Big Block and three on the tree - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

joecaruso · 12-20-2014, 05:36 PM

I recently purchased a 1970 c10 with the original 402BB and 3 on the tree. I was wondering how many people run this combo or have seen it before. It seems like an interesting combo to me.

SS Tim · 12-20-2014, 06:15 PM

They exist though probably not very popular even new. Myself I would have been more inclined to go with a M28 close ration four speed.

Post up a picture and a SPID. Imagine it is kind of sparse if they ordered a 402 without a trans option.

* VIN/Model Decoders
* Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio)
* Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID
* RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here

mechanicalman · 12-20-2014, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS Tim

They exist though probably not very popular even new. Myself I would have been more inclined to go with a M28 close ration four speed.

Post up a picture and a SPID. Imagine it is kind of sparse if they ordered a 402 without a trans option.

What is an M28 close ratio four speed? Is that a cast iron trans with the long top mounted shifter arm?

SS Tim · 12-22-2014, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechanicalman

What is an M28 close ratio four speed? Is that a cast iron trans with the long top mounted shifter arm?

The RPO M28 NP435CR was a close ratio, top shifter, truck four-speed. C10 appplication were 68-70 for a NP435CR behind a 396/402. 4.56, 2.28, 1.31, 1:1, R 5.64

The RPO M20 CH465 most of us see had a much deeper first gear.
6.55, 3.58, 1.70, 1:1, R 6.09

Of note is either four-speed in this application had a 3.54 geared DANA axle upgrade as part of the option package.

joecaruso · 12-20-2014, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS Tim

They exist though probably not very popular even new. Myself I would have been more inclined to go with a M28 close ration four speed.

Post up a picture and a SPID. Imagine it is kind of sparse if they ordered a 402 without a trans option.

* VIN/Model Decoders
* Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio)
* Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID
* RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here

I do not have a picture of the SPID off hand, but here are most of the options off the top of my head.
400 CU IN. V-8, power steering, H/D power brakes, H/D radiator, 3spd transmission, spare tire, H/D rear leafs, guage pack ammeter/oil/temp, radio-pushbutton, chrome front bumper, rear step bumper, lower and upper side moldings, bedside tool-box, full foam/vinal seat, full wheel covers, 15x5.5 wheels, camper mirrors(below eye line), and positrac axle.
Those are what I can remember off the top of my head. I will get a pic of the spid as soon as I can. Heres a pic of the truck.

SS Tim · 12-22-2014, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joecaruso

I do not have a picture of the SPID off hand, ... Those are what I can remember off the top of my head. I will get a pic of the spid as soon as I can. Heres a pic of the truck.

Thanks for the SPID info and the pictures. Look forward to seeing the SPID.

Depending on the boat/trailer and terrain the original owner might have liked the M28 more in actual use.

**68350** · 12-20-2014, 06:41 PM

I've only seen 2-3 over the past 8-10 years. They are not common at all. I wouldn't imagine many ordered the big block and didn't pay a little extra cash for a better transmission

davepl · 12-20-2014, 07:57 PM

Spid pic!

**special-K** · 12-20-2014, 11:05 PM

I've had trucks that were ordered with the 3spd specifically, not because they didn't want to pay extra for a transmission. Back then automatics were still not so widely accepted as appropriate for a truck, for one thing. The 4spd, on the other hand, was too truck-like being geared the way they are and slow shifting. The trucks I've had probably would have been ordered with a Muncie M20,21, or 22 if they were offered. The tall gearing on the 3spd gets a truck up and outta there quick. My very first truck was a solid Ochre '72 shortbed Highlander 402/3spd/posi with upper trim-only. It had a lot of options and I'm sure the owner had performance in mind and wasn't trying to save money. I also has a red w/white top '68 shortbed CST 396/3spd/posi no p/s and no p/b. It was one of two identical trucks ordered by two brothers who were into drag racing. I haven't seen many others, but I didn't look as hard many years ago when most trucks were as built. I agree they had to be a lower production combo.

**70cst** · 12-21-2014, 12:12 AM

I don't think I have ever seen that combo in person.

joecaruso · 12-21-2014, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70cst

I don't think I have ever seen that combo in person.

Yes its definitely interesting. I purchased the truck from the original owner and he told me that when he ordered the truck he optioned it out for towing his boat. I would think that a four speed granny gear would make more sense but the rest of the options make sense for a tow rig.

mike16 · 10-09-2015, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I've had trucks that were ordered with the 3spd specifically, not because they didn't want to pay extra for a transmission. Back then automatics were still not so widely accepted as appropriate for a truck, for one thing. The 4spd, on the other hand, was too truck-like being geared the way they are and slow shifting. The trucks I've had probably would have been ordered with a Muncie M20,21, or 22 if they were offered. The tall gearing on the 3spd gets a truck up and outta there quick. My very first truck was a solid Ochre '72 shortbed Highlander 402/3spd/posi with upper trim-only. It had a lot of options and I'm sure the owner had performance in mind and wasn't trying to save money. I also has a red w/white top '68 shortbed CST 396/3spd/posi no p/s and no p/b. It was one of two identical trucks ordered by two brothers who were into drag racing. I haven't seen many others, but I didn't look as hard many years ago when most trucks were as built. I agree they had to be a lower production combo.

drag racing, thats what I would bet, You can launch in second and go directly into third.

**leddzepp** · 12-21-2014, 01:06 AM

Very nice. I've never seen the toolbox on a 1/2 ton truck before.

Ozzy2013 · 12-21-2014, 01:26 AM

Sweet !

