sure what transmission or transfer case is in it. It’ll be a couple of weeks before I see it again. So crawling under the truck, how do I tell which trans and transfer case is in it?

 

[Frankenchevy]

I’m not sure what transmission or transfer case is in it. It’ll be a couple of weeks before I see it again. So crawling under the truck, how do I tell which trans and transfer case is in it?

Shape of the pan on the trans will tell you which transmission. Most likely it has a th400. Although, an 85 k20 burb I looked at came with a 700r4. The transfer case will either be steel (205) or aluminum (208). There may still be a data tag on it.

 

[JamesSam]

I’m not sure what transmission or transfer case is in it. It’ll be a couple of weeks before I see it again. So crawling under the truck, how do I tell which trans and transfer case is in it?

Shape of the pan on the trans will tell you which transmission. Most likely it has a th400. Although, an 85 k20 burb I looked at came with a 700r4. The transfer case will either be steel (205) or aluminum (208). There may still be a data tag on it.

You can find several different transmission pan shape identifying diagrams with a quick internet search.

 

[Hoghead]

Thanks friends for your help, I’ll get back as soon as I put eyes on the transfer and tranny.

 

[Grit dog]

Thanks for the reply’s. I understand a diesel was an option for these trucks and thought for that reason I could find an oem diesel engine from that period with correct harness and have a factory like installation.
It’s an automatic not sure which one though. The truck has been in my family since new so it has sentimtntal value as well. I’d like the diesel to pull my gooseneck trailer and tractor.

Great idea, except the “factory drop in”option is a NA 6.2 with anemic power. And turboing the 6.2 or dropping in a 6.5 mechanical TD is a project and a rabbit hole you don’t sound experienced enough to go down and not be frustrated. And if you were successful it would still be a muffin, without some serious modifications.
Cheaper and easier to drop a stout small or big block in it for power.
If you’re wanting the power of any 21st century light duty diesels, you’re dreaming expensive dreams. That’s either a high strung modified 6.5 which will technically “bolt in” but isn’t “bolt in.”
Or a Cummins or Dmax swap. Cummins being MUCH easier because you can use a mechanical (12V) or pseudo mechanical (24V) with out a lot of wiring and electronics.
Anything short of that will be a disappointment power wise.
Even with a relatively light load like your empty GN and crawler.

Also gotta add context to “want it to pull my loaded trailer”. Do you want it to pull like an 80s diesel (very painful), 90s diesel (almost just as painful) or a newer diesel. Do you want to look cool and outs to the local spot 69 miles away once in a while doing 55 on the flats on a good day and 30mph uphill, or do you want to roll 75 mph thru hill country on day long drives? 2 completely separate goals.

 

[Grit dog]

I think the 350 should do fine with the CJ. I had a sticker in mine (peeled off but laying on the ground) with all the options such as 4 speed trans, upper body molding, am radio and so on. Probably every truck should have it unless it got lost somewhere over the years. LMC vin encoder will only tell you about the year, engine, plant it was made in, and if it's a 1/2, 3/4 or a 1 ton.

A stock 80s 350 is about as anemic as it gets, except for the 70s motors that had even a few less horsepower.
Depends on your definition of ok. I’ve pulled big stuff with stock squarebodys with 350s back in the day. You’re ragging it mercilessly to think about towing 10klbs on anything but dead flat low altitude roads.

 

[Grit dog]

Thanks friends for your help, I’ll get back as soon as I put eyes on the transfer and tranny.

Doesn’t matter though. Think about your goals with the truck. At this point, that’s not really part of the equation.
It will have a NP208 and either a turbo 400 or 700r4.

 

[Hoghead]

Ok friends, the diesel is out. I have a tow vehicle, f250 that works fine for that anyway. Thanks for all the replies. I'll stick with the 350. Like I said earlier, this truck has been in the family since purchased and everyone associated with it, has gone on to greener pastures. So, it was offered to me because the heirs knew I was a rebuilder...kinda. Mostly jeeps. But in this case, the truck is in really great condition with 44k on the clock. Not that I need it, but mostly because I want it. The head shed says no, but I'm still getting it anyway. Anyone have experience with aftermarket fuel injection systems for the 350? They're pretty pricey, but I like fuel injection and if I don't have to do much to the truck, I can afford to go the injection route. Thanks in advance.

 

[Frankenchevy]

Ok friends, the diesel is out. I have a tow vehicle, f250 that works fine for that anyway. Thanks for all the replies. I'll stick with the 350. Like I said earlier, this truck has been in the family since purchased and everyone associated with it, has gone on to greener pastures. So, it was offered to me because the heirs knew I was a rebuilder...kinda. Mostly jeeps. But in this case, the truck is in really great condition with 44k on the clock. Not that I need it, but mostly because I want it. The head shed says no, but I'm still getting it anyway. Anyone have experience with aftermarket fuel injection systems for the 350? They're pretty pricey, but I like fuel injection and if I don't have to do much to the truck, I can afford to go the injection route. Thanks in advance.

What are you looking to find out? For the most part, I’d stick with a carb unless you are thinking about tuning for elevation changes.

If you plan on driving from Rockwall to Lubbock often, it may be worth it. Even then, a decently jetted carb can go up or down 1500’ before it starts noticing much difference.

At any rate, I’ve had a few EFI systems on small blocks and can answer some of your questions.