Custom Campers and highway cruising - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72moneypit · 03-18-2003, 06:20 PM

Hello all -

I have a 72 Cheyenne Custom Camper with a 350/TH350 that runs well, but is no fun to drive on the highway. Acceleration is great, but I have to FLOOR IT to hit 70 MPH.

I'm not sure what my gear ratio is - I'd guess 4.11 or thereabouts. I've considered changing the gears to something else, like maybe 3.73, but I'm not sure if this is feasible or even desirable (I'm no mechanic).

I'd like to hear how some of you have addressed this issue - how do you balance towing ability with reasonable highway performance? Any/all suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Paul

Plain 72 · 03-18-2003, 07:57 PM

If you do alot of Cruisin', I might even go to a 3.07 or so.

jku72 · 03-18-2003, 08:02 PM

If its a Custom Camper, its likely a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, meaning there is no 3.07 gears available. About the only solution is an overdrive, whether its a newer transmission, or an aftermarket overdrive addon.
Think 700R4, for most economical setup.

72 CustomCamper · 03-19-2003, 01:44 AM

Hey another 72 Custom Camper still on the road. Welcome aboard...

Chuck

Bill72BB · 03-19-2003, 02:52 AM

I went to 3.54 sure helps out on the freeway.

mtdave2 · 03-19-2003, 03:13 AM

get the tallest tires you can.. lol.. i had that problem with my old 71. i went the 700r4 route, biggest mistake i ever did.

in hind sight, the best move would have been a aux trany like gear vender? i think thats the name.. its an over/under drive. prob the best solution to the prob. and you get to keep your low end.

the next best is a 5 speed standard.

the 700r4 works, but its like a space shuttle launch. everything has to be perfect.

Daves72'GMC · 03-19-2003, 08:39 AM

My 72' GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper came with a Dana 60 with the 3.54's , but I have a 402BB in it and guys in their newer trucks are amazed when I pass them up, and the look on their face.

da-burb · 03-19-2003, 09:48 AM

big blocks came standard with 3.54's. I have several with this gear and consider it the best all around gear ratio.

72moneypit · 03-20-2003, 12:12 PM

Thanks for all the feedback. I kind of like the idea of replacing the tranny with one that has O/D... that way I can keep the low end for towing ability. I checked the prices of the "gear vendor" add-on, and it runs about $3K with installation

... a bit more than I want to pay.

Thanks again -

Paul

mtdave2 · 03-20-2003, 12:30 PM

Let me warn you one more time!, you cant get a good 700r4 for 3k. really. Like I said its a space shuttle launch with those things. it wont last. You may get lucky, but my money is on it failing.

I know my c20 longhorn will cruise at 70 mph at 3k. if your looking for a cheap fix, get a better gearing in the rear, and some tall tires.

i just hate to see people get that 700r4, do a search and read on all the trouble people have. the ones that love it, ether paid the big money for a really good one, and or, knew a trany building god. lol

buying a cheap 700r4 is like buying really cheap motorcycle tires for a profomance bike. just asking for trouble

Bill72BB · 03-20-2003, 12:33 PM

mtdave2
That almost looks like a doctored photo, The Gas gauge isn't moving fast enough .

mtdave2 · 03-20-2003, 12:49 PM

lol no kidding. these truck drink more than a heart broke hillbilly who just wrecked his fire bird lol

Jason71k10 · 03-20-2003, 12:51 PM

mtdave2, your hight beams are on!:p

jason

mtdave2 · 03-20-2003, 01:42 PM

yep, keeps me from forgetting the lights are on! i have a habbit of draining batteries, but this help. as well as making me more visable.!

heres one at 75..yikes that old steering wheel was uglY, i have a nice new reproduction now..

you know the interesting thing about this truck is, i think the rear is a 3.73 but it acts like a 3.07 ???? i have no clue why, standard size tires too, they are really tall, but thats normal.

i do have a fund set up, im saving for that gear vender! then ill really be set. i cant think of a better set up than that, even a 5 speed wouldnt compair.

