Best Year?
 

Hey guys, I wanted to pick your brain to see what year is the best 4x4 from '73-'87? I currently have a 69 GMC, just not loving this body style. I used to have '76 2wd and i just loved it. However looking for a 4x4 this time round. I wasnt sure if there was a recommended or better year to look at?

Dave...

Re: Best Year?
 

Well it depends. They're basically all the same underneath. 84-87 are popular for the 4 headlights... 75 had gentlemen jim and beau james options... 77 had a only year with yellow trim. Depends on if ya want a unique one or ordinary one. I love my 77ms trim but it will be coming off due to my theme being orange n camo n black. Also 73-74 has a very unique grill and is a common swap for most.
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Re: Best Year?
 

Don't forget about the '80 Silverado with the single square headlights :-)

Re: Best Year?
 

Or ya could have 80 lights 77 trim a 73 grill and, wait for it... 75 gentleman jim paint scheme! Lol little bitta everythin.
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Re: Best Year?
 

Thanks guys!! I like them all, now to decide which one im gonna want? haha! I do like that single square headlight too

Re: Best Year?
 

haha! Is everything pretty much interchange-able from year to year?

Re: Best Year?
 

1989 v3500. Still square even though the line had already changed. That and that's what I got. Very last year the round head light / grill and hood bump out would be sweet in a 4x4 step side. John's truck lifted like Colt's truck painted like bandit's bird now that would be sweet. :metal:
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Re: Best Year?
 

It's all a matter of personal preference. A nice clean well done square is cool no matter what year it is.
I would do some research and see which front end you like best and go from there. But also remember if you are starting with a project even that can be changed.
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Re: Best Year?
 

Pretty much, but I will leave it to the geniuses on this board to outline, I'm still learning!

Re: Best Year?
 

I myself have always favored GMC's more than Chev's ever since 67. They just look better to me all the way through to 2014. I would look for a 73-79 GMC K20. It is def. personal preference. As for the 80 trucks I think they are the ugliest out of all 73-87.....

Re: Best Year?
 

cool, Thanks guys!! I do appreciate it!

Re: Best Year?
 

http://www.73-87.com/7387info/7387differences.htm

Look here
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Re: Best Year?
 

86 man. Before the dreaded Tbi and all the best improvements:metal:
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Re: Best Year?
 

Dreaded TBI?

(lol)

I remember thinking when we introduced it "...man, I will be so glad when this is over...". It seemed like rocket science back then.

'87 - naturally.

;)

K

Re: Best Year?
 

87, just because you get the TBI. If you get a 6 cylinder 87 you will have one just like the new 2014 Eco V6 Silverado that Keith designed to emulate his red 87.:lol:

Re: Best Year?
 

My poor old 73 has bits and pieces from '64-91 on and in it.
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Re: Best Year?
 

I always liked '79 K20s & 30s. Years ago,they just seemed to hold up and look good doing it more than others. But,going to the '80s style you can end up with overdrive. I think the ultimate square body 4wd is an '87. It's the newest,TBI,and overdrive. My favorite grille is 73/74 and next is 83/84. I've had a couple great '78s. So,my answer is all of them :lol:

Re: Best Year?
 

I'm partial to 73-80 myself. I like the 73/74 grills the best. I plan to use one in my 77.

Re: Best Year?
 

Pre '80,Round headlights!!!!
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Re: Best Year?
 

If you really want to off road it whatever years had a np205 i think 80 and older?Just to have a 4x4 truck to use normally any year to me.

Re: Best Year?
 

I seriously lol'd right there.

K

Re: Best Year?
 

91 crewcab 4x4. you get a D60 front, 4l80 trans, and a 205 all in one shot.

Re: Best Year?
 

i have an 80 that im turning in to a 74 but i have parts from just about every year of our trucks, build it how you want it

Re: Best Year?
 

You asked for it...here is my worthless opinion.

73-74 grilles look the best (Chevy or GMC)
1980 has got to be the worst square body front end ever!
early aluminum trim (black or yellow) looks better than the simple plastic trim
86-87 are great picks for fuel injection and 4 speed auto trans
85-86 front ends look good too
4x4 sh-t is about the same throughout the years
3/4 ton is mas macho to 1/2

Now if you could build a 73 3/4 ton 4x4 Gentleman Jim........ :metal:

Re: Best Year?
 

dreaded TBI ???? really ?