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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: the netherlands europe
Posts: 4,335
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
darnit another half days work replacing a radiator shot to h@ll
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i got a job again and having fun at it too idea's for the trucks and the order of things to do are taking shape and get closer to being realized , a few more months and i be able to start building for real i complete 2 of the trucks intoo running fashion one custom and one basicly stock the thirth will be sacrificed for parts |
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#2 |
6>8 Plugless........
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,140
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
That sucks to hear on the radiator! I've used a few ebay aluminum radiators with good luck. Champion were the brand of 2 of them. Your mileage is pretty good. I could show you a pic of the last camper jack situation I was in. I'm so glad that POS is out of my life.
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Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project Tired of spark plugs? Check this out. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Northern, MT
Posts: 569
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Nice looking rig/set up you got going there.
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1987 GMC R2500 SC 454 T400 1988 Chevy R30 CC DRW 12 valve Cummins NV4500 GearVendors |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: El Lago, TX
Posts: 1,668
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
I feel your pain trying to find a good original style radiator. I went to O’Reilly’s a few years ago and they brought out one of those cheap looking plastic and aluminum ones, and I thought that can’t be for my truck! Actually, I ended up getting one and it has been flawless. The truck runs cooler that it did with old radiator.
I love the camper! ![]() |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Central MN
Posts: 287
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Looking good!
Road salt is sure hard on vehicles. I’ve got 45,000 miles on my parts house radiator with plastic tanks and no issues (“knock on wood”). Also seems to cool just fine in summer heat even when towing. I’ve got a 190 degree thermostat in my 400 and haven’t seen it go past 205 degrees on the gage when pulling on a 80+ degree day. Do you notice any “clocking” of the steering wheel when loaded with the camper or trailer?
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-400/400 1979 K25 350/SM465/205/44HD/14FF 1985 K20 400/400/208/10/14 1987 V10 TBI350/700R4/208/10/10 '85 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=643968 |
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#6 |
I know the pieces fit
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MONTGOMERY, AL
Posts: 5,523
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
All the crappy radiators being sold, seems like opportunity for someone to make one better. Hope it doesn’t spoil your trip.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
It’s been forever and a day since I updated. The radiator kept on dripping. Napa kindly offered to order me another one and take mine back, but would be without any radiator for 4-6 weeks while they ordered it from.... overseas. I told them to... I can’t really say. Took the new radiator over to the radiator shop and for the first time since I swapped the L29 in TWO YEARS AGO, it doesn’t leak. Our summer is too short to miss out on two months waiting for parts.
I’m going to try to embed a couple videos so folks can hear it run and work. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/prm7N5GlJJw" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Fail. Here are the links.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=prm7N5GlJJw https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm48rMuSCFA
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Yes when I built the motor, the machine shop did some work to the heads. Valve job, rotator eliminators and believe they machined the valve guide down to allow for more lift and different seals (if I’m using the correct terminology).
In other news, the truck is back in the transmission shop. It started walking through the torque converter lockup and making heat while I was hauling gravel to my brother in law’s place last month. Took it back and it needs another rebuild. Grrrrrrrrrr.
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: San Carlos, Ca.
Posts: 3,048
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Quote:
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
I was thinking the same thing about a stick! If it takes another crap, I’m done with the slush box. My wife actually doesn’t mind driving the camper, which is a huge plus for the auto.
You are correct that it is always heavy and the throttle is always down. Between that and disabling the active torque management, this one didn’t survive. I was told during the last rebuild that it got a billet converter, heavier clutches, and revised valve body but now they are saying maybe that wasn’t the case... I’m curious to see what the bill is.
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: San Carlos, Ca.
Posts: 3,048
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Quote:
Maybe time to start an Allison swap thread? If anyone could do it, it'd be you!
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Small town Illinois
Posts: 29
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Are you putting the hd shift kit in the truck? Guys are saying using that kit their 4l80s are holding almost 1000 hp with turbo ls.
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79 Corvette- 406/7004r Holley EFI 87 V10- 5.7L, Vortec heads, E110026, 410s 35s, 700r4 |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Yeah it’s supposedly getting the HD shift kit (revised valve body) extra clutches and billet converter for a big block. Same as last time but actually putting the parts in this time!
