85 vs 86 same/different? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GM72K10 · 02-04-2006, 11:43 PM

Just picked up an 86 parts truck from an impound yard with a near perfect bed for my 85 K20. Turns out the 86 truck runs (got it with no keys or title) pretty good too, 350, 4 speed, 2 wheel drive, ps,pb. Has a very good factory dual exhaust. Also turns out the truck is a C30 not a C20 as they thought. First off, in this era truck, are exhaust manifolds the same for 2wd vs 4wd? Second, is 86 the last year for a carbed engine? All sheetmetal, grills, etc. look the same. Any drivetrain differences, other than the fact that one is 2wd and one is 4wd? both trucks are 350s. The real shame is this 86 cab is in way better shape than the 85. Too bad the serial #s are on the cowl under the w/s in stead of the post pillar like the 72 and earlier.
Thanks guys.

MylilBowTie · 02-05-2006, 02:05 AM

86 has a one piece rear main seal. Thats about all I now year difference. TBI was an 87 + deal.

piecesparts · 02-05-2006, 01:34 PM

Why is the serial number under the glass bad? The glass is in a rubber mounting gasket and it can be moved-----but the number on top of the main frame under the driver's seat is also the same as what is under the glass.----Just know what you have to deal with. Many body shops have had to make one good truck out of two, so do it legally and enjoy.

GM72K10 · 02-05-2006, 06:21 PM

Here's pics. Got the bumper and bed off this afternoon. Crummy paint job but still rust free. Great rust free front clip. 4 new tires. Lots of parts to fix up my 85 K20

MylilBowTie · 02-06-2006, 04:25 AM

That last picture is almost what mine looks like. If it wasnt rattle can primered all over to hide rust here and there. Dont let anyone see those black seat belts, I think there black maybe dark charcoal.

It looks pretty good though. What size tires are on it?

GM72K10 · 02-06-2006, 07:11 AM

LT235R16 Load range E

MylilBowTie · 02-06-2006, 08:22 AM

look pretty tall what is the sidewall size?

Supertrucker · 03-07-2006, 12:32 AM

Hey I just happen to have an '86 K20. '85 to '86 pickups were essentially unchanged. Almost everything is the same other than some minor updates. '87 was the first year for EFI.

Slonaker · 03-07-2006, 10:37 AM

On the C10s, the engine has the newer style 1 piece rear seal. I assume the C30 would as well.

The oil pan gasket on my '86 305 was a dealer only item. There was just 1 available in town, and it was $75. It had the bulge for the dipstick on both sides, and the Fel-Pro listed in the book only had the bulge on one side. It leaked a quart of oil in about 5 miles until I bought the $75 pan gasket.

Slonaker

02-04-2006, 11:43 PM	#1
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,479	85 vs 86 same/different? Just picked up an 86 parts truck from an impound yard with a near perfect bed for my 85 K20. Turns out the 86 truck runs (got it with no keys or title) pretty good too, 350, 4 speed, 2 wheel drive, ps,pb. Has a very good factory dual exhaust. Also turns out the truck is a C30 not a C20 as they thought. First off, in this era truck, are exhaust manifolds the same for 2wd vs 4wd? Second, is 86 the last year for a carbed engine? All sheetmetal, grills, etc. look the same. Any drivetrain differences, other than the fact that one is 2wd and one is 4wd? both trucks are 350s. The real shame is this 86 cab is in way better shape than the 85. Too bad the serial #s are on the cowl under the w/s in stead of the post pillar like the 72 and earlier. Thanks guys. __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

02-05-2006, 02:05 AM	#2
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Re: 85 vs 86 same/different? 86 has a one piece rear main seal. Thats about all I now year difference. TBI was an 87 + deal. __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI

02-05-2006, 01:34 PM	#3
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: 85 vs 86 same/different? Why is the serial number under the glass bad? The glass is in a rubber mounting gasket and it can be moved-----but the number on top of the main frame under the driver's seat is also the same as what is under the glass.----Just know what you have to deal with. Many body shops have had to make one good truck out of two, so do it legally and enjoy. Last edited by piecesparts; 02-05-2006 at 01:37 PM.

02-05-2006, 06:21 PM	#4
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,479	Re: 85 vs 86 same/different? Here's pics. Got the bumper and bed off this afternoon. Crummy paint job but still rust free. Great rust free front clip. 4 new tires. Lots of parts to fix up my 85 K20 Attached Images __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

02-06-2006, 04:25 AM	#5
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Re: 85 vs 86 same/different? That last picture is almost what mine looks like. If it wasnt rattle can primered all over to hide rust here and there. Dont let anyone see those black seat belts, I think there black maybe dark charcoal. It looks pretty good though. What size tires are on it? __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI

02-06-2006, 07:11 AM	#6
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,479	Re: 85 vs 86 same/different? LT235R16 Load range E __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

02-06-2006, 08:22 AM	#7
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Re: 85 vs 86 same/different? look pretty tall what is the sidewall size? __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI

03-07-2006, 12:32 AM	#8
Supertrucker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 10	Re: 85 vs 86 same/different? Hey I just happen to have an '86 K20. '85 to '86 pickups were essentially unchanged. Almost everything is the same other than some minor updates. '87 was the first year for EFI. __________________ 1986 Chevy K20 350/350 Combo...makin room for a 6.5TD "The Heavy Chevy" Pictures at: http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2108701017 1995 Impala SS "Fasst" 2002 Polaris XC 700

03-07-2006, 10:37 AM	#9
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: 85 vs 86 same/different? On the C10s, the engine has the newer style 1 piece rear seal. I assume the C30 would as well. The oil pan gasket on my '86 305 was a dealer only item. There was just 1 available in town, and it was $75. It had the bulge for the dipstick on both sides, and the Fel-Pro listed in the book only had the bulge on one side. It leaked a quart of oil in about 5 miles until I bought the $75 pan gasket. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado



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