New to the forum, but not to Squarebodies...

[Keith Seymore]

1. I know the gears came with the truck, since they are on the build sheet. I looked the truck up on the build option chart posted elsewhere on this forum, and it would appear that they must have been special ordered, as the charts say that gear ratio was only offered stock on the K30 one-tons. Since they were put on this truck by Chevy, does that mean that other rear-end components were likely beefed up as well, or could the 4:56 gears just be paired up with the standard 3/4 ton axles, etc.?!

So - according to the chart above 3.73 was base; 4.10 and 4.56 were regular available options. Not special (other than being selected from the available offerings) and not beefed up beyond normal K20.

K

 

[BigT]

Generic info packet from the GM Heritage Center for a '78 pickup:

www.gm.com/content/dam/company/no_search/heritage-archive-docs/vehicle-information-kits/chevrolet-trucks/1978-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf

K

Aha!! I was looking at the "California only" sheet. That explains my confusion. Clearly CA has been "different" for some decades.... The good news is that I should no trouble getting gears that will work!!

Wow! Ida kept the 73/74 grille style. Love those.
Someone must’ve put an older core support n stuff in it. As those grilles are not supposed to fit in 75 (I think ) and up trucks because they set deeper than the newer models.
New one bolt right in?

Regarding gears, even if it was special ordered I’m fairly certain the axle is identical. 14bolt full floater.
That said, 4.56 is almost un driveable unless you never get on I 82 and only take back roads at 55mph.
I have 4.10s with new 35s and that is prohibitive for freeway driving imo.
3000rpms at 70mph roughly is what I get, just not conducive for driving the open road. I’d strongly consider you think about 3.73s tops and possibly a little higher even if it’s going to be a go everywhere daily driver.

Someone removed the grille brackets in order to make the earlier grille fit, so I had to get a new set of those with the grille. I like the early one, too, but the previous owner kept it, so I needed a new grille regardless.

I am considering 3:73s. The 1/2 ton I grew up with had those, and it was a good all-around ratio, though it had a manual transmission. I don't usually drive long distances much, so 4:10s may be sufficient, but we'll see. I'm too damn broke to do that right now anyway, so 4:56s will have to do for a while.

Welcome from the Motor City.

At your leisure could you please post up a pic of the build sheet?

K

Yes I will post that when I can get a minute to scan it. It's no longer attached to the glove box door, but it's in good shape.

 

[BigT]

Some more pics:

 

[BigT]

And a few more:

 

[Grit dog]

Aha!! I was looking at the "California only" sheet. That explains my confusion. Clearly CA has been "different" for some decades.... The good news is that I should no trouble getting gears that will work!!

Someone removed the grille brackets in order to make the earlier grille fit, so I had to get a new set of those with the grille. I like the early one, too, but the previous owner kept it, so I needed a new grille regardless.

I am considering 3:73s. The 1/2 ton I grew up with had those, and it was a good all-around ratio, though it had a manual transmission. I don't usually drive long distances much, so 4:10s may be sufficient, but we'll see. I'm too damn broke to do that right now anyway, so 4:56s will have to do for a while.

Yes I will post that when I can get a minute to scan it. It's no longer attached to the glove box door, but it's in good shape.

Was the old grille pretty secure and fit well with the brackets removed? Haven’t looked at my truck(s) and don’t have a 73-74 grille to test with but they are super cheap now on Holley i think, website.
I’d buy one if I thought I could make it work easily.

Anyway….nice truck. That thing looks super clean and straight!

 

[BigT]

Was the old grille pretty secure and fit well with the brackets removed? Haven’t looked at my truck(s) and don’t have a 73-74 grille to test with but they are super cheap now on Holley i think, website.
I’d buy one if I thought I could make it work easily.

Anyway….nice truck. That thing looks super clean and straight!

No, the 73-74 grille was loose and rattling around like mad without brackets. That's why I wasn't broken hearted that he wanted to keep it.

 

[Mr Clean]

 

[BigT]

Here's the build sheet, as requested, plus a few more pics of the new grille, one rehabbed door panel and visors, new mirrors, primer on the bed side. More to come.

 

[Doppleganger]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Strick]

Welcome to the site.

HS

 

[86 C10 Shortbed]

Welcome from Central Ohio

 

[Keith Seymore]

Here's the build sheet, as requested, plus a few more pics of the new grille, one rehabbed door panel and visors, new mirrors, primer on the bed side. More to come.

Thank you for posting that; that is what is known as a SPID label (Service Parts ID label). The build sheet is what the line workers refer to so they know which parts to put on. They are pretty rare which is why I was excited to potentially see one.

K


Build sheet:

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[BigT]

Oh right, I have one of those for my 64 Chevelle, but not for this truck. I forgot the terminology! Clearly I have been away from this stuff too long!

 

[Craig Nedrow]

Hey Tim, fellow hay farmer as well, and from........Selah! Wow small town with two "Squares!" We need to get together, could prolly get into lots of trouble. PM me if you feel like it. Live above wenas Lake, across the road from the feeding station.

 

[BigT]

Hey Tim, fellow hay farmer as well, and from........Selah! Wow small town with two "Squares!" We need to get together, could prolly get into lots of trouble. PM me if you feel like it. Live above wenas Lake, across the road from the feeding station.

Nice!! I live in town, wish I lived where you do. Shoot me a PM!