Basic resto-mod

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Kdsooner

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Norman OK
First Name
Kevin
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
GMC C1500 Sierra Classic
Engine Size
6.0
Hey folks, need some direction here. I'm certain that the info I need is scattered in various places throughout the forum, but my head hurts from searching through so many threads.

I have a 1981 GMC Sierra Classic, was my grandpa's truck and he left it to me. Overall the truck is in pretty good shape considering the age, has just over 100k original miles. Truck is bone stock. Was planning to add fuel injection so it could be my daily driver until the block cracked over the winter. Now I'm thinking putting an LS engine and tranny makes sense. However, what else should I consider if I'm wanting to keep it relatively stock other than engine, just trying to take some years off of it. Suspension upgrade? New springs and shocks on all 4 corners? Ball joints and bushings? Would love to hear your feedback and advice.
 

Poppy 87

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305
Welcome from Georgia!!
 

Mr Clean

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K10 Extra Cab w/ Proper SWB, & 85 K5 Blazer
Engine Size
454 BBC, & 383 Stroker
Polyurethane bushings all around.
 

legopnuematic

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Engine Size
225/6, 350 c.i., 350 c.i., 5.9l Cummins
I'd say new suspension bushings (poly), new moog or other high quality greasable components, take a look at wheel bearings and gear lube, inspect brake hoses and other components.
 

shiftpro

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Supercharger.
 

legopnuematic

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Truck Model
Dart Swinger, Sierra 10, C10 Cheyenne, C10 Big Ten, Silverado 10, Ram 2500
Engine Size
225/6, 350 c.i., 350 c.i., 5.9l Cummins

Kdsooner

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Location
Norman OK
First Name
Kevin
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
GMC C1500 Sierra Classic
Engine Size
6.0
How about a good source for window gaskets. Mine are brittle and most are broken and missing.


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ali_c20

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Austria
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Alexander
Truck Year
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Truck Model
C20, K5
Engine Size
350, 350
Additional to all the stuff mentioned: A Check of all hoses, lines and electrical system. Maybe a brake upgrade for the LS swap.
 

hoagster

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California
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K10, 1500
Engine Size
5.3l
Welcome, your gonna get all kinds of answers, and yes you can spend hours looking up information here. Figure out how far you want to take your project first and tackle them as you can afford it.
 

Kdsooner

Junior Member
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Location
Norman OK
First Name
Kevin
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
GMC C1500 Sierra Classic
Engine Size
6.0
Thanks guys. All good info. Nice alternator.


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