83 stepside

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

rusted nuts

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2023
Posts
809
Reaction score
1,416
Location
Pa.
First Name
Jeffrey
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
k20
Engine Size
4cly diesel
Welcome from Far West Pa.
 

Attachments

  • cat in winnder 001.JPG
    cat in winnder 001.JPG
    93 KB · Views: 31

TotalyHucked

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2020
Posts
2,552
Reaction score
8,261
Location
Auburn, Georgia
First Name
Zach
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
Sierra 1500
Engine Size
5.3
Very nice! Welcome, a later NV3500 would probably be the best choice to go 5-speed if you're keeping it a mild engine
 

410 John

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2023
Posts
195
Reaction score
394
Location
HdG, Maryland
First Name
John
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350 4bbl 4 speed
Still waiting on the title from the estate.
Daily 2002 Tahoe in the background.
 

Attachments

  • 7BEA16A7-9E9B-4697-A245-E678E402E8E5.jpeg
    7BEA16A7-9E9B-4697-A245-E678E402E8E5.jpeg
    143.1 KB · Views: 40

410 John

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2023
Posts
195
Reaction score
394
Location
HdG, Maryland
First Name
John
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350 4bbl 4 speed
I drove my truck around some yesterday. First day on the road, since I acquired it. I actually drove way back in the the 80’s when it was near new. Anyhow, now it’s mine.
Things to change list:
Lose the glass packs. I want the chambered sound
Remove the truck 4 speed. Switch to car style manual
Gear maybe, I’m pretty sure it has 2.73’s. A better trans may make these feel more fun. If not maybe 3.42’s?
 

Ken B

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2019
Posts
1,061
Reaction score
1,244
Location
indiana
First Name
ken
Truck Year
81
Truck Model
c10
Engine Size
250
Good looking stepside
 

TotalyHucked

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2020
Posts
2,552
Reaction score
8,261
Location
Auburn, Georgia
First Name
Zach
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
Sierra 1500
Engine Size
5.3
Definitely need a different trans, even more-so if you have the SM465. The overdrive 833 wouldn't really be any better, our R&D guy at work has one in his '67 Satellite with a mild 360 in front of it and it's a dog. A T5 would be ok if you get a V8 or World Class one and don't drive it like a maniac. I've had 3 Mustangs with the T5 or T45 version and beat the snot out of them, they were fine. A truck is heavier, that's what would eventually hurt a T5.

I'd say an NV3500 or an AR5 would be a better budget choice. Or if you can swing it, one of the new Tremec TKX's would be killer. For a gear swap, keep in mind your tire size too, a 3.42 would be great but if you plan to do 20s with a taller tire, I'd step up to a 3.73.
 

410 John

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2023
Posts
195
Reaction score
394
Location
HdG, Maryland
First Name
John
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
350 4bbl 4 speed
20’s are probably not on the horizon. I was just thinking of a regular car Saginaw 4 speed. I would lose the hanger bearing and have a driveshaft made.
I looked up trans gear ratios and this 2nd is lower than most regular firsts. I do understand that this 2nd is what you use as 1st most of the time.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
41,854
Posts
903,555
Members
33,366
Latest member
texdave
Top