Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10

[merman]

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!

[Dead Parrot]

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?

[kwmech]

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

[mongocanfly]

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

[old Rusty 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

[merman]

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.

[SCOTI]

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.

[merman]

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