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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Tucson
Posts: 9
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Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
Hi all, I've browsed around and seen a variety of threads and suggestions on rear end and engine/trans combos for towing. I have a 79 longbed RWD that I'm looking to upgrade for towing. It currently has a 350 in it, but I'm not sure about the trans or rear end; I'm planning on replacing the trans and rear end to suit my needs. If anyone has any suggestions for towing 6000lb, I would appreciate the input. Also, I do plan on going up mountains fairly regularly with it. Thanks in advance!
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 2,554
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Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
Another thing to check is what rear spring setup you have. 6000lb trailer = about 600lb tongue weight. Probably want the HD spring setup.
Also check the brakes. IMO, you want the HD brakes if you are doing mountains. Going with a hitch or do you have properly rated towing bumper? |
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#3 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,553
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Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
6 ply tires (minimum). Frame mounted receiver hitch. Trailer brake controller. HD brakes front and rear. HD rear springs. Shift kit in the transmission and a cooler. Proper gearing depending on tire size. You're going to be towing a trailer that is heavier than the truck
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#4 |
Post Whore
![]() ![]() Join Date: May 2015
Location: Alabama
Posts: 14,652
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Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
Might consider airbag helpers...
Def add trailer brakes..
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Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver |
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#5 |
Robert Olson Transport
![]() Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: recent transplant to NC USA
Posts: 20,293
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Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
if you really want to go crazy get a 4L80 trans and stand alone controller i dont haul with the old stuff but i had a 2007 GMC that was bulletproof for towing ( 8000 lbs) almost 170K on it
__________________
Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Tucson
Posts: 9
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Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
Nice, thanks for the suggestions so far! I'll keep reading up to learn about the tire size and rear end ratios to get a feel for what would be 'best' given the situation.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,982
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Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
I have a Squarebody CC dually ('89 w/a rebuilt TBI 454/TH400/Dana HD70 combo) & I also own a '99 3/4-ton CC short bed (efi Vortec 350/4l80e/14bolt).
They've both pulled stuff for my needs (20' steel floor open car hauler w/an occasional/usual classic vehicle load). The big-block def get the program going quicker from a stand-still but the 350 gets it done fine. Both have the HD F/R brake set-ups. Both have 4.10 gearing with ~30.5 ('99) & 31.5" ('89) rear tire heights. The '99 is def nicer w/the 4l80e/OD when doing anything on the highway. Beyond the HD brakes & OD, I'd say the best cooling system possible (big radiator, big/effective aux trans cooler, best fan set-up) to help keep temps from cooking the mechanicals. As mentioned..... Proper load rated tires. My rear tires are all load rated. I utilize LT fronts though vs D or E load rated. If I were to be hauling 'work equipment' type of loads for extended highway trips, I'd utilize load rated (8 or 10-ply) @ every position.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Tucson
Posts: 9
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Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
@SCOTI, thanks for the detailed suggestion! Glad to hear another endorsement for the 4L80e
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: North-central Virginia
Posts: 1,100
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Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
Brakes are key to towing capability. Are you willing to give up your 15-inch tires and five-lugs for 3/4-ton components? I'm reasonably certain that c20 spindles and brakes can be fitted to a c10, and if you're swapping the rear axle anyway, might as well.
What's the GVWR of your truck? Can you keep the weight of the truck, the cargo, yourself, and the tongue weight of the trailer within that GVWR?
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1987 C6P V20 truck, 2010 LMG 5.3, AFM delete, 2010 Camaro exhaust manifolds, 1997 nv4500, 1991 np241c, hydroboost, 2005 14bff axle & driveshaft, drop-n-lock gooseneck, 4.10 gears, stock suspension, rims, and tires. Still a work in progress. Any questions or suggestions are welcome! |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Salmon Arm BC
Posts: 177
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Re: Suggestions for upgrades to tow? 79 C10
I'm a big fan of airbags for the adjustment of having a comfortable stock ride and then airing up to haul a load and also maintain better weight distribution on the front truck axle. 6000# is getting up there for a 1/2 ton truck in the mountains. I would ensure top notch engine and transmission cooling and 10ply tires that are properly inflated. There are also some givens such as functioning trailer brakes and a brake controller.
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1970 C10 l/b 292/4spd Build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=811062 |
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