New Guy Here - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

85Bowtie · 03-16-2009, 09:45 PM

Hello, I'm new to this forum and a '73-'87 Chevy truck enthusiast as well as a hardcore Mopar guy.

My truck is an '85 short bed, 2wd, 305/350TH C-10 Metallic brown with tan interior with the Silverado Package.

This is my very first vehicle and I'll never get rid of it, EVER. I got it when I turned 16 in '98 and have driven it everyday until August of 2006 when I started a career and needed a more economical car for my daily commute. It's sat ever since.

However, I do have plans this summer to build a 400 SB I have laying around, rebuild the tranny with a shift kit, ditch the 2.73's for a 3.08 w/posi and rebuild the suspension. Other than that, I want to leave it stock looking but maybe add a dual snorkel air cleaner with functional ductwork.

It is a VERY solid truck, no rust, original paint still looks really good. Has about 200K on it now, 90K original miles when I first got it. Up to the point I quit driving it, everything happened at once. The windshield got cracked where I hit a rock kicked up from a truck, the speedo stopped working, the tranny's about dead, and the 305 went from running good to terrible.

So I think I can give it the makeover it deserves and cruise it around some this summer, the only thing in my way is a Dodge Police Car I need to finish up and trying to find the suspension peices for my rebuild.

Any of you guys know where to get a complete suspension rebuild? Tried summit, can't find anything really. I'd like it to handle a little better, but still remain stock appearing, no body drops or anything.

Thanks,

1984 swb chevy · 03-16-2009, 10:20 PM

Welcome from New Jersey. You should be able to get all the stock parts at your local auto parts store. You should post some pictures of your truck so everyone can see it.

85Bowtie · 03-16-2009, 10:38 PM

Oh, sorry, I have a few but it's pretty dirty in the pics. I just uncovered it.

I was looking to get an Energy Suspension kit with new MOOG parts.

I saw in a magazine a few years back a company called PST or something similar that made a great handling upgrade for these trucks but can't find it.

**old Rusty C10** · 03-16-2009, 11:51 PM

welcome to the board! nice truck!

SBTork · 03-17-2009, 01:07 AM

Welcome to the board. Yes PST does make a good front end kit for these trucks. And as said above, your local parts store should have everything in stock, ie tie rod ends, ball joints, sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, idler arm, pitman arm, etc. Good luck and get it back on the road

sswitzke · 03-17-2009, 01:36 AM

Welcome to the board from southwest Mo. Nice looking truck.

flamingbig10 · 03-17-2009, 01:51 AM

welcome to board from Texas, your local part's store should have every thing for the steering

fast75 · 03-17-2009, 05:27 AM

welcome from east texas. sweet truck too. this place is a goldmine of information, alot of VERY knowledgeable folks here.

85Bowtie · 03-17-2009, 08:57 AM

Thanks for the comments. I'll be sure to show the progress as I begin working on it, probably sooner than I thought

I'll also be sure to check out the parts stores for my suspension upgrades, I definitely want the Energy Suspension bushings since they've always worked great for me.

Alot of the parts on it I can bring to work and put in this blasting machine to clean up.

I'll be sure to keep it posted.

Thanks

jchav62 · 03-17-2009, 09:16 AM

Cool truck! Welcome from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

JohnC · 03-17-2009, 09:26 AM

Welcome from Oklahoma. That's a nice looking truck.

AceX · 03-18-2009, 05:13 AM

'85... A great year, but I'm biased...

Solid truck. Good to see it will get the attention it deserves. A good 5/7 drop, trac bars, bushing, and sway bars will do wonders for that truck...

**78 Big10 454** · 03-18-2009, 06:07 AM

Greetings from sunny Southern California. You've got a fine lookin' ride.

silvereagle07 · 03-18-2009, 07:38 AM

Welcome from North Carolina! The PST kit in nice and it doesn't squeak like engergy suspension kit. My dad installed the PST on his daily driver and I haven't heard any complaints from him. Here's a link. Good luck!

http://www.p-s-t.com/pc-1732-220-che...d-1973-99.aspx

85Bowtie · 03-18-2009, 08:57 AM

Thanks again,

Hey thanks for that link too. I've had a hard time finding info online for this truck as far as suspension upgrades go, or at least anything I could trust.

Driveway Dreams · 03-18-2009, 09:52 AM

Welcome aboard, great looking truck you got there. Now, make it look like a 2wd. Like has been said...a nice drop to fit your taste and plans with the truck, sway bar set up, & some tires will make it a great handling truck as well as good looking. You have a nice start to it.

73chevyman · 03-18-2009, 07:59 PM

heres some more if ya need it

http://www.73-87.com/links/trklinks.htm

jared78 · 03-19-2009, 12:56 AM

welcome from washington. I don't know, metallic brown? tan interior? you know, lower that thing, upgrade the handling and throw some big billet at it and you might be on to something. lol I'm kinda partial to that whole brown on tan thing.

