Square Work Truck

[epfatboy]

So I have a '86 (ish) K10 SWB that I'm thinking on making a light duty work truck out of and would like to hear some real world experiences if you got them. I'll also take random thoughts as well in case you feel the need.

What I'm basically thinking is something to do some light towing (<7K), Lumber/Hardware/Trash runs, plowing in the winter, and what ever else.

Obviously I like these rides and want to have it take part in daily driving duties as well (I have other toys) so I plan to make it as comfortable/practical as possible.

Basic Components for the driveline/chassis are:
LSx Swap, got a almost stock rebuilt gen3 4.8
4L80E trans, have a Slighty built one, shouldn't need it but it's what I have.
NP241C tCase, yep I have one with 32 spline and a VSS!
D60/14BFF axles, still looking for these, would really like 4.10's but might need to settle for 4.56's.

QUESTION HERE... Springs??? Currently the truck has a 3" spring lift front and rear and rides on 33" tires. I love the look and the ride is not bad at all so I'd like to keep what I have and add either BAGS and/or helper springs. I like the idea of BAGS but have never installed/used/maintained/etc... Anybody use BAGS to adjust for loads in the rear AND in the front? Thinking minimally my plow is gonna create a need help up front. Also I do plan on a sander (1.5yd) in the bed as well in the winter so some help out back would be great to.

The PLOW... Anything I need to do here? I'd like to run a 8ft Fisher MM V-plow. I know I need to get a bigger Alt to support the electric pump. Is there mount point strengthening I need to address?

AT THIS POINT I should mention the truck will get regular NHOU Sprays, for those outside the rust belt thats us oiling our trucks and cars.

NP241C Shifter, will my current NP208 linkage work?

There will be other driveline/chassis mods as well but those are the big ones that get the truck setup to work.

The CAB will be pretty basic but I will add
New Wiring Harness (AAW)
Dakota Dash
Vintage Air/heat
Ididit Column with Tilt and column shift
Keeping my BENCH SEAT... That sould be cool!
Tunes with Navigation (2din)
Power Windows and Door locks.

QUESTION hear is the Power Windows/Locks. Anyone use the LMC kit for this and have good luck or should I try to source OEM and rebuild?

Also Can I interchange Door panels with different years? The Cab I'm using is a '89 1 ton and I just want to make sure I get a decent interior combo.


Need a Trailer Hitch, thinking just a 2" REESE will work and again, should I reenforce anything out back?

I'm considered a winch mount (basically another reciever hitch) up front but I really don't think it will be needed so it's probably going in the maybe later pile.


What am I missing??

This is not a typical build for me, normally its a big cam and big burnouts. Haven't built a 4x4 in 20+ years so any help is welcome.

[epfatboy]

I should mention I'm also taking CAM suggestions. I was thinking stock for a minute but figured there has to be a better cam out there.

The converter is in question too, normally I'd need a stall but I'm guessing I don't now. I also assume I can get away with a single disc vs a triple but again I'm new to this side of the fun.

[connorm]

I like the idea of this concept, it sounds like you basically want a K20 short bed that still rides like a K10?

I will add in with the air bags, you are going to set them up as air-over-leaf helpers. Most air bags will need you to run about 5 psi to keep the bags safe. The largest diameter bag that you can find will ride the smoothest/have the least effect on current ride heigh or ride quality.

You will probably want to have separate air systems for the front and rear so that when you load only one down you can compensate for that. Something like the link below would work, you would just have to use one rocker switch for the front, then T the line to each front bag, then the same for the rear. Building the air bag mounts would take a little more effort. Using a double or triple convoluted bag would provide the best weight carrying/ride over a smaller rolling sleeve type bag. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions.

[epfatboy]

Thanks for the BAG 101 for trucks! I’ll use this to start the research and see how far I get.

And yeah, I guess that is the concept I’m going with. It’s always going to ride like a slightly lifted truck but it doesn’t need to ride like a buckboard…. Really like the front/rear control idea as well, it’s exactly what I want to do.

I’ll also be able to roll down the road with 4.10’s very comfortably at 70mph when not loaded which makes the wife happy. And that is why/how I get this kind of allowance!

I’ll for sure be back with questions and I’ll post a few pics shortly

[epfatboy]

What I’m starting with. Forgot to mention it already has hydroboost brakes cause the cab is from an 89 1 ton.

[epfatboy]

Few more

[epfatboy]

I’m gonna paint her as well. The current driveline is a very tired 5.3/sm465/np208 to some 10bolts with 3.08’s… all of it is well used. The 5.3 easily has 250k on it and after you get past 2 minutes of nasty piston slap during initial warm up she runs like a champ!

A true fire road queen that has been very good to me. Now she’s gonna get a do over and get back to work.

[GSP7]

Wow ! Look them cab roof marker lights ! ! .

[epfatboy]

Originally Posted by GSP7

Wow ! Look them cab roof marker lights ! ! .

Almost makes me want to go full bubba and get a visor up there as well... but it's simply not allowed where there are trees.

But yeah, I love those things. There is a busted one but they all work.

Actually everything this truck has works and as you can see gets used, it's a great starting point.

[epfatboy]

Picked up my axles today, I forgot how heavy these are!

They are a paired d60/14bff w/4.56’s out of an ‘84 CUCV with 34K.

[epfatboy]

FYI:

Rear has “small” brakes because I took a “going disc” rear that had the original brakes go to a personal project.