Rebuilding 72 for towing work - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Beyond · 01-02-2004, 01:43 PM

I'd like to fix up my 72 and make it a tow monster for hauling my race car. Since the car's a 71 I think it would be pretty neat them both being from the same era. Anyways, what would you guys recommend for doing this. It's a 3 speed on the tree, 350 that needs rebuilt.

Should I stick a big block in it with say a TH400? Or are some of these newer automatics any good for towing?

How about the coil springs? Mines got those little helper leafs on the back but not really the best setup I don't think for towing. Should I pull those out and use air bags?

Just looking for some ideas, gonna put the ol' girl back to work.

**'70_402** · 01-02-2004, 01:52 PM

you can never go wrong with a big block maybe a 402 and a turbo 400!!!! if you going to tow heavy loads then go with the bags out back! no matter how much you upgrade your coils they will never be enough

veltex · 01-02-2004, 02:21 PM

I tow daily with my 68 c20, bb and t400, giant rear coils and little overload doo dads, frame hitch, works great even in weather, however I am only towing 3500lbs closed utility w/tools. Your car and trailer and tools probably ways alot more. Sway bar in front made huge difference, night and day. Now gas mpg, I dont even want to talk about it. good luck

Beyond · 01-02-2004, 04:56 PM

Car weights 3280, trailer I'm guessing is around 1500 (steel deck, open center 18') so we're talking about 5,000 lbs weight behind the truck + generator, tools, etc. in the back of the truck. It'll be loaded down pretty good.

I can pull it pretty good behind my 95 350 GMC but it's lacking some on hills (not enough motor). I know the 95 ex cab is probably quite a bit heavier than my 72 C10 - do you reckon the 72 with bags in the back would handle that much load?

*1972C10* · 01-04-2004, 03:49 AM

big blocks are nice for towing Maybe consider a 4L80E trans its basically a 400 with overdrive they sell kits to put them in non conmputer control aps now.. Those shocks with the coil springs on them help out alot my 72 used ta have the heavy duty rear coils ..Wich i have if you need them, and the helper shocks I hauled scrap with it all the time it did good for a half ton most i ever hauled in on a trailer was 8k

01-02-2004, 01:43 PM	#1
Beyond Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: La Harpe, KS Posts: 68	Rebuilding 72 for towing work I'd like to fix up my 72 and make it a tow monster for hauling my race car. Since the car's a 71 I think it would be pretty neat them both being from the same era. Anyways, what would you guys recommend for doing this. It's a 3 speed on the tree, 350 that needs rebuilt. Should I stick a big block in it with say a TH400? Or are some of these newer automatics any good for towing? How about the coil springs? Mines got those little helper leafs on the back but not really the best setup I don't think for towing. Should I pull those out and use air bags? Just looking for some ideas, gonna put the ol' girl back to work.

01-02-2004, 01:52 PM	#2
'70_402 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Pampa, Texas Posts: 1,554	you can never go wrong with a big block maybe a 402 and a turbo 400!!!! if you going to tow heavy loads then go with the bags out back! no matter how much you upgrade your coils they will never be enough

01-02-2004, 02:21 PM	#3
veltex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 257	I tow daily with my 68 c20, bb and t400, giant rear coils and little overload doo dads, frame hitch, works great even in weather, however I am only towing 3500lbs closed utility w/tools. Your car and trailer and tools probably ways alot more. Sway bar in front made huge difference, night and day. Now gas mpg, I dont even want to talk about it. good luck

01-02-2004, 04:56 PM	#4
Beyond Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: La Harpe, KS Posts: 68	Car weights 3280, trailer I'm guessing is around 1500 (steel deck, open center 18') so we're talking about 5,000 lbs weight behind the truck + generator, tools, etc. in the back of the truck. It'll be loaded down pretty good. I can pull it pretty good behind my 95 350 GMC but it's lacking some on hills (not enough motor). I know the 95 ex cab is probably quite a bit heavier than my 72 C10 - do you reckon the 72 with bags in the back would handle that much load?

01-04-2004, 03:49 AM	#5
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	big blocks are nice for towing Maybe consider a 4L80E trans its basically a 400 with overdrive they sell kits to put them in non conmputer control aps now.. Those shocks with the coil springs on them help out alot my 72 used ta have the heavy duty rear coils ..Wich i have if you need them, and the helper shocks I hauled scrap with it all the time it did good for a half ton most i ever hauled in on a trailer was 8k



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