**breeh** · 03-20-2003, 02:47 PM

I have to disagree with mtdave2. You can get a really good 700R4 for under $3000. In fact, you can get one for under $2000. Check out bowtieoverdrives.com

70cst10_05 · 03-20-2003, 02:49 PM

that can't be very safe, drivin and takin pictures, haha

mtdave2 · 03-20-2003, 03:00 PM

do you have one of those? and have you had it for over 3-5 years? i might be wrong, i really hope i am, but i have never seen a 700r4 work well, for a long time. with out spending lots of money. even then it was ifie.

i know there are several people here who love them, and have had no troubles. ....yet.. lol.

cheyenne10 · 03-20-2003, 05:32 PM

I am driving my dads C20 cheyenne 350/350 with 4.10's in rear. Stock or as close as practical
LT 235/85R/16 tires. It winds pretty good at 75 MPH but it drives strong and has good speed pickup to 75 and easily past that. I'm not one to go in excess but its there to use. I borrowed it from my dad 11 months ago to use for a couple of months and then sell as he wasn't using it anymore. Still have it and not in a hurry to sell. He would like to get $1800 out of it so he can continue upgrading his 72 K20. Anyone on West Coast interested maybe I can get pics. I still owe a couple of sets of pics of my 72 Cheyenne super 10/70 swb project trucks to a couple of you. Digital camera frustrations make it tough to get this doen. I need to sit down with it for 1/2 day to get it right!! Another post for sure. Sorry if I drifted but I think stock truck whether custom camper or not should run like a raped ape at least empty.

72 CustomCamper · 03-21-2003, 01:28 AM

We have an 86 Blazer, the factory 700r4 lasted 8 yrs and 220,000 miles. We also have an 84 pickup, the first 700r4 lasted 4 yrs and 75,000, the second one is still in it with going on 400,000. The biggest thing is to add a trans cooler and keep the fluid changed every 30,000 miles..

Chuck

Hooter · 03-21-2003, 01:32 AM

I got a chevy custom camper/10 and it has 37.3's it is alright on the highway but the big block is a pig on gas

Wabash · 03-21-2003, 03:01 AM

well my 72 blazer is horrible.
i run down the highway at 75 mph and i rev 4000 rpm.
i can drive to the city which is about 300 km away and it takes me a full tank of gas.

mtdave2 · 03-21-2003, 03:02 AM

dont forget, factory tranys are well built and installed correctly

72 CustomCamper · 03-21-2003, 03:10 AM

I wouldn't say always installed correctly. Our 84 wouldn't shift into OD some of the times when it was new. Later found out that the factory didn't hook up the throtle valve cable when built. If you try to find a 700r4 in the junk yards, look for one out of an 87 on up, the factory had most of the bugs worked out by then..

Chuck

Jason71k10 · 03-21-2003, 08:42 AM

from what i've gathered, and what people have said about their 700r4's, they're either really good(go forever) or they're $hit! My dad had a van with a 700r4, and it had a 350, 000 kms on it(220k miles) on the original tranny. He smoked it pulling a trailer through the mountains.......just changed the fluid and filter and it went another 60k miles. he sold it, but as far as i know, it's still going today!
On the other hand, i've heard of people going through 2 and 3 tranny's on those same vans??
I thought about putting one in my 71, but i think i'm just gonna stick with my th350. It revs higher, but i don't drive that fast anyway

slam33 · 03-21-2003, 10:36 AM

That seems about right. I get the same 3g at 70 with my 350/350 w/ 3.73 and 31.10.5's

03-18-2003, 06:20 PM	#1
72moneypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 125	Custom Campers and highway cruising Hello all - I have a 72 Cheyenne Custom Camper with a 350/TH350 that runs well, but is no fun to drive on the highway. Acceleration is great, but I have to FLOOR IT to hit 70 MPH. I'm not sure what my gear ratio is - I'd guess 4.11 or thereabouts. I've considered changing the gears to something else, like maybe 3.73, but I'm not sure if this is feasible or even desirable (I'm no mechanic). I'd like to hear how some of you have addressed this issue - how do you balance towing ability with reasonable highway performance? Any/all suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Paul __________________ Paul 72 Cheyenne Super Custom Camper greenaz@hotmail.com

03-18-2003, 07:57 PM	#2
Plain 72 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 18	If you do alot of Cruisin', I might even go to a 3.07 or so. __________________ 1972 1/2 ton 4x4 1995 S-10 (Gas Saver) 1998 Caravan (Wife's)

03-18-2003, 08:02 PM	#3
jku72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: cornville, maine Posts: 659	If its a Custom Camper, its likely a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, meaning there is no 3.07 gears available. About the only solution is an overdrive, whether its a newer transmission, or an aftermarket overdrive addon. Think 700R4, for most economical setup. __________________ jku Cornville, Maine 68 C10 burb 42 Willys MB 46 Dodge WF-32 1.5 ton 53 & 56 Olds' 60 Cadillac 22 Dodge Brothers

03-19-2003, 01:44 AM	#4
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	Hey another 72 Custom Camper still on the road. Welcome aboard... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

03-19-2003, 02:52 AM	#5
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,980	I went to 3.54 sure helps out on the freeway. __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

03-19-2003, 03:13 AM	#6
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,511	get the tallest tires you can.. lol.. i had that problem with my old 71. i went the 700r4 route, biggest mistake i ever did. in hind sight, the best move would have been a aux trany like gear vender? i think thats the name.. its an over/under drive. prob the best solution to the prob. and you get to keep your low end. the next best is a 5 speed standard. the 700r4 works, but its like a space shuttle launch. everything has to be perfect. __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

03-19-2003, 08:39 AM	#7
Daves72'GMC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Asheville, N.C Posts: 952	My 72' GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper came with a Dana 60 with the 3.54's , but I have a 402BB in it and guys in their newer trucks are amazed when I pass them up, and the look on their face.

03-19-2003, 09:48 AM	#8
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	big blocks came standard with 3.54's. I have several with this gear and consider it the best all around gear ratio. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

03-20-2003, 12:12 PM	#9
72moneypit Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 125	Thanks for all the feedback. I kind of like the idea of replacing the tranny with one that has O/D... that way I can keep the low end for towing ability. I checked the prices of the "gear vendor" add-on, and it runs about $3K with installation ... a bit more than I want to pay. Thanks again - Paul __________________ Paul 72 Cheyenne Super Custom Camper greenaz@hotmail.com

03-20-2003, 12:30 PM	#10
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,511	Let me warn you one more time!, you cant get a good 700r4 for 3k. really. Like I said its a space shuttle launch with those things. it wont last. You may get lucky, but my money is on it failing. I know my c20 longhorn will cruise at 70 mph at 3k. if your looking for a cheap fix, get a better gearing in the rear, and some tall tires. i just hate to see people get that 700r4, do a search and read on all the trouble people have. the ones that love it, ether paid the big money for a really good one, and or, knew a trany building god. lol buying a cheap 700r4 is like buying really cheap motorcycle tires for a profomance bike. just asking for trouble Attached Images __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

03-20-2003, 12:33 PM	#11
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,980	mtdave2 That almost looks like a doctored photo, The Gas gauge isn't moving fast enough . __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

03-20-2003, 12:49 PM	#12
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,511	lol no kidding. these truck drink more than a heart broke hillbilly who just wrecked his fire bird lol __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

03-20-2003, 12:51 PM	#13
Jason71k10 ready for reassembly Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Barrie ONT, Canada Posts: 413	mtdave2, your hight beams are on!:p jason __________________ stock 71 4x4 2003 Jeep Liberty, rocky mountain edition I'm obsessed, and wouldn't have it any other way!

03-20-2003, 01:42 PM	#14
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,511	yep, keeps me from forgetting the lights are on! i have a habbit of draining batteries, but this help. as well as making me more visable.! heres one at 75..yikes that old steering wheel was uglY, i have a nice new reproduction now.. you know the interesting thing about this truck is, i think the rear is a 3.73 but it acts like a 3.07 ???? i have no clue why, standard size tires too, they are really tall, but thats normal. i do have a fund set up, im saving for that gear vender! then ill really be set. i cant think of a better set up than that, even a 5 speed wouldnt compair. Attached Images __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban Last edited by mtdave2; 03-20-2003 at 01:46 PM.

03-20-2003, 02:47 PM	#15
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	I have to disagree with mtdave2. You can get a really good 700R4 for under $3000. In fact, you can get one for under $2000. Check out bowtieoverdrives.com __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"



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03-20-2003, 02:49 PM	#16
70cst10_05 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Summerfield, Ks Posts: 742	that can't be very safe, drivin and takin pictures, haha __________________ 1970 Chevy CST/10 1970 Chevy CST/10 1972 Chevy C/10 1972 Chevy Suburban K/10 2019 Silverado 2500 Duramax Kevin

03-20-2003, 03:00 PM	#17
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,511	do you have one of those? and have you had it for over 3-5 years? i might be wrong, i really hope i am, but i have never seen a 700r4 work well, for a long time. with out spending lots of money. even then it was ifie. i know there are several people here who love them, and have had no troubles. ....yet.. lol. __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

03-20-2003, 05:32 PM	#18
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	71 cheyenne C20 I am driving my dads C20 cheyenne 350/350 with 4.10's in rear. Stock or as close as practical LT 235/85R/16 tires. It winds pretty good at 75 MPH but it drives strong and has good speed pickup to 75 and easily past that. I'm not one to go in excess but its there to use. I borrowed it from my dad 11 months ago to use for a couple of months and then sell as he wasn't using it anymore. Still have it and not in a hurry to sell. He would like to get $1800 out of it so he can continue upgrading his 72 K20. Anyone on West Coast interested maybe I can get pics. I still owe a couple of sets of pics of my 72 Cheyenne super 10/70 swb project trucks to a couple of you. Digital camera frustrations make it tough to get this doen. I need to sit down with it for 1/2 day to get it right!! Another post for sure. Sorry if I drifted but I think stock truck whether custom camper or not should run like a raped ape at least empty. __________________ Bob

03-21-2003, 01:28 AM	#19
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	We have an 86 Blazer, the factory 700r4 lasted 8 yrs and 220,000 miles. We also have an 84 pickup, the first 700r4 lasted 4 yrs and 75,000, the second one is still in it with going on 400,000. The biggest thing is to add a trans cooler and keep the fluid changed every 30,000 miles.. Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

03-21-2003, 01:32 AM	#20
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	I got a chevy custom camper/10 and it has 37.3's it is alright on the highway but the big block is a pig on gas __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

03-21-2003, 03:01 AM	#21
Wabash Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 534	well my 72 blazer is horrible. i run down the highway at 75 mph and i rev 4000 rpm. i can drive to the city which is about 300 km away and it takes me a full tank of gas. __________________ 1972 C/10 LWB 1972 K/5 Blazer

03-21-2003, 03:02 AM	#22
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,511	dont forget, factory tranys are well built and installed correctly __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

03-21-2003, 03:10 AM	#23
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	I wouldn't say always installed correctly. Our 84 wouldn't shift into OD some of the times when it was new. Later found out that the factory didn't hook up the throtle valve cable when built. If you try to find a 700r4 in the junk yards, look for one out of an 87 on up, the factory had most of the bugs worked out by then.. Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

03-21-2003, 08:42 AM	#24
Jason71k10 ready for reassembly Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Barrie ONT, Canada Posts: 413	from what i've gathered, and what people have said about their 700r4's, they're either really good(go forever) or they're $hit! My dad had a van with a 700r4, and it had a 350, 000 kms on it(220k miles) on the original tranny. He smoked it pulling a trailer through the mountains.......just changed the fluid and filter and it went another 60k miles. he sold it, but as far as i know, it's still going today! On the other hand, i've heard of people going through 2 and 3 tranny's on those same vans?? I thought about putting one in my 71, but i think i'm just gonna stick with my th350. It revs higher, but i don't drive that fast anyway __________________ stock 71 4x4 2003 Jeep Liberty, rocky mountain edition I'm obsessed, and wouldn't have it any other way!

03-21-2003, 10:36 AM	#25
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	That seems about right. I get the same 3g at 70 with my 350/350 w/ 3.73 and 31.10.5's __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

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