need advice on pulling with my 72 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

iluvmy72 · 08-03-2003, 11:56 PM

My wife thre the wrench intot he gears today when she said she wanted to get a 5th wheel instead of a regular travel trailer......I've tried to change her mind but she's set.....I realise in order for me to do this I might have to make a few changes on my 72 GMC longbed.....I have a very strong Rocket Olds 350(2bolt main), Rebuilt 700R4 with performance shift kit and a 3/4 ton rear end with a 3.73 gear ratio. My question is can I get away with the engine block and tranny I currently have?.....I do have a regular chevy 350 engine and a rebuilt Chevy TH350 with a added shift kit as well but I don't see this adding anything I would need.....But I'm wondering if I currently have enough juice to pull and 32-36 foot trailer that weighs 12000-14000 pounds.....I'll need it for mountains.....if I had money, I'd add an Olds 455 engine and a overdrive add on to the TH350.....what else could I do to boost power with what I currently have?

Blue_71 · 08-04-2003, 01:45 AM

engine will probably be fine but the tranny worries me... it may do it but make sure you put in in D so it cant go into over drive while towing

toms68cst · 08-04-2003, 08:23 AM

I'd be more worried about stopping that set up. Do you have power brakes in top working condition?

Good LT series tires?

An anti-sway bar would also be pretty much required.

iluvmy72 · 08-04-2003, 11:36 AM

yes I have front disk and rear drum.....and I will be getting a new brake booster.....that's a no brainer......but the trailer has a braking system as well......but that's more wireing than anything else.

Longhorn Man · 08-04-2003, 03:50 PM

I think i would want a TH400 if you'll be doing this on a regular basis.

cableguy0 · 08-04-2003, 04:24 PM

that 700r4 will have a very short life pulling that trailer i will guaruntee that especially if you use the overdrive because the overdrive clutches are tiny and it doesnt take much to smoke em and trash the tranny

08-03-2003, 11:56 PM	#1
iluvmy72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Springville, UT, USA Posts: 1,010	need advice on pulling with my 72 My wife thre the wrench intot he gears today when she said she wanted to get a 5th wheel instead of a regular travel trailer......I've tried to change her mind but she's set.....I realise in order for me to do this I might have to make a few changes on my 72 GMC longbed.....I have a very strong Rocket Olds 350(2bolt main), Rebuilt 700R4 with performance shift kit and a 3/4 ton rear end with a 3.73 gear ratio. My question is can I get away with the engine block and tranny I currently have?.....I do have a regular chevy 350 engine and a rebuilt Chevy TH350 with a added shift kit as well but I don't see this adding anything I would need.....But I'm wondering if I currently have enough juice to pull and 32-36 foot trailer that weighs 12000-14000 pounds.....I'll need it for mountains.....if I had money, I'd add an Olds 455 engine and a overdrive add on to the TH350.....what else could I do to boost power with what I currently have?

08-04-2003, 08:23 AM	#3
toms68cst Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Bismarck, ND Posts: 4,296	I'd be more worried about stopping that set up. Do you have power brakes in top working condition? Good LT series tires? An anti-sway bar would also be pretty much required. __________________ Unrestored 68 C-10 CST. Original 327. 4-Speed CH465. 50k or so miles. TREASURER, Drum Brake Club.

08-04-2003, 11:36 AM	#4
iluvmy72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Springville, UT, USA Posts: 1,010	tom 68 yes I have front disk and rear drum.....and I will be getting a new brake booster.....that's a no brainer......but the trailer has a braking system as well......but that's more wireing than anything else.

08-04-2003, 04:24 PM	#6
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	that 700r4 will have a very short life pulling that trailer i will guaruntee that especially if you use the overdrive because the overdrive clutches are tiny and it doesnt take much to smoke em and trash the tranny __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

08-04-2003, 03:50 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I think i would want a TH400 if you'll be doing this on a regular basis.



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