1987 R30 CC Dually project

[DieselSJ]

Picked this up about 3 years ago. 454. TH400. 4.10 gears. Literally sitting behind a barn here in my neighborhood. 86K original miles. Genuine Alcoa wheels.

This was about 2 days after I bought it, getting the windows tinted.






Did some light work with it.

This is about 5K lbs in the bed.



Going to pick up another 1hp 4wd transportation device.

[DieselSJ]

Quickly discovered several things -

- 87 454 is grossly underpowered.
- 4.10 gears with no overdrive nets about 9mpg.
- Trans had been rebuilt just before I bought it (have receipt from previous owner) and 2nd gear always feels like it is dragging and it always pukes ATF, even if I keep the level down below 'add'. Doesn't burn the fluid though.

[DieselSJ]

Few things I did very early on that I did not document. Basically working on getting it comfortable and reliable.

New headliner. Didn't have one when I bought it.

New Magnaflow high-flow 3" catalytic converter, and full 3" exhaust with huge Magnaflow muffler. That made a big difference in power and I picked up a consistent 1/2mpg.

Full tune up.

Replaced entire A/C system - evap, condenser, lines, compressor, and converted to R134. I get about a 55 degree drop between ambient and vent temps.

Fan clutch. Used chain store "lifetime guarantee" replacement. They failed every time we took a trip with our trailer. Every. Single. Time. Got smart finally and installed a Hayden and it remains happy after several trips.

Rebuilt rear outer assemblies. Had some play in the rear hubs so they got new bearings and seals. Added Mag-Hytec diff cover while I was at it.

Converted headlight housings to Hella e-code housings with good H4 bulbs.

Heated O2 sensor.

TBI rebuilt with bushed/o-ring shafts and new injectors.

Replaced hydroboost.

High torque mini starter and converted to a remote solenoid setup.

I can get pics of any of this if anyone wants them.

[DieselSJ]

Added big trans cooler. Seemed to keep it from puking and I was able to keep trans full.







Circuit goes from trans, to external cooler, to factory (in radiator) cooler, back to trans. I'll debate that this is the proper setup all day long. Coolers both go in at the bottom and out at the top.

[DieselSJ]

New balancer. I didn't like the full floating one that was on there. The only thing that kept the outer ring from exiting the vehicle was the lower pulley. I started to get a strange vibration on the freeway. I looked under the front when I got home and the outer ring had moved all the way up against the back of the pulley.

[DieselSJ]

Also had the dreaded Chevy-tilt-column-bolts-are-loose issue. Updated to a later model steering wheel at the same time.

[Katrina/10]

Nice work, I've enjoyed your progress and pics.

[focusedontheprize]

I have always been interested in hearing more about this truck. I remember when you posted the photo of the truck carrying the load and immediately was looking for more information.

The truck looks great, you mentioned the 454 was underpowered, so I have to ask - is there a swap coming soon?

[Matt Man]

reminds me of my 86 was the same color. Nice truck

[Hart_Rod]

bump

[LT7A]

That is a really nice truck. All block-long of it.