1981 C/10 Off-road project - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Moloko · 11-04-2003, 05:56 PM

My friend and I are going to attempt to turn his 1981 C/10 SWB fleetside into a off-roader. We have ordered a 3'' body lift, and some 15x8 wheels for it. We are hoping to run at least 33 x 12.5 tires on it. We are also going to put in a powertrax locker and a nice winch. Plans also call for a stack-exhaust and air cleaner snorkle. Anyone have any tips for making a 2wd I6 truck go off-road well?

jon_volk · 11-04-2003, 06:46 PM

isnt a 12.5" tire just LIL big for a 15x8?

Moloko · 11-04-2003, 07:03 PM

*shrugs* it says in the catalog for 8-10'' wide wheels.

Jonboy · 11-04-2003, 07:27 PM

a 12.5 tire's sidewall is nearly straight (no bulge) on a 10" wheel. 8 will probably work.

The 6 should have some decent torque, but why not swap in a V8?

Moloko · 11-04-2003, 07:28 PM

Well the thing probably will already have traction problems with the 6cyl, so I dont think adding more power will help very much. The i6 is a torque monster anyway, and infact we have another 1967 250 we can throw in that has headers, intake, 4bl carb, and cam.

r0lf- · 11-04-2003, 08:30 PM

33's with the bodylift should clear just fine. The I6 with headers and a nice 4bbl will work just fine for a trail rig. Just dont expect do be doing anything serious in that rig. The I6 plus 2wd isnt gonna get you too far. My buds 82 with a 350 and 4wd was a monster, that sucker would climb like no tommorow with that 4spd with a granny gear. It was a fun trail rig.

If you just want a beater to have fun with, I say go for it.

Stingray42 · 11-04-2003, 09:21 PM

yeah, get a friend with a 4by or a winch.
You're gonna get stuck...LOL

*mike reeh* · 11-04-2003, 09:41 PM

Ive put a lot of thought into building a C20 offroad machine.. I think with a high revving engine, a th400, and a 14 bolt out back either welded or w/ a detroit, and some paddles.. you would have a screamer in the sand.. Some of you dont relate with sand toys but in southern california, its a way of life.

reminds me of this 73-76 K20 that this guy had in glamis a few months ago.. it was a 4x4 but he used it in 2WD.. he had paddles on it, and a 427 bbc with boat headers (yes coming up out of the engine compartment), nitrous and about 6" of lift.. you should have seen and heard this thing going up oldsmobile hill.. a big old burley brown truck and it had "hellraiser" painted on both sides of the truck.. one bad mfer

mike

Prerunner1982 · 11-09-2003, 01:23 AM

what nobody even mentions me...... ok.. body lifts are ok, i prefer to stay away from them, but they are cheap. 33"s will clear no problem, could always cut the fenders and run 35"s. i run 32x11.50s right now with no lift. i would definately give the engine alittle help, but it also depends on how you gear it. a locker would be good, what kind of off road are you planning on? you might consider a suspension lift. lift coils, coil spacer, tubular control arms.. rear shackle flip or an add-a-leaf.. you could with blocks but i like those about as much as i do a body lift. i would cut fenders before i body lift. if you are going to bash it anyways might as well cut. feel free to check out my webpages, and ask any questions.........

Moloko · 11-10-2003, 12:45 AM

Ok, update. The project hit a brick wall because his carb has completely crapped out. Anyone have a 2se carb laying around?

Stingray42 · 11-10-2003, 01:16 AM

check the boneyards
What went wrong with it?

Moloko · 11-10-2003, 01:20 AM

Everything.

Already checked the yards; no goods. All the I6's we've seen are the older 2bls, and all the rest of the trucks have v8's.

r0lf- · 11-10-2003, 02:44 AM

Convert it to a 4bbl if anything. DO NOT PUT ANOTHER 2bbl ON IT. They are pure garbage.

My 80 with the I6 and the 2bbl was the biggest PITA when it came to trying to get that motor to run good.

1969 GMC · 11-10-2003, 03:51 AM

i would say why even bother with the snorkle...if you encounter any water deep enough to need a snorkle, you aren't gonna make it outta there with 2wd. plus snorkles restrict airflow more so than stock air cleaner or K&N aftermarket.

i see you are from Pennsylvania, what type of terrain wll this truck see? I'm guessing no sand dunes. I hate to say it, but you'd just be better off with a 4x4, because that 2wd will get stuck everywhere. why sink serious cash on a winch for a truck like that? hope you like to walk, you will be forever getting out of the truck to winch out of something a 4x would clear.

but since you obviously have a donor for this project, have fun. i'd still say no to the winch, just get a buddy with one.

Moloko · 11-10-2003, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by r0lf-
Convert it to a 4bbl if anything. DO NOT PUT ANOTHER 2bbl ON IT. They are pure garbage.

My 80 with the I6 and the 2bbl was the biggest PITA when it came to trying to get that motor to run good.

We can't convert it because it has that POS integral intake manifold.

r0lf- · 11-10-2003, 10:28 AM

Oh yeah, I had that too. :/

Go pick up a junkyard 350 then. Just dont get another 2bbl. You would spend more on a new carb then you would for a 350 from a yard.

Moloko · 11-10-2003, 11:00 AM

What has to be changed to put a v8 in? V8's are very hard to come by around these parts, every small block chev has been already pirated from local yards, usually about 10 minutes after they arrive.

r0lf- · 11-10-2003, 07:12 PM

Nothing really needs to be changed. You need different motor mounts.

Prerunner1982 · 11-10-2003, 08:08 PM

i agree 4wd would be better, but i am in the boat where i cant afford another truck, but i have a 2wd, and properly equiped they can be good offroad..

Moloko · 11-15-2003, 10:21 PM

Well the lift kit is /half/ on. We got the bed lifted. Tomarow we do the cab. Any potential snags we may encounter other than the shifter linkage?

Prerunner1982 · 11-16-2003, 12:33 AM

steering column may cause a problem, may not. may check things under the hood as far as hoses and wires and such, so you dont pull anything loose. the brake lines from the master cylinder may need some slack also....

Moloko · 11-17-2003, 04:58 PM

Well we got the whole lift kit on. Nothing interfered, but most of the cab threads were stripped. Right now the truck is only held together by 4 cab mounts, so he's taking it easy until he can take it to a shop to finish the job.

Jim Molloy · 11-17-2003, 09:29 PM

Check out a Holley/Weber 2 barrel carb. They are a progressive
2 barrel . Almost the same size as that carb your using now.

Check ebay and Inliners International web site. You'll have to
make some kind of adapter. The bolt pattern and size is different
from the stock carb.

I just picked up one of these carbs for $10. Check local VW people.This is a popular swap for dune buggy/baja bugs.

Before you think I'm crazy ,I had one of these carbs on a '69
Chevy pickup. 250 six with a stock 1 barrel carb.Adapters from
"Langhorn (sp) Chevy Parts". No adapter for the 2 barrel on the
'79.

The carb ran good on my 69 ,plenty of power ,mileage about the
same as the stock carb,bad.

NAPA and some others show a replacement carb for about $370.

I'm going to try to put one on my truck,the needle valve stuck on mine over the weekend.Luckily beating on it with a 2 X 4 made it
work ok.....LOL.

11-04-2003, 05:56 PM	#1
Moloko Hoarding Rusty Objects Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Slatington, PA Posts: 267	1981 C/10 Off-road project My friend and I are going to attempt to turn his 1981 C/10 SWB fleetside into a off-roader. We have ordered a 3'' body lift, and some 15x8 wheels for it. We are hoping to run at least 33 x 12.5 tires on it. We are also going to put in a powertrax locker and a nice winch. Plans also call for a stack-exhaust and air cleaner snorkle. Anyone have any tips for making a 2wd I6 truck go off-road well? __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 1994 GMC Yukon Follow me on Youtube! - http://www.youtube.com/user/FuelInjectionSucks

11-04-2003, 07:03 PM	#3
Moloko Hoarding Rusty Objects Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Slatington, PA Posts: 267	shrugs it says in the catalog for 8-10'' wide wheels. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 1994 GMC Yukon Follow me on Youtube! - http://www.youtube.com/user/FuelInjectionSucks

11-04-2003, 07:27 PM	#4
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	a 12.5 tire's sidewall is nearly straight (no bulge) on a 10" wheel. 8 will probably work. The 6 should have some decent torque, but why not swap in a V8? __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

11-04-2003, 07:28 PM	#5
Moloko Hoarding Rusty Objects Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Slatington, PA Posts: 267	Well the thing probably will already have traction problems with the 6cyl, so I dont think adding more power will help very much. The i6 is a torque monster anyway, and infact we have another 1967 250 we can throw in that has headers, intake, 4bl carb, and cam. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 1994 GMC Yukon Follow me on Youtube! - http://www.youtube.com/user/FuelInjectionSucks

11-04-2003, 08:30 PM	#6
r0lf- Hotwheels? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA Posts: 1,145	33's with the bodylift should clear just fine. The I6 with headers and a nice 4bbl will work just fine for a trail rig. Just dont expect do be doing anything serious in that rig. The I6 plus 2wd isnt gonna get you too far. My buds 82 with a 350 and 4wd was a monster, that sucker would climb like no tommorow with that 4spd with a granny gear. It was a fun trail rig. If you just want a beater to have fun with, I say go for it. __________________ 1978 Money Pit - CUSTOM DELUXE!!!!

11-04-2003, 06:46 PM	#2
jon_volk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Milford, CT Posts: 242	isnt a 12.5" tire just LIL big for a 15x8?

11-04-2003, 09:21 PM	#7
Stingray42 Woot. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Stouffville, Ontario Posts: 2,291	yeah, get a friend with a 4by or a winch. You're gonna get stuck...LOL __________________ Clarkson 96 Chevy RCLB 4.3 2WD

11-04-2003, 09:41 PM	#8
mike reeh 5 day ban, learn to behave. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: san diego, ca Posts: 684	Ive put a lot of thought into building a C20 offroad machine.. I think with a high revving engine, a th400, and a 14 bolt out back either welded or w/ a detroit, and some paddles.. you would have a screamer in the sand.. Some of you dont relate with sand toys but in southern california, its a way of life. reminds me of this 73-76 K20 that this guy had in glamis a few months ago.. it was a 4x4 but he used it in 2WD.. he had paddles on it, and a 427 bbc with boat headers (yes coming up out of the engine compartment), nitrous and about 6" of lift.. you should have seen and heard this thing going up oldsmobile hill.. a big old burley brown truck and it had "hellraiser" painted on both sides of the truck.. one bad mfer mike

11-09-2003, 01:23 AM	#9
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	what nobody even mentions me...... ok.. body lifts are ok, i prefer to stay away from them, but they are cheap. 33"s will clear no problem, could always cut the fenders and run 35"s. i run 32x11.50s right now with no lift. i would definately give the engine alittle help, but it also depends on how you gear it. a locker would be good, what kind of off road are you planning on? you might consider a suspension lift. lift coils, coil spacer, tubular control arms.. rear shackle flip or an add-a-leaf.. you could with blocks but i like those about as much as i do a body lift. i would cut fenders before i body lift. if you are going to bash it anyways might as well cut. feel free to check out my webpages, and ask any questions......... __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

11-10-2003, 12:45 AM	#10
Moloko Hoarding Rusty Objects Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Slatington, PA Posts: 267	Ok, update. The project hit a brick wall because his carb has completely crapped out. Anyone have a 2se carb laying around? __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 1994 GMC Yukon Follow me on Youtube! - http://www.youtube.com/user/FuelInjectionSucks

11-10-2003, 01:16 AM	#11
Stingray42 Woot. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Stouffville, Ontario Posts: 2,291	check the boneyards What went wrong with it? __________________ Clarkson 96 Chevy RCLB 4.3 2WD

11-10-2003, 01:20 AM	#12
Moloko Hoarding Rusty Objects Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Slatington, PA Posts: 267	Everything. Already checked the yards; no goods. All the I6's we've seen are the older 2bls, and all the rest of the trucks have v8's. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 1994 GMC Yukon Follow me on Youtube! - http://www.youtube.com/user/FuelInjectionSucks

11-10-2003, 02:44 AM	#13
r0lf- Hotwheels? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA Posts: 1,145	Convert it to a 4bbl if anything. DO NOT PUT ANOTHER 2bbl ON IT. They are pure garbage. My 80 with the I6 and the 2bbl was the biggest PITA when it came to trying to get that motor to run good. __________________ 1978 Money Pit - CUSTOM DELUXE!!!!

11-10-2003, 03:51 AM	#14
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	i would say why even bother with the snorkle...if you encounter any water deep enough to need a snorkle, you aren't gonna make it outta there with 2wd. plus snorkles restrict airflow more so than stock air cleaner or K&N aftermarket. i see you are from Pennsylvania, what type of terrain wll this truck see? I'm guessing no sand dunes. I hate to say it, but you'd just be better off with a 4x4, because that 2wd will get stuck everywhere. why sink serious cash on a winch for a truck like that? hope you like to walk, you will be forever getting out of the truck to winch out of something a 4x would clear. but since you obviously have a donor for this project, have fun. i'd still say no to the winch, just get a buddy with one. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

11-10-2003, 10:28 AM	#16
r0lf- Hotwheels? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA Posts: 1,145	Oh yeah, I had that too. :/ Go pick up a junkyard 350 then. Just dont get another 2bbl. You would spend more on a new carb then you would for a 350 from a yard. __________________ 1978 Money Pit - CUSTOM DELUXE!!!!



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11-10-2003, 11:00 AM	#17
Moloko Hoarding Rusty Objects Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Slatington, PA Posts: 267	What has to be changed to put a v8 in? V8's are very hard to come by around these parts, every small block chev has been already pirated from local yards, usually about 10 minutes after they arrive. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 1994 GMC Yukon Follow me on Youtube! - http://www.youtube.com/user/FuelInjectionSucks

11-10-2003, 07:12 PM	#18
r0lf- Hotwheels? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pleasant Hill, CA Posts: 1,145	Nothing really needs to be changed. You need different motor mounts. __________________ 1978 Money Pit - CUSTOM DELUXE!!!!

11-10-2003, 08:08 PM	#19
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	i agree 4wd would be better, but i am in the boat where i cant afford another truck, but i have a 2wd, and properly equiped they can be good offroad.. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

11-15-2003, 10:21 PM	#20
Moloko Hoarding Rusty Objects Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Slatington, PA Posts: 267	Well the lift kit is /half/ on. We got the bed lifted. Tomarow we do the cab. Any potential snags we may encounter other than the shifter linkage? __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 1994 GMC Yukon Follow me on Youtube! - http://www.youtube.com/user/FuelInjectionSucks

11-16-2003, 12:33 AM	#21
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	steering column may cause a problem, may not. may check things under the hood as far as hoses and wires and such, so you dont pull anything loose. the brake lines from the master cylinder may need some slack also.... __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

11-17-2003, 04:58 PM	#22
Moloko Hoarding Rusty Objects Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Slatington, PA Posts: 267	Well we got the whole lift kit on. Nothing interfered, but most of the cab threads were stripped. Right now the truck is only held together by 4 cab mounts, so he's taking it easy until he can take it to a shop to finish the job. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 1994 GMC Yukon Follow me on Youtube! - http://www.youtube.com/user/FuelInjectionSucks

11-17-2003, 09:29 PM	#23
Jim Molloy Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Albany,OR Posts: 49	Check out a Holley/Weber 2 barrel carb. They are a progressive 2 barrel . Almost the same size as that carb your using now. Check ebay and Inliners International web site. You'll have to make some kind of adapter. The bolt pattern and size is different from the stock carb. I just picked up one of these carbs for $10. Check local VW people.This is a popular swap for dune buggy/baja bugs. Before you think I'm crazy ,I had one of these carbs on a '69 Chevy pickup. 250 six with a stock 1 barrel carb.Adapters from "Langhorn (sp) Chevy Parts". No adapter for the 2 barrel on the '79. The carb ran good on my 69 ,plenty of power ,mileage about the same as the stock carb,bad. NAPA and some others show a replacement carb for about $370. I'm going to try to put one on my truck,the needle valve stuck on mine over the weekend.Luckily beating on it with a 2 X 4 made it work ok.....LOL. __________________ 1979 Chevy Stepside 250-6,auto. 1981 Suzuki 850 70's Chopper,Springer,hardtail,750 Suzuki engine '84 Stang-wife's

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