Just a few options it shipped with: 4WD, dual exhaust, full size bed, quad front shocks, antenna integrated in windshield, a 160hp/250tq 350ci v8, HD cooling system, tow package, power windows, power locks, chrome bumpers, dual gas tanks, 4.10/4.11 gears, 14B semi-floater rear differential, blue on blue exterior with blue interior.
Anyhow it's paid it's dues over the years. But now it's time to start paying it back. Currently has over 300k miles on it - hard miles that include towing in tandem a camper and 38' travel trailer. Since the original 350 died, it's had an Olds 455 and two Buick 455 motors under the hood. It's also on it's 4th or 5th trans and second transfer case.
What I'm going to be doing now: 3800 swap (free!), exhaust repairs, body mount rust repairs, new ball joints and tie rods, new fuel tanks and lines, new brake lines, and rear disc brakes. This should get me back on the road for winter, and I need to get in a few scrap runs before spring when I can switch back to my summer DD.
Long term goal for this project: Full restoration with a Northstar V8 and some turbo love. I'd like to get the frame powder coated and the under-body sprayed down with bedliner to make it salt-proof for use in winter. From what I can tell getting new body panels won't be a problem, and I'm no stranger to rust repairs.
What I'm starting with:
455 not looking so hot:
3800 drivetrain:
The 455 has an unknown internal failure. It started to randomly misfire occasionally, would quickly clear up and never lost oil pressure, over the course of three days it went from running great to constantly misfiring on multiple cylinders with a random metal clank noise coming from the block. There was either metal or bearing material in the oil, so I towed it home and parked it.
3800 should be fun, not that far off the original 350 in terms of power.
Anyhow it's paid it's dues over the years. But now it's time to start paying it back. Currently has over 300k miles on it - hard miles that include towing in tandem a camper and 38' travel trailer. Since the original 350 died, it's had an Olds 455 and two Buick 455 motors under the hood. It's also on it's 4th or 5th trans and second transfer case.
What I'm going to be doing now: 3800 swap (free!), exhaust repairs, body mount rust repairs, new ball joints and tie rods, new fuel tanks and lines, new brake lines, and rear disc brakes. This should get me back on the road for winter, and I need to get in a few scrap runs before spring when I can switch back to my summer DD.
Long term goal for this project: Full restoration with a Northstar V8 and some turbo love. I'd like to get the frame powder coated and the under-body sprayed down with bedliner to make it salt-proof for use in winter. From what I can tell getting new body panels won't be a problem, and I'm no stranger to rust repairs.
What I'm starting with:
455 not looking so hot:
3800 drivetrain:
The 455 has an unknown internal failure. It started to randomly misfire occasionally, would quickly clear up and never lost oil pressure, over the course of three days it went from running great to constantly misfiring on multiple cylinders with a random metal clank noise coming from the block. There was either metal or bearing material in the oil, so I towed it home and parked it.
3800 should be fun, not that far off the original 350 in terms of power.