I’ve thought about an Allison, but between the physical size and complexity of tuning I just can’t get excited about that project. This 4L80E just needs to work. 1000 hp for a few seconds is different than big input torque and low RPM for minutes at a time while pulling a grade with a load. I agree it should last longer than 15 months though!
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: El Lago, TX
Posts: 1,668
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
I hate to hear that about your transmission. I had the same thing happen with a 700r4 and it made me sick. It was freshly rebuilt and supposed to be built strong, but it only lasted a few months. On the bright side, I swapped in a TH400 out of a CUCV 1 ton military truck and it’s been running strong for about 6 years now. I didn’t even have the 400 rebuilt. The fluid looked good and the truck appeared to have low miles, so I just said a little prayer and swapped it in my truck. Lol I miss the overdrive a little, but have much more confidence in it now. Especially when I’m pulling a trailer.
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
I’m glad that used TH400 just keeps on trucking! I’d be in a bad way with no OD and 4.56 gears.
So good news today in the fact the truck came home. Bad news is all the repairs cost more than I originally paid for the truck! Another rebuild on the transmission, new billet torque converter, full rebuild on the NP205, replaced carrier bearing and dropped it 2” to improve driveline angle. Man she is tight now. The shop did right by warrantying all the parts they could, and giving me a written unlimited mileage 2 year warranty. It still wasn’t cheap. If it blows up again I’m letting my wife take it in. The shop can explain it to her because I’m not going to!!
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: El Lago, TX
Posts: 1,668
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Quote:
Yeah, my truck has 3.42 gear ratio and it still revs up pretty good on the freeway with the 3 speed. I can cruise along about 70 okay, but much faster than that makes me uncomfortable. I guess you have to remember the speed limit was 55 when theses trucks were new! |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Thanks Greenlee, I think it’s pretty cool too. Hauled one of the lighter loads she’s had on Saturday. Maybe 30 lbs of Christmas tree. I continue to be impressed with how much tighter the drivetrain is now with the rebuild on the 205. My speedo works again too! Checking stuff off left and right.
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 1,830
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
It was bound to happen and it finally did. Winter arrived. I got back into town last night to -40 at the house. All our cars were outside so I plugged in the Yukon and my wife’s RAV4. They both sat all night with the juice on. Just to be safe since this is the first real cold snap in a couple years, I took the IR thermometer out this morning. Mamas Rav was about zero on the motor. Pans were close to 15. Pans on the Yukon were good. Motor was -40. WTF.
All the new GM block heaters have a thermostat on the cord. They won’t send juice to the heater until the outside temp is 0F or colder. Apparently the thing will set a code if the delta between the coolant temp and outside air temp is too much during a cold start. Mine doesn’t work. Gotta love technology. The 3500 got plugged in for 4 hours. It has a 1500 watt circulating heater, oil pan, trans pan, and battery trickle chargers. Noon today the top of the intake was 105 degrees. No codes here.
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-Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Vegas
Posts: 617
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Dang bro, I'm having a hard time dealing with 40deg down here! Crazy you gotta plug your cars in, guess I'm spoiled down in Vegas.
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#21 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: San Carlos, Ca.
Posts: 3,048
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Quote:
I don't think I could sleep knowing that there was a fire burning underneath my rig ![]()
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Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 ![]() 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29 |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Smethport, PA
Posts: 1,213
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Ha... It's only 80 degrees colder up there. Kinda crazy to think about that.
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85 K30 crew cab dually - Project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=694939 87 Wrangler Rock Crawler - Reason for the project http://www.wranglerforum.com/f330/da...ld-122601.html 04 1500 crew cab http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=786514 |
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#23 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Vegas
Posts: 617
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: El Lago, TX
Posts: 1,668
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So I guess the old 1 ton was the only one that would start in those conditions. That’s awesome!
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Buhl, Idaho
Posts: 1,438
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Re: 1991 V3500 Project Heavy Hauler
Marcus, how is the new trans doing? I just dropped mine off today for a new converter and flexplate.
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86 c30 crew cab dually 454/400 4/6 drop SOLD 1-8-11 1981 chevy K10 short Bed Scottsdale SOLD 10-26-2020 67 GMC Stepside Straight six/3 on the tree "The Peach" 2020 Silverado Double Cab LT Z71 5.3 8 speed Daily Driver K10 build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=671934 The Peach build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=733903 ![]() |
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