Newer trucks vs. Older trucks

[doubleb's69]

Some of us don't have the money or just don't want to buy new trucks so we have to rely upon what we have. I believe my 95 Silverado was the only 4 wheel drive Chevy to leave the factory without a tow package. I usually borrow my dads truck to pull but we are talking about buying my parents old camper when they get a new one next year and I will need a truck to pull it. My wife and i discussed a 71/72 3/4 ton to do the job and I think it would be just fine and we wouldn't have the big truck payment. The camper is only 20-25 feet long. We are almost debt free and don't want to go and get a new payment, plus we like the old trucks.

[Legolas894]

It's a sad state of affairs really. My '98 Suburban is basically not worth fixing right now. Intake manifold is leaking due to shoddy gasket. Transmission is slipping in and out of O/D. Electrical gremlins create no-start condition every once and awhile. Rear end had a broken part that rendered it almost unfixable (mechanic beat-it-to-fix so I wouldn't have to pay $600 for new parts). I've replaced the interior door handles that just snapped off one day. Numerous broken plastic pieces. A/C non functional due to leaks everywhere. I have to say it's because of all the add-on stuff that this '98 is almost going to be scrapped.

Then, my '67 is on the road and just wants a little attention now and then to keep it going. Original starter (made at Mackinnon Industries in St. Catharines, ON) just replaced last year. Same with alternator. I think the water pump is also original. Most of the interior parts are still fine (radio is still kicking too). What can you say?

[brianthelion02]

My old 69 at work! I also use the tekonsha prodigy brake control! Truck has a 700 r4 trans with the later model t-case!

[yuccales]

brianthelion02, great pic! You don't see that on the road every day.

[brianthelion02]

Thank you! This truck also has 72 front disc brakes and the rear brakes are upgraded to 72's as well! Truck stops and goes well! May not have ABS but i dont tailgate and always drive defensively!

Originally Posted by yuccales

brianthelion02, great pic! You don't see that on the road every day.

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by brianthelion02

Thank you! This truck also has 72 front disc brakes and the rear brakes are upgraded to 72's as well! Truck stops and goes well! May not have ABS but i dont tailgate and always drive defensively!

Whats under the hood and what do you see for mileage?

[brianthelion02]

Stock 350,quadrajet,headers,4;10 gears and gets 8 mpg loaded,12 to 15 not loaded!

[67chevemall]

Old bare bones steel truck all the way. Computers, gadgets, and plastic belong on a desk...

[special-K]

I dropped out of this apples to oranges discussion,but will say this...You can upgrade an old truck to be whatever you want (and probably still have less in it that a newer truck),where you will have great difficulty altering anything on a newer truck. For instance,you want O/D in your older truck?,no biggy. Your trans goes out in your newer truck and you need to replace with the exact same unit. My '85 Jimmy is 27 years old and,other than the body style,is essentially the same mechanical design as a '72...front disc brakes,leaf springs all 4 corners,etc. It has a 6.2 diesel/700r4/4.10s/35" tall tires and gets 22 mpg. I can get the same from my '72 with some simple economical swapping. I'm not so sold on rear disc brakes,but they are an ez upgrade. I mean,it's the front brakes that do most of the stopping anyway. Big rigs still run drum brakes for some reason,too. I think people just get soft the more conveniences you throw at them. I'm no macho man,but I do pride myself of staying simple and not be an addict for convenience. It has kept me healthy,able,and most of all not afraid of putting out a little effort.

I've never had this problem in a 67-72 :

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=420869

Sorry,just saw that and had to link it as one of a multitude of issues you'll never have with a good ole blood simple truck. And that's the trade off. Better for some,but not for me.

[manimal]

Besides the fore mentioned, after a couple of years after buying a NEW truck, all you have is an OLD truck!...but with more crap to fix!