Just bought a 74 longbed, I need a clue.

[manilapoo_92]

Hey guys,

I ran across a good deal not too long ago for a 1974 Chevy Pickup for $250. It runs fine but I fear it is on its last leg. I have always driven/built smaller cars in the past and this is my first pickup.

The truck is a longbed that has a 454 motor and a RWD setup with an automatic transmission. I would like to rebuild the motor myself, replace the tranny or rebuild it as cheap as possible, maybe swap the bed out with a newer model bed, and overhaul the brakes.

What is the best way of finding out specs on the motor, tranny, driveshaft, rearend, etc. etc and knowing which replacement parts are interchangable between models?

Also, I am located in central Oklahoma if anyone knows of a good machine shop or parts source in the area.

[bigblock73]

WoW, what a great price for a complete BB truck!! Why can't I find deals like that!

Welcome to the board!

[Zilverado]

Originally posted by manilapoo_92
Hey guys,

... The truck is a longbed that has a 454 motor and a RWD setup with an automatic transmission....

What is the best way of finding out specs on the motor, tranny, driveshaft, rearend, etc. etc and knowing which replacement parts are interchangable between models?....

Woo Hoo - - another LWB on the board (not that I'm biased or anything ). Welcome aboard!!!

As far as finding out specs, etc - you've come to the right place. There are guys (and Gals) here that can most certainly help you out. The knowledge base here is awesome.

But before we go any further, I have to ask the question everyone asks.....

Where's the pic's?????

[Captkaos]

Originally posted by manilapoo_92
What is the best way of finding out specs on the motor, tranny, driveshaft, rearend, etc. etc and knowing which replacement parts are interchangable between models?

What specs are you wanting on these items?

All BBC's after 1972 (last offered in 1/2T was 1979)were 454's so all of them will interchange. The trans is a TH400, rearend is a 12bolt

[Prerunner1982]

first off where abouts in central okla? there are a few of us in this area.

by newer bed, do you mean like 81-87 or like 90s? the 90s beds just dont look right, dont line up.

for specs and such you might look at www.73-87.com and then if you have questions feel free to ask.

[manilapoo_92]

Thanks for the welcome and the information.

Capt that's pretty much what I was looking for. I'm hoping the rebuild kit will inform me better on clearances of internal components when I rebuild the motor.

Do I have to get a special length driveshaft? Or do they typically not need to be replaced? The truck will most likely be a tow vehicle for a boat or another project car.

I am located in Choctaw, OK. A guy named Andy from http://forums.ok-speed.com/ directed me to this site. 81-87 bed would be ok, its just that mine is rusted out and there are boards in the bed to cover it up. The rest of the truck is perfectly rust free though. Do most of the beds just bolt on with little or no modifications? What models fit?

Once again Thanks for the welcome. I look foward to spending some quality time with some of you in the future. Hopefully, I'll get to the point of giving the same help I receive here to others newcomers.

[8t5Silverado]

Welcome to the board.

Any 73-87 longbed will fit without any problems (as will a shortbed if you are talented enough to cut up and weld a frame).

[Prerunner1982]

myself, 84stepper, and brad2 live in edmond, ocbaud lives in mwc, LOHRTBT lives in mustang, messedupc10 lives in mcloud. i am sure there are a few others.

unless you are changing the engine and trans location, the height of the truck, the axle location or and length of the truck you shouldnt need a new shaft, maybe new u-joints though.

[Captkaos]

Originally posted by 8t5Silverado
Any 73-87 longbed will fit without any problems (as will a shortbed if you are talented enough to cut up and weld a frame).

This isn't actually correct. The bolt hole locations for the LWB's changed in the later models for the second hole. It will work, but keep in mind unless you drill the hole you won't have a bolt there.

[bpmcgee]

Also keep in mind that the fuel filler changed sides sometime after 75. Early ones were right side, then switched to left later, but I'm not sure which year. There were also some variations between a fuel filler door and just open cap.

Brian

[Captkaos]

Originally posted by bpmcgee
Also keep in mind that the fuel filler changed sides sometime after 75. Early ones were right side, then switched to left later, but I'm not sure which year. There were also some variations between a fuel filler door and just open cap.

Brian

They switched sides in '78 for Blazer/Burbs (generally) and late 79/80 for pickup. The year the switched sides was the same year they switched to gas doors. Since we are being specific, the filler necks are different also. Later ones having a smaller opening.