Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

Hi all, I've browsed around and seen a variety of threads and suggestions on rear end and engine/trans combos for towing. I have a 79 longbed RWD that I'm looking to upgrade for towing. It currently has a 350 in it, but I'm not sure about the trans or rear end; I'm planning on replacing the trans and rear end to suit my needs. If anyone has any suggestions for towing 6000lb, I would appreciate the input. Also, I do plan on going up mountains fairly regularly with it. Thanks in advance!

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

Another thing to check is what rear spring setup you have. 6000lb trailer = about 600lb tongue weight. Probably want the HD spring setup.

Also check the brakes. IMO, you want the HD brakes if you are doing mountains.

Going with a hitch or do you have properly rated towing bumper?

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

6 ply tires (minimum). Frame mounted receiver hitch. Trailer brake controller. HD brakes front and rear. HD rear springs. Shift kit in the transmission and a cooler. Proper gearing depending on tire size. You're going to be towing a trailer that is heavier than the truck

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

Might consider airbag helpers...
Def add trailer brakes..

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

if you really want to go crazy get a 4L80 trans and stand alone controller i dont haul with the old stuff but i had a 2007 GMC that was bulletproof for towing ( 8000 lbs) almost 170K on it

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

Nice, thanks for the suggestions so far! I'll keep reading up to learn about the tire size and rear end ratios to get a feel for what would be 'best' given the situation.

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

I have a Squarebody CC dually ('89 w/a rebuilt TBI 454/TH400/Dana HD70 combo) & I also own a '99 3/4-ton CC short bed (efi Vortec 350/4l80e/14bolt).

They've both pulled stuff for my needs (20' steel floor open car hauler w/an occasional/usual classic vehicle load). The big-block def get the program going quicker from a stand-still but the 350 gets it done fine.

Both have the HD F/R brake set-ups.
Both have 4.10 gearing with ~30.5 ('99) & 31.5" ('89) rear tire heights.

The '99 is def nicer w/the 4l80e/OD when doing anything on the highway.

Beyond the HD brakes & OD, I'd say the best cooling system possible (big radiator, big/effective aux trans cooler, best fan set-up) to help keep temps from cooking the mechanicals.

As mentioned..... Proper load rated tires. My rear tires are all load rated. I utilize LT fronts though vs D or E load rated. If I were to be hauling 'work equipment' type of loads for extended highway trips, I'd utilize load rated (8 or 10-ply) @ every position.

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

@SCOTI, thanks for the detailed suggestion! Glad to hear another endorsement for the 4L80e

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

Brakes are key to towing capability. Are you willing to give up your 15-inch tires and five-lugs for 3/4-ton components? I'm reasonably certain that c20 spindles and brakes can be fitted to a c10, and if you're swapping the rear axle anyway, might as well.

What's the GVWR of your truck? Can you keep the weight of the truck, the cargo, yourself, and the tongue weight of the trailer within that GVWR?

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

I'm a big fan of airbags for the adjustment of having a comfortable stock ride and then airing up to haul a load and also maintain better weight distribution on the front truck axle. 6000# is getting up there for a 1/2 ton truck in the mountains. I would ensure top notch engine and transmission cooling and 10ply tires that are properly inflated. There are also some givens such as functioning trailer brakes and a brake controller.

Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
 

X2 for the HD brakes front and rear. Most rigs can get a load moving, but getting it to stop is a different story. If you want to keep your set-up old school, you can’t go wrong with T400 and gear vendors set up. Gives you under/overdrive options or 6 gears. The T400 is bullet proof if cooled with its own external cooler. If you’re towing 6k lbs consistently, 410 gears for sure.

And I agree with above about HD springs and possibly airbags depending on your needs.