07-20-2004, 04:52 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Moving, TX
Posts: 35
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towing ? with a '72
hi,
i'm in the market for a truck, i would like to get a '72 (dark green perferred). my question is how good are these trucks with the original engine (350) for towing? or should i look for a big block truck. the heaviest thing i would be towing is my '69 camaro. thanks, thomas... |
07-20-2004, 04:59 PM | #2 |
I need a brake!
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 474
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It really depends on the entire setup. What I can tell you from experience is that my 71 has a 350, 3 speed manual, 3.73, and it did not want to pull a car haul with a 74 1/2 ton ford 20 miles. I got stuck at a light on a hill, and nearly burnt up my clutch to get going.
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JP MEMBER OF THE DISCS UP FRONT CLUB 1971 Chevy C10 |
07-20-2004, 05:34 PM | #3 |
Left Foot Functioning
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Duncan, OK
Posts: 348
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Good Choice
My '72 C20 Cheyenne has the stock (but rebuilt) 4bolt main 350, coupled with a SM465 tranny and a 4:10 rear end.
I've pulled loads with it that I wouldn't dare try with my '02 1ton. The stock rear leaf springs hold a ridiculous load without sagging, and the truck has never gotten squirrelly at highway speeds with a heavy load like smaller/lighter trucks do. The front disc/rear drum setup stops even brakeless trailers with no fuss. Yes, it revs pretty high at 70 mph, and the gas mileage with a trailer runs 8-10 mpg, but if you want something moved, it'll do the job and come back for more. Heck, it's even got A/C. Get a good reciever hitch (Class IV min), solid trailer wiring & brakes, and get on the road. Or, maybe just build some ramps to make a car hauler on the back of the bed. I've seen it done, and a Camaro is no load for these trucks... Good hunting...SSOW
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69 C10 (#1 son's ride) 72 C20 (Dad's farm truck) 82 K30 (Ex - brush pumper project) |
07-20-2004, 06:51 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada
Posts: 2,476
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I pulled a car hauler with half a truck on it (probably 3500 to 4000 lbs total) about 300 miles back from Northern Manitoba last year ( pulled it empty all of the way there too) in 100 degree weather with no problems. My truck has a warmed over 350 with a big 4 row rad, a TH350 tranny and a 373 rear end. With a tranny and an engine oil cooler installed I wouldn't hesitate to pull the same distance with a full 7000 lbs.
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada |
07-20-2004, 07:22 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Beeville, Texas
Posts: 1,943
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Pulled a 33ft travel trailer with mine, but didn't go far because I didn't need to. I'm running a 350 with a TH400 automatic with 4:10 gears, it's got a lot of torque. If you're gonna pull something heavy like what I did it's better to start in low 1 and shift to drive before you hit 20MPH.
Good luck,
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RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck |
07-20-2004, 11:00 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Central PA....In the Berg of Nisbet
Posts: 790
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Seems to be all in the gearing IMO..............If you want a hard running engine find a GMC with a V-6 Damn, they run like a Diesel(Atleast the one I have does )
Had to get that plug in there Actually, a 350 with a 4 spd would be good too for what your doing............Or should I talk you into a 292 six Like I said, rear end gearing is everything when pulling........
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'72 K-20 EFI'ed 250 Inline/4spd stake body, Farm Truck '71 C-20 Cummins Diesel Powered, In storage thanks to $5.00 diesel! '69 3500 GMC 305V-6/4spd, Still under reconstruction.......... Inlines Rule! 6 soldiers standing is better than 8 laying down!!!!!!!! |
07-20-2004, 11:37 PM | #7 | |
72 BB C30 Super LongHorn
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Chavez Ravine
Posts: 1,606
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Quote:
6Camaro9: I have used my 1972 C20 BB 402 T-400 for towing with my 24' 2-axle car trailer and with either of my 69 Camaros. Ill tell you a few things that most will agree with and what I use. Cooling, whether it be for engine oil or trans oil, is a big concern. If available, try to incorporate an engine oil cooler. GM uses a kit that was offered for the 73-87 truck that has an adapter at the oil filter to run their oil lines to a front mounted oil cooler. I also use a lower temp 160* thermostat and Ive also considered an aluminum water pump... Also consider using an inline trans cooler. Temperature is what kills most engines when towing undere heavy loads, up hills, or similar driving conditions-Not to leave out DESERT heat! I have towed with my setup rather well. Trailer brakes, whether they be surge or electric, is a big consideration and will help stop the total weight of your setup. Mine is a Custom Camper; from the factory, it had the heavy duty rear leafs and handled the trailer and car well! Also consider your toungue weight, positioning the car/trailer weight properly over the tounge of your hitch...Ive never towed a 5th wheel so I can't offer with that setup. As for the small block, a well kept up motor will handle what you need. What I may offer to you is this, either small or Big Block will handle it well. "TORQUE" is what makes the final towing situation hassle free. Consider your options; whether a truck having a rebuilt or one needing to be rebuilt engine...A cool healthy motor is one that tows well. Only under certain wind conditions have I experienced any side to side action from my trailer. I usually just floor it until it gets straight & then back right out of it until the total weight of the whole setup drives it back striaght. Just my experiences! Hope this helps you!
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72 BB C/30 Longhorn Super HO72 No-Spin, #'s matching, Tilt, Tach, AC, AM/FM HO72 build : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=714492 2017 SS Last edited by RPOZ11; 07-20-2004 at 11:44 PM. |
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