Which front end to go with 73-80 vs 81-87

[streetmaster42]

My 76 GMC Sierra shortbed fleet, over the the past 8yrs, turned into an 86 cab. 79 bed, and some rough 73-80 fenders and hood. I want to replace the front clip, but cant decide which front end i like more, (73-80) or (81-87). Please advise with a good

[Srubydo1986]

well with 86 cab it a bit odd for it to have any older hoods casue of the way it mounts up but i like the dual lights heres mine.

[Pyrotechnic]

With the later cab you are pretty much free to do whatever you want since the cab will accept 73-80 or 81-87 hood hinges.

It's all personal preference, you just gotta decide which one you like best.

[streetmaster42]

Well i've got most of the parts left over from when i tore my truck down which is from a 76 GMC, that bolted right up to the 86 cab. Its just that the drivers side front fender got some dents in it now, from when the wind blew it over, and landed down on top of the frame . Plus im lead to believe that the 81-87 style front clip will weigh 300 lbs less, because of the slope of the in the front. I guess i thought it would be kinda funny to have a truck titled as a 76, and look like an 86.

[Pyrotechnic]

300lb ? Me and 2 other people lifted the whole front clip minus hood off my 77 and it didn't feel that heavy. I suppose you will save some weight since the 80's front end is technically less metal. 300lb seems hard for me to believe though. I can't imagine it being much.

[bigblock73]

I would put a 73-78 front end on it, to me, that is the best looking front end out of all the 73-87 (88-91) front ends.

But it is ultimately your decision.

And no, a 81-87 front end does not weigh 300 pounds less than a 73-80...maybe 50 pounds...maybe.

[boatpuller]

simple........79...........

[75silverstep]

Seeing that your a 40 plus in age person like myself go with the 73-80 front clip 75 is my choice haha...

[streetmaster42]

I get your drift there (75silverstep)

[N2TRUX]

I think these rock..