Crazy or Should I Switch my 72 lwb 4x4 for an 85 swb 4x4?
 

Any thoughts on why I should/shouldn't switch from my 72 lwb GMC 4x4 to an 85 swb GMC 4x4?

85: air, good paint and body, interior nice, NO RUST!, stock, 127K miles, two tanks. Better than single digit mpg (I hope).

72: Fewer on the road, poster child for smog controls, poor brakes if you've been following my posts, moderate cab rust per California standards (mint back east I hear), needs body work/paint to make presentable. Gots 69-72 tow hooks and soon to have a tach dash.

Anybody know of any major gremlins in 85 trucks?

Financially, I think I could get around $3k for the 72. I would need that plus $1.5k to cover the 85. I think I would be $ ahead in 12 months though at the rate I'm putting $ into the 72.

Am I nuts or should I?

Personally, I'd never even consider it.

Yeah, I think your crazy. I wouln't consider it either.

i agree with above. here in portland, i would have to deal with DEQ, and thats no fun with a truck, unless its brand new

consider? what's to consider? um a trade a 72 for a 85. unless he's giving you money in the deal there shouldn't be any considering.

nuff said.
sswj

Didn't you notice the difference between the swelte, stylish lines of your 72 and the fat, boxey lines of that 85? :rolleyes:



:D

67-72's just look better

besides, if you get a 73 - 87, you'll be nothing but an average joe. ;) Those things are as common as parking lot gravel.

Besides, if you get T-boned by a citation with a park inducer in front to simulate a light bulb being on and shattering... ;)

Put the $1500 into your`72.Did anyone mention Chicks dig them?Don`t let the rust bother you.It`s slow to grow in CA and won`t come back in a hurry either,if you do fix it.And,if you do,you`ll have a bichin`truck.`85`s are no spring chickens.They are lookin`classy these days,being a couple of styles back now.They are built basically the same as our earlier trucks and they are the last chance to get a good ol`4wd IMO.Giving up the better looks of the `72.You gotta admit,they nailed it with the 67-72 body design.Looks aren`t everything and if you need to make a practicle decision and what you are considering seems practicle(I know,it`s a sad day),then go for it.You crazy s.o.b.

The only benifit I could see would be that the '85 most likely has OD, I think GM started adding to every vehicle around '83. I hear fuel is really expensive in cali...it's currently 1.54/gal here. Personally, I'd keep the GMC. Not nearly as many GMC's around as Chevys, especially 4X4! There is also a lot of smog crap that can break and a lot of extra crap under the hood on the '85. I think you know what to do :metal:

IMO, 73-87s have no charm, no character, nothing to make them lovable, while the 67-72s ooze personality. Remember, an '85 is still an old truck and will require maintenance and repairs - and will have more complexity and be harder to work on - not to mention the smog equipment.

Keep the '72, fix the brakes, you'll be much happier. If you can't fix it, sell it and buy a better 67-72.

$.02 ;)

Consider it???? NEVER!!!!

Well you will end up working on both............... so............ the older truck is easier and cheaper to work on.

Hmm, there seems to be a slant to the responses...

I was thinking you guys on the 67-72 Board could be impartial. I guess I was wrong. ;)

Impartial, is not the issue. What you are asking the 67-72 guys is like asking a guy who absolutely LOVES a pastrami sandwich to trade it for a peanut butter and AVERAGE jelly sandwich....gosh I must be hungry LOL!!!!

Don't do it.

I have several 71-72s and an 85 so I can understand what everybody else is saying. I agree that they will both need work...don't forget that even an 85 is now 20 years old.

I would imagine that drivetrain is much heavier duty in your 72? NP205 transfer case vs some cheapy in the 1/2 ton 85. I'm sure the rest of the drivetrain in the 85 doesn't stack up either. My 85 has a hydraulic clutch which is a piece of crapola.

I like both models but the 72 has more character. I am starting to get more attention everyday with my 85 since it is a clean rust free truck. They are about gone around here.

Try asking your question on the the 73-87 board.See what happens.

Hmmmm, would you trade Metallica for some disco? :crazy:

As Dean mentioned, the '85 has a NP208 transfer case (chain drive aluminum case). It is fine, but the NP205 in your '72 is better. The '85 has a 10-bolt rear end. Again functional, but the 12-bolt in your '72 is better. The '85 probably had a smog equiped 305 engine originally. Functional, but your '72 had better. See the pattern?

The '85 is a nice truck, but I wouldn't trade if I were you.

Ok, Ok!

First of all there is no need to be rude and ask if I would trade for some disco. That is just wrong.

I have sobered up and passed on the 85 idea. I was temporarily seduced by the rust free, air conditioned, straight body paneled, dark side.

I have let go of my hate, Obi Wan.

Warts and all, I will stick with the 72.

Thanks guys.

:D :lol: Sorry :rolleyes:

Hey Randy,I didn`t take you for an ol`Disco Duck.I figured you`d have all that southern-rock that was thrivin`at the same time.Good luck gettin`rid of that!!See me smilin`?

In 12 month that 72 is still gonna be worth more in parts than the 85 typically.

I'm all about Southern Rock, in junior high my favorite band was Molly Hatchet. Now my favorite band (of all time) is Iron Maiden. :D :metal: