1987 gmc c1500

[Jeffp1979]

Hey guys been lurking on this site for a while, lots of good information and some great trucks. I picked up a 1987 GMC a few months ago, all stock except for some 30x9.50 15 tires on white wheels it is a long bed tan base truck I think although it did at one time have belt line molding. A/c is cold heat is hot 4.3 with a TH 400. I will post some pics when I get it to the house going to be a simple refresh looking for some rally's maybe, or just repaint wheels and polish caps, also thinking of a two tone. Only major problem to deal with right now is 2.73 rear end too high for me looking to go to a 3.42 or lower to pull my tractor and stock trailer still have to put gooseneck in. If I had a 3/4 ton rear could I put 3/4 ton front on like the old Dana 44 I know mine is 2wd but can I just replace with 3/4 spindles? Also anybody have some good factory two tone ideas just thinking out loud.
Thanks

[Rubble]

The 4.3 would not be my first choice for a trailer pulling truck.You don't give a weight for the tractor & trailer,but I'm guessing 8000lbs or more for both.For what you want the truck to do,I would look toward a 1 ton,you get a bit heavier truck & bigger brakes as well.You don't want to get into the situation of the tail wagging the dog! Just my .02

[Zane M]

For what you want this truck to do, I would also suggest you move on and get a 1 ton(or at least a 3/4 ton). If nothing else, you will be severely disappointed in the 4.3 trying to haul the loads you suggest.
Yes, you can upgrade it all to heavier duty components, but once you have put that much time and money into it, will it be worth it? Only you can decide that.

[Jeffp1979]

Thanks for replying so quickly truth be told I would rather have a square 1 ton dually 4x4 with a flatbed, but funds do not allow. As fa as the 4.3 I agree it is not for pulling I am looking for a nice little small block to build would like to keep it tbi if it's fairly simple if not I could go to carb but I like the idea of the tbi I have a 89 swb 5 spd 4x4 that I redid about two yrs ago that I sold my brother it had a 4.3 but the motor blew I was thinking of putting my 4.3 in there.