Longhorn or what do I have?

[truck1974]

I recently bought a 1969 GMC 3500 1 ton Dually. It currently has a homemade flat bed on it. It has a straight six, 292 i believe. Eaton rear with unknown gear ratio. 4spd with granny low, 2 wheel drive.

What I was wondering was what came on these trucks from the factory? Did it come with a flat bed or no box at all. Mine has the 133 inch wheel base. Is this considered a Longhorn model? Was it set up fpr a 9 ft box or flat bed? Just looking for any info about these models. What they were used for etc. I bought the truck for $600.00. It runs but the water pump is going out and the motor is running poorly, seems like it might be missing. The brakes are also poor at best. I was considering a small block or big block V8 but I don't know how much I want to stick in this truck. And I'm thinking the rear Eaton axle probably has 4.56 gears so that would probably have to be changed out to run a different motor without getting 6 miles to the gallon.

I've also entertained the thought of a 4wd Dually or coverting the truck to a single wheel 4x4 1 ton or a car hauler. All would probably cost alot of money to convert.
I'm currenly trying to finish a Pro Street Vega so money is tight. I just saw the price of this thing and I've always liked the body style so I had to buy it.

I guess I was just looking for some input on what was different on my GMC 3500 series regarding the body and frame compared to 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton chevy and gmc trucks. What do you guys thing I should do with it? Thanks for taking the time to listen to my ramblings.

Matt.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Dude, isn't this like the third time you posted this???????????

[Brainchild]

I'd throw a V8 in it,and a wrecker bed on it,and use it to make some extra cash.Of course they are really handy to have around as well
That suspension would be great for a wrecker IMO.

Or maybe a dumptruck if you're into that kind of work.

[longhorn71]

NO all longhorns had single rear tires.if your last two numbers in your model number are 03 {it is locatedin glove box}it is a cab and chassis truck.no box or deck,just frame.They were built to have decks or any other body added to them.

[Longhorn Man]

The Longhorn info is in the link in my signiture.
Welcome to the board...where you from?
You could get a longhorn bed, and make some fender flairs out of step side fenders for a cool daulie longhorn.

[TugOwar]

Build it up and use it to haul the vega to the track!

[68w/sbc406]

as far as the motor, if the mounts are stagared then its a 292, if not its probably a 250. not to hard to small block one if your just doing it, but if you are trying to make it pretty it takes a little longer

[truck1974]

I'm from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, That's between Milwaukee and Green Bay. Yes I did post a couple of questions about this truck before. I didn't know what was involved in stretching a frame and what mounts I'd need for 4x4 suspension.

Maybe I'll look for an old wedge type flat bed. I do like the car hauler idea.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Hey that's cool. You could lengthen the frame but finding a truck with a longer wheel base would probably be easier. It sounds like a cool truck though, I'd hang on to it. Changing the water pump really isn't that hard if you know how and if it's missing you might wanna check the carb and the ignition system out.

[Tx Firefighter]

Look at the two side covers on the side of the engine.

If they are 4 inches tall, it's a 194, 230, or 250
If they are 6 inches tall, it's a 292

[Castiron9]

This is a LONGHORN..................

[truck1974]

Cool truck. What exactly is the dimensions of the box. Is it wider than a standard. box? How much longer is it? Is a Longhorn box hard to find? Thanks for all the input guys.

[Tx Firefighter]

The box is the same width as a normal box, just the added length on the front of the bed. You can see the factory filler piece in the picture of castiron's truck. That's what makes a longhorn a longhorn. Without that added length and filler piece, it's just a normal LWB truck.

[Castiron9]

The hardes't thing to find on a LONGHORN box is a "Rust Free" Tool Box door,which I am lucky to have.I take it off during the rainy season in Seattle,which is about 10 months out of the year...

[truck1974]

Ok, I see. That filler piece is how long, another 6-8 inches? Thanks for all the input.

[Longhorn Man]

6 inches