**68350** · 12-21-2014, 01:54 AM

I can't wait to see more pictures. This is definitely one of my dream trucks. Loaded halfton with a bb and 3 on the tree.

joecaruso · 12-21-2014, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68350

I can't wait to see more pictures. This is definitely one of my dream trucks. Loaded halfton with a bb and 3 on the tree.

Here are some pics of the truck before I got it.

joecaruso · 12-21-2014, 11:02 AM

Front

joecaruso · 12-21-2014, 11:03 AM

You can see the mirrors in this pic

joecaruso · 12-21-2014, 11:04 AM

Rear view

joecaruso · 12-21-2014, 11:07 AM

Here's some more recent pics after I've cleaned it up

joecaruso · 12-21-2014, 11:08 AM

New front bumper and the side moldings painted

Steve Hafner · 12-22-2014, 10:33 AM

. . . .

Let's turn these the right way . . .

That looks a lot like mine when it was BLUE !!!

. . . .

joecaruso · 12-22-2014, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Hafner

. . . .

Let's turn these the right way . . .

That looks a lot like mine when it was BLUE !!!

. . . .

Thanks for editing those pics. And I checked out your truck and it looks like it started out very similar to mine minus the wood bed, an option I wish I had.

joecaruso · 10-09-2015, 01:31 PM

here are some updated pics since my original posting.
truck was repainted and I added a set of 15x8 steelies with dog dish caps.
The second pick is the truck pulling a 13' runnabout I built about 5 years ago.

In The Ten Ring · 12-22-2014, 01:09 PM

Bench seat and 3 on the column? Plus you have the big engine and side tool box? I would have bought that one too!

12-20-2014, 05:36 PM	#1
joecaruso Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Gloucester Massachusetts Posts: 72	Big Block and three on the tree I recently purchased a 1970 c10 with the original 402BB and 3 on the tree. I was wondering how many people run this combo or have seen it before. It seems like an interesting combo to me.

12-20-2014, 06:15 PM	#2
SS Tim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Edwards, CA Posts: 7,503	Re: Big Block and three on the tree They exist though probably not very popular even new. Myself I would have been more inclined to go with a M28 close ration four speed. Post up a picture and a SPID. Imagine it is kind of sparse if they ordered a 402 without a trans option. * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here __________________ Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID Blazer SPID Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban

12-20-2014, 06:41 PM	#7
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: Big Block and three on the tree I've only seen 2-3 over the past 8-10 years. They are not common at all. I wouldn't imagine many ordered the big block and didn't pay a little extra cash for a better transmission __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

12-20-2014, 07:57 PM	#8
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Big Block and three on the tree Spid pic! __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible

12-20-2014, 11:05 PM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Big Block and three on the tree I've had trucks that were ordered with the 3spd specifically, not because they didn't want to pay extra for a transmission. Back then automatics were still not so widely accepted as appropriate for a truck, for one thing. The 4spd, on the other hand, was too truck-like being geared the way they are and slow shifting. The trucks I've had probably would have been ordered with a Muncie M20,21, or 22 if they were offered. The tall gearing on the 3spd gets a truck up and outta there quick. My very first truck was a solid Ochre '72 shortbed Highlander 402/3spd/posi with upper trim-only. It had a lot of options and I'm sure the owner had performance in mind and wasn't trying to save money. I also has a red w/white top '68 shortbed CST 396/3spd/posi no p/s and no p/b. It was one of two identical trucks ordered by two brothers who were into drag racing. I haven't seen many others, but I didn't look as hard many years ago when most trucks were as built. I agree they had to be a lower production combo. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-21-2014, 12:12 AM	#10
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Re: Big Block and three on the tree I don't think I have ever seen that combo in person. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

12-21-2014, 01:06 AM	#13
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,031	Re: Big Block and three on the tree Very nice. I've never seen the toolbox on a 1/2 ton truck before. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

12-21-2014, 01:26 AM	#14
Ozzy2013 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Elkton Posts: 693	Re: Big Block and three on the tree Sweet !

12-21-2014, 01:54 AM	#15
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: Big Block and three on the tree I can't wait to see more pictures. This is definitely one of my dream trucks. Loaded halfton with a bb and 3 on the tree. __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

12-21-2014, 11:02 AM	#17
joecaruso Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Gloucester Massachusetts Posts: 72	Re: Big Block and three on the tree Front Attached Images

12-21-2014, 11:03 AM	#18
joecaruso Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Gloucester Massachusetts Posts: 72	Re: Big Block and three on the tree You can see the mirrors in this pic Attached Images

12-21-2014, 11:04 AM	#19
joecaruso Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Gloucester Massachusetts Posts: 72	Re: Big Block and three on the tree Rear view Attached Images

12-21-2014, 11:07 AM	#20
joecaruso Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Gloucester Massachusetts Posts: 72	Re: Big Block and three on the tree Here's some more recent pics after I've cleaned it up Attached Images

12-21-2014, 11:08 AM	#21
joecaruso Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Gloucester Massachusetts Posts: 72	Re: Big Block and three on the tree New front bumper and the side moldings painted Attached Images

12-22-2014, 10:33 AM	#22
Steve Hafner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Northport, Alabama Posts: 1,353	Re: Big Block and three on the tree . . . . Let's turn these the right way . . . That looks a lot like mine when it was BLUE !!! . . . . Attached Images



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10-09-2015, 01:31 PM	#24
joecaruso Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Gloucester Massachusetts Posts: 72	Re: Big Block and three on the tree here are some updated pics since my original posting. truck was repainted and I added a set of 15x8 steelies with dog dish caps. The second pick is the truck pulling a 13' runnabout I built about 5 years ago. Attached Images

12-22-2014, 01:09 PM	#25
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,427	Re: Big Block and three on the tree Bench seat and 3 on the column? Plus you have the big engine and side tool box? I would have bought that one too!

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