What should i do to this truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dixietruck71 · 01-08-2011, 08:23 PM

Im new to this forum and was wanting to get advise on what direction to go with my build. the truck is a 71 gmc sierra grande. it was my grandfathers truck and he bought it new. gave it to me for my 14th birthday and i did alot of work to it. now im 30 years old and decided its time to start driving it again, beings it was my highschool ride, it sat for the last 6 years. any how shes all stock for the most part. 350 4 speed 2 wheel stock suspension. all i know is that i want to put all the upper and lower trim back on and lower it but i cant decide how much. mabe a 4-6. any ideas would be great.

rogergodding · 01-08-2011, 08:27 PM

Welcome!! Does it have coils or leaf springs in the back?

dixietruck71 · 01-08-2011, 08:29 PM

it has leaf rear suspension. i was thinking of putting the axle on top of the springs for a cheep rear drop till i have the extra funds to go with a bag system in the rear.

I also have a set of the old style slot mag wheels for it

68lwb292 · 01-08-2011, 08:32 PM

Clean it up, tune it up, 4/6 drop, maybe some new wheels, and drive the heck out of it.

**special-K** · 01-08-2011, 08:53 PM

4" drop in front an axle flip or lowering shackles. If you have slots,that's good. I think it would look good with white smoothies and baby moons for some reason...with a white top

rogergodding · 01-08-2011, 08:56 PM

Never done the axle flip thing, some guys on here recommend it. I have Early Classic drop leafs that I am about to install, if you combine them with the shackles that EC also sells you can get about a 5.5" drop. Some guys might tell you to remove a leaf from what you already have, that is how mine currently sits and it bottoms out easily.

treveiger · 01-08-2011, 09:03 PM

Leave it as it is, put some old rallys on it and clean it up and fix the rust spots on it so it stays in good condition for a long time!

dixietruck71 · 01-08-2011, 09:06 PM

i definetly want to do the white top. mabe white center too.

I am afraid to pull a leaf from the rear because it has bad axle wrap/wheel hop as it is. pulling a leaf will just make it worse.

i do need a core support for it. all i find are listed for chevy not gmc. are they the same?

dixietruck71 · 01-08-2011, 09:07 PM

their is no rust or rot. the paint is from 2002

Spoof · 01-08-2011, 09:15 PM

Hi dixietruck71,

My truck was almost like yours, but brown and a 3/4 ton. I added the deluxe two tone paint and trim and I'm really happy with it ( still in the shop )
I always use my example as a cautionary tale, don't rip it all apart unless you're 100% ready with the time and money to put it back together as you'd like. I sounds as if you have the right idea.
Leaf springs can be de-sprung for a cheap drop, can't say if would suit you. I ended up swapping to a 1/2 ton frame with rear coils.
You will need a GMC core support since the GMC double headlights are required, you can weld the GMC headlight mounts onto a chev support. That's what I did.

71sierragrande · 01-08-2011, 09:18 PM

I would say put the slots on, leave the trim off cuz it hides the beautiful lines of this body style. Oh yeah, spoof is right, I forgot about the headlights.

PanelDeland · 01-08-2011, 10:15 PM

You might also look at a 5 speed OD conversion to get a bit better fuel milage and hiway manners.

dixietruck71 · 01-08-2011, 11:12 PM

i have just started to research the 5 speed conversions but am not getting verry far. i was thinking a nv4500 but was told that a 5 speed from a 2002ish chevy is a better one to go with but i cant figure out what model that is. origionally i was going to go with the borg warner wc t5 but after braking a few with a inline 6 i decided that i dont want to waste my time.

dixietruck71 · 01-08-2011, 11:17 PM

right now my tires are 255/70/15. i want to go to a 60 series tire my slot mags are 15x7s how wide can i go.

VA72C10 · 01-09-2011, 12:08 AM

4/6 and trim sounds great!

Jacfourteen · 01-09-2011, 03:09 AM

I think 4/6 or 5/7 drop would look good. I thought mine was axle wrapping too, then I just checked the carrier bearing and its loose so I'm gonna fix that and see if it helps out any, you might want to look at yours (mine is a 3/4 ton with leaves, it had 10 leaves originally but I took out 4 to get some drop). If you want to drop it with leaves you should to the flip, its cheap and will retain the ride you have now. I'm in the process of swapping to coils, it cost me $185 for the rear, $40 for the trailing arms and springs. If you are planning on bagging it, the coil setup makes it a no-brainer.

YBNORML · 01-09-2011, 03:31 AM

Nice truck man! It all depends on what you want to use the truck for. If it was mine I would drop it 5/7 put some 18/20 inch wheels on it and drive the crap out of it.
Posted via Mobile Device

treveiger · 01-09-2011, 04:26 AM

If you wanted you could get a overdrive unit from gear vendors if you wanted a simple overdrive and keep your stock tranny. I honeslt wouldnt worry about changing to much because the more you do the longer youll be working on it rather than enjoying it. But in the end what you want it what you should do.
Posted via Mobile Device

*Kokomoooo* · 01-09-2011, 01:55 PM

Do what your heart tells you to do. I'm building my Longhorn with all of the goodies that I would want in a new truck, so thus, it is my new truck. Having lost my butt on new trucks, I now know its better to put money into a vehicle that has a value thats going up, instead of a vehicle that loses 25% just as soon as you sign on that line!!

**LockDoc** · 01-09-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixietruck71

i have just started to research the 5 speed conversions but am not getting verry far. i was thinking a nv4500 but was told that a 5 speed from a 2002ish chevy is a better one to go with but i cant figure out what model that is. origionally i was going to go with the borg warner wc t5 but after braking a few with a inline 6 i decided that i dont want to waste my time.