03-16-2009, 09:45 PM	#1
85Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TN Posts: 410	New Guy Here Hello, I'm new to this forum and a '73-'87 Chevy truck enthusiast as well as a hardcore Mopar guy. My truck is an '85 short bed, 2wd, 305/350TH C-10 Metallic brown with tan interior with the Silverado Package. This is my very first vehicle and I'll never get rid of it, EVER. I got it when I turned 16 in '98 and have driven it everyday until August of 2006 when I started a career and needed a more economical car for my daily commute. It's sat ever since. However, I do have plans this summer to build a 400 SB I have laying around, rebuild the tranny with a shift kit, ditch the 2.73's for a 3.08 w/posi and rebuild the suspension. Other than that, I want to leave it stock looking but maybe add a dual snorkel air cleaner with functional ductwork. It is a VERY solid truck, no rust, original paint still looks really good. Has about 200K on it now, 90K original miles when I first got it. Up to the point I quit driving it, everything happened at once. The windshield got cracked where I hit a rock kicked up from a truck, the speedo stopped working, the tranny's about dead, and the 305 went from running good to terrible. So I think I can give it the makeover it deserves and cruise it around some this summer, the only thing in my way is a Dodge Police Car I need to finish up and trying to find the suspension peices for my rebuild. Any of you guys know where to get a complete suspension rebuild? Tried summit, can't find anything really. I'd like it to handle a little better, but still remain stock appearing, no body drops or anything. Thanks,

03-16-2009, 10:20 PM	#2
1984 swb chevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 466	Re: New Guy Here Welcome from New Jersey. You should be able to get all the stock parts at your local auto parts store. You should post some pictures of your truck so everyone can see it. __________________ 2010 Tahoe 1984 C10 2005 Harley FLH 1941 Willys Pickup (will never get it done) not for sale

03-16-2009, 10:38 PM	#3
85Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TN Posts: 410	Re: New Guy Here Oh, sorry, I have a few but it's pretty dirty in the pics. I just uncovered it. I was looking to get an Energy Suspension kit with new MOOG parts. I saw in a magazine a few years back a company called PST or something similar that made a great handling upgrade for these trucks but can't find it. Attached Images

03-16-2009, 11:51 PM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,299	Re: New Guy Here welcome to the board! nice truck! __________________ 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!!

03-17-2009, 01:07 AM	#5
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,855	Re: New Guy Here Welcome to the board. Yes PST does make a good front end kit for these trucks. And as said above, your local parts store should have everything in stock, ie tie rod ends, ball joints, sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, idler arm, pitman arm, etc. Good luck and get it back on the road __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD.....

03-17-2009, 01:36 AM	#6
sswitzke Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Buffalo, MO Posts: 589	Re: New Guy Here Welcome to the board from southwest Mo. Nice looking truck. __________________ 1967 Chevy long bed 1966 Chevy short stepside

03-17-2009, 01:51 AM	#7
flamingbig10 6.0 powered square Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mesquite texas Posts: 3,459	Re: New Guy Here welcome to board from Texas, your local part's store should have every thing for the steering __________________ Aaron 1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326

03-17-2009, 05:27 AM	#8
fast75 Go Hard or Go Home! Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: quitman, tx Posts: 261	Re: New Guy Here welcome from east texas. sweet truck too. this place is a goldmine of information, alot of VERY knowledgeable folks here. __________________ 75 short wide 350, some mods, scare the piss outta ya quick. 2008 Dodge crew cab. YEAH, it's got a hemi, your ass is going to jail quick. Some day's, it's just not worth chewing through the restraints................................

03-17-2009, 08:57 AM	#9
85Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TN Posts: 410	Re: New Guy Here Thanks for the comments. I'll be sure to show the progress as I begin working on it, probably sooner than I thought I'll also be sure to check out the parts stores for my suspension upgrades, I definitely want the Energy Suspension bushings since they've always worked great for me. Alot of the parts on it I can bring to work and put in this blasting machine to clean up. I'll be sure to keep it posted. Thanks

03-17-2009, 09:16 AM	#10
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: New Guy Here Cool truck! Welcome from Santa Fe, New Mexico. __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4

03-17-2009, 09:26 AM	#11
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: New Guy Here Welcome from Oklahoma. That's a nice looking truck.

03-18-2009, 05:13 AM	#12
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: New Guy Here '85... A great year, but I'm biased... Solid truck. Good to see it will get the attention it deserves. A good 5/7 drop, trac bars, bushing, and sway bars will do wonders for that truck... __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

03-18-2009, 06:07 AM	#13
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 838	Re: New Guy Here Greetings from sunny Southern California. You've got a fine lookin' ride.

03-18-2009, 07:38 AM	#14
silvereagle07 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bailey, NC Posts: 2,462	Re: New Guy Here Welcome from North Carolina! The PST kit in nice and it doesn't squeak like engergy suspension kit. My dad installed the PST on his daily driver and I haven't heard any complaints from him. Here's a link. Good luck! http://www.p-s-t.com/pc-1732-220-che...d-1973-99.aspx __________________ Jeramy '84 GMC project truck '85 Chevy 4X4 SOLD '07 Chevy Trailblazer SS 5th Annual SHPHC Car/Truck Show Pics http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543605 UPDATED PICS! CHECK 'EM OUT

03-18-2009, 08:57 AM	#15
85Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TN Posts: 410	Re: New Guy Here Thanks again, Hey thanks for that link too. I've had a hard time finding info online for this truck as far as suspension upgrades go, or at least anything I could trust.



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03-18-2009, 09:52 AM	#16
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: New Guy Here Welcome aboard, great looking truck you got there. Now, make it look like a 2wd. Like has been said...a nice drop to fit your taste and plans with the truck, sway bar set up, & some tires will make it a great handling truck as well as good looking. You have a nice start to it. __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

03-18-2009, 07:59 PM	#17
73chevyman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lusby, MD Posts: 563	Re: New Guy Here heres some more if ya need it http://www.73-87.com/links/trklinks.htm __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/group.php?groupid=37 73 C10 Fleetside If it ain't a Chevy it's foreign http://hotridesmag.com/

03-19-2009, 12:56 AM	#18
jared78 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: longview washington Posts: 87	Re: New Guy Here welcome from washington. I don't know, metallic brown? tan interior? you know, lower that thing, upgrade the handling and throw some big billet at it and you might be on to something. lol I'm kinda partial to that whole brown on tan thing.

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