FNG From South Dakota

[spartman]

Hey all, found this place while looking for some info on my truck.

Have a 80 4x4 1/2 ton with a GM 5.7 crate engine.

Originally had the 4 speed and a 205 but I decided to change that out for a newly rebuilt TH350 205 setup I had.

THinking that might have been a dumb move. Been having troubles keeping autos in the damn thing.

Pretty rust free truck and has 2 new front fenders.

So far Ive replaced the front springs, engine, trannies, exhaust, and interior on it.

In the process of swapping from 2.73 axles to 3.77 axles. Tired of the thing not being able to get out of its own way.

Also thinking I should swap a stick back into it but will see what happens.

Have some pics around here somewhere.

Let me know what you think mmkay???

Thanks guys


Okay here are the pics I took of it:

http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h95/spartman/80 Chevy Truck/

 

[crazy4offroad]

Welcome to the forum! You got quite a project there, wondering why you are having so much trouble with TH350s?? The super tall gears I'm sure dont help matters. Anyway enjoy your stay!

 

[bucket]

Welcome

A properly built th350 should handle about anything you can throw at it. Of course, an auto is not for everyone.

 

[spartman]

Well so far it has burned up 2 trannies and physically broke 2 of them. One broke on the bellhousing just above the transition point from tranny to housing.

The other one broke a chunk out of the rear of the tranny by the mounting bolts between the tranny and transfer case.

RIght now its running with a TH350C that came out of a 2wd truck and it hasnt managed to kill that one yet.

Maybe I got a friday pickup???

I know if I could do it all over again I would have kept the 4 speed in it but hindsight is 20/20.

If I were to go back to a stick Id love to do a 5 speed especially with the 3.73 gears, but Id be happy with a 4 speed.

Had a neighbor come by yesterday and made me an offer. He has a 88-89 1/2 ton chevy that has a shot 350 in it bunch of rust but 4 new tires. He would sell it to me for the price of the tires which is 500 bux.

I know the tires wont just bolt on my truck, but his offer has got me thinking about dumping the 350 I have into it and just driving that one.

What do you guys think??

 

[89Suburban]

Welcome. Are the braces missing between the trans and the engine block? Is the converter cover mounted? Save that square!!!

 

[spartman]

Welcome. Are the braces missing between the trans and the engine block? Is the converter cover mounted? Save that square!!!

Braces??? Nothing between trans and engine. Only thing connecting it is the rear mount.

The converter cover is mounted.

 

[89Suburban]

Braces??? Nothing between trans and engine. Only thing connecting it is the rear mount.

The converter cover is mounted.

I am not sure if your year truck had them or not. There are braces that bolt to the converter cover and run to the block. Don't know if that is just on the newer ones like mine or not. Even my old 70's Dodges had them.

You can see them in these pics here:

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=409&highlight=diverter

 

[bucket]

I am not sure if your year truck had them or not. There are braces that bolt to the converter cover and run to the block. Don't know if that is just on the newer ones like mine or not. Even my old 70's Dodges had them.

You can see them in these pics here:

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=409&highlight=diverter

I think that was just the 700R4s that got them. It should have the support rod that connects the t-case and bellhousing though.

 

[spartman]

Nothing like that on my truck.

Suppose you gotta do some yardin to find em eh?

No rods or supports from the tcase to the tranny either.

 

[89Suburban]

Nothing like that on my truck.

Suppose you gotta do some yardin to find em eh?

No rods or supports from the tcase to the tranny either.

I have no idea if they will interchange or not. Are the threaded bosses in those location on yours? If they are maybe even you can make a set.

 

[spartman]

Would have to climb under the truck to see if they have it.

Gotta wait for some dry clothes b4 I do that. (Please dont tell the wife.... LOL)

 

[Country Boy K10]

Welcome

 

[Old77]

 

[spartman]

Thank you!!

Read up on your seat install and your project. Interesting read to say the least.

Wouldnt mind putting a set of those seats in mine, but I dont feel like relocating my fuel tanks or that much welding.

Call me lazy.. lol

I assume one of the seat options for these trucks would be a seat from the 81-87 trucks correct? I did try to fit one from an 88 truck but nothing would line up so I put it into my 67 F-100 and works splendidly there.

Thanks