Here are a couple of threads on an OD swap. Lots of good info.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=438224

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t-5+trans+swap

See my post #12 in the second thread...

LockDoc

GASoline71 · 01-09-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixietruck71

i definetly want to do the white top. mabe white center too.

I am afraid to pull a leaf from the rear because it has bad axle wrap/wheel hop as it is. pulling a leaf will just make it worse.

i do need a core support for it. all i find are listed for chevy not gmc. are they the same?

I have a '72 GMC Super Custom. The original owner painted the top black instead of white. It has the original sea green body color. Looks "different". I thought I wouldn't like it at first, but it grew on me, and everybody always comments on it.

The core supports are not available for the GMC's. But you can get a 67-68 Chevy core support, remove the single headlight buckets, and tack weld the GMC dual headlight buckets onto it. I'm assuming yours is toast under the battery tray (like all of these trucks). I just did a little fab work on mine and used my stock core support. It was completely rotten under the battery tray... had to replace the inner fender too.

Gary

RCbowtie69 · 01-09-2011, 04:18 PM

nice project, U got a nice truck to start with,

dixietruck71 · 01-09-2011, 04:22 PM

thanks for all the comments and advice. i have just finally decided not to make it a short bed. Now just need to start buying parts. i also started using it as my daily driver last week. forgot how fun it was to drive. and the smell of gass when i take a hard right turn is sweet!!!

treveiger · 01-09-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixietruck71

thanks for all the comments and advice. i have just finally decided not to make it a short bed. Now just need to start buying parts. i also started using it as my daily driver last week. forgot how fun it was to drive. and the smell of gass when i take a hard right turn is sweet!!!

Glad to hear your keeping her long

. The smell of gas in the cab are what makes these truck fun to drive

i love the smell of the gas, brings back memories of when i was younger in my dads 71

swamp rat · 01-09-2011, 04:51 PM

Na! I think you should part it out, i'll take the seat! Be there in a couple hours.....

Seriously though thats a sweet truck! good luck with it. and welcome to the forum from Spanaway!

If ya do run a cross a good seat for one of these trucks shoot me a pm..

01-08-2011, 08:27 PM	#2
rogergodding Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sachse, Texas Posts: 614	Re: What should i do to this truck Welcome!! Does it have coils or leaf springs in the back?

01-08-2011, 08:29 PM	#3
dixietruck71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: ravensdale washington Posts: 111	Re: What should i do to this truck it has leaf rear suspension. i was thinking of putting the axle on top of the springs for a cheep rear drop till i have the extra funds to go with a bag system in the rear. I also have a set of the old style slot mag wheels for it Last edited by dixietruck71; 01-08-2011 at 08:37 PM.

01-08-2011, 08:32 PM	#4
68lwb292 Ex-Minitrucker Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Bushnell, FL Posts: 301	Re: What should i do to this truck Clean it up, tune it up, 4/6 drop, maybe some new wheels, and drive the heck out of it. __________________ 68 C10 LWB 292 4spd 68 C10 LWB 250 3spd

01-08-2011, 08:53 PM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: What should i do to this truck 4" drop in front an axle flip or lowering shackles. If you have slots,that's good. I think it would look good with white smoothies and baby moons for some reason...with a white top __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-08-2011, 08:56 PM	#6
rogergodding Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sachse, Texas Posts: 614	Re: What should i do to this truck Never done the axle flip thing, some guys on here recommend it. I have Early Classic drop leafs that I am about to install, if you combine them with the shackles that EC also sells you can get about a 5.5" drop. Some guys might tell you to remove a leaf from what you already have, that is how mine currently sits and it bottoms out easily.

01-08-2011, 08:23 PM	#1
dixietruck71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: ravensdale washington Posts: 111	What should i do to this truck Im new to this forum and was wanting to get advise on what direction to go with my build. the truck is a 71 gmc sierra grande. it was my grandfathers truck and he bought it new. gave it to me for my 14th birthday and i did alot of work to it. now im 30 years old and decided its time to start driving it again, beings it was my highschool ride, it sat for the last 6 years. any how shes all stock for the most part. 350 4 speed 2 wheel stock suspension. all i know is that i want to put all the upper and lower trim back on and lower it but i cant decide how much. mabe a 4-6. any ideas would be great. Attached Images

01-08-2011, 09:03 PM	#7
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: What should i do to this truck Leave it as it is, put some old rallys on it and clean it up and fix the rust spots on it so it stays in good condition for a long time! __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

01-08-2011, 09:06 PM	#8
dixietruck71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: ravensdale washington Posts: 111	Re: What should i do to this truck i definetly want to do the white top. mabe white center too. I am afraid to pull a leaf from the rear because it has bad axle wrap/wheel hop as it is. pulling a leaf will just make it worse. i do need a core support for it. all i find are listed for chevy not gmc. are they the same?

01-08-2011, 09:07 PM	#9
dixietruck71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: ravensdale washington Posts: 111	Re: What should i do to this truck their is no rust or rot. the paint is from 2002

01-08-2011, 09:15 PM	#10
Spoof Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Victoria,BC, Canada Posts: 1,300	Re: What should i do to this truck Hi dixietruck71, My truck was almost like yours, but brown and a 3/4 ton. I added the deluxe two tone paint and trim and I'm really happy with it ( still in the shop ) I always use my example as a cautionary tale, don't rip it all apart unless you're 100% ready with the time and money to put it back together as you'd like. I sounds as if you have the right idea. Leaf springs can be de-sprung for a cheap drