New Member Looking for Advise

[mellotwoway]

I'm looking to purchase a '87 or prior Chevy/GMC truck(pre-computer). Will be using it as an occasional light duty hauler, pulling an 8 foot trailer and runs to the hardware store mostly. For now just looking for advise from those with experience on the best match for my purposes. Engine, transmission, reliability ect... Gas mileage isn't my main concern.

Your experience would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance

[walkerb]

87 had TBI. Go 86 or later for the mechanical stuff

[Ski-me]

Why are you against the computer controlled trucks?!?

[mellotwoway]

Cost of repairs appears to be lower and I want something simple to maintain for what little I will use it.

[smashingchuck]

TBI rocks. Starts everytime. No need to steer clear. The fuel pump is more money.... that about it...

[BONUSCAB]

Originally Posted by smashingchuck

TBI rocks. Starts everytime. No need to steer clear. The fuel pump is more money.... that about it...

When you weigh the added fuel pump costs against the cost of getting a carb rebuilt, it's even steven.

TBI all day.

[520CheyenneK10]

Originally Posted by mellotwoway

I'm looking to purchase a '87 or prior Chevy/GMC truck(pre-computer).

The other guys are correct regarding cost and ease of pull the trigger and go, but I too see what you are saying and did what I did because of the damned Emissions test that are required here. I hate that a stupid light fails a guy when everything is running fine. Gettin' her warmed up on a full tank and a little lean in the intake is a lot less frustrating in my opinion. I pass no problems and most all the maintenance items are external to a tank, TB, etc...also if you want a bare bones system then try to avoid the A.I.R. system with a cat converter and all that crap. EGR and Char Coal Canister is enough. Think that's on any 1/2 ton rig 75 or 76 and older. Some one will correct me if I'm mistaken. My 73' has those 2 systems. You did come to the right place for advise though. Good Luck!!

[Keith Seymore]

My TBI truck has 200,000 miles and has never had more than the air cleaner off it. So - problems have been zero.

Relative to the original question it sounds like any 1/2 ton light duty pickup would fit your need. My family has been driving pickups as daily driver/light hauling for about 45 years. Mostly highway miles to work but an occasional load of mulch, or trailer towing, or furniture or whatever. My current truck is a V6 and I haven't had any need for more power or brakes.

K

[nekkidhillbilly]

tbi is simple more simple than a carb for me even.

[Zane M]

For what you are looking for, you have a wide variety of options.
I am a fan of F.I., but respect your decision to avoid it.
So basically,If I were you I would just find the best possible truck I could find in the price range you are looking to stay within. You will be fine with a 1/2 ton, but if a 3/4 was available that was a better truck, then it would make sense to go with the heavier duty truck.
Your desired needs could be met with anything from a straight six all the way up to a 454.
Transmission choice is also very wide for your intended purpose. If you like an auto, and do enough freeway driving to justify OD, get a truck with the 700R4. If you are just going to tool around town, a TH350 or TH400 will be fine, and arguably less problematic. If you want a manual, whatever is behind the motor will be fine.

Here is the process I used when I bought my Square:
I needed a truck that could easily haul 2500 lbs in the bed. I also needed this truck to perform towing duty. I needed the truck to start no matter the temperature. I needed a smaller "footprint"(no Dually), since it was going to be used for plowing duty in some tight spaces. I wanted a automatic(plowing) that wasn't going to blow up. My cash budget was 2000 or less.

I Ultimately bought a rusty, but very mechanically sound '87 3/4 ton with 4.10 gears, a TH400, TBI injected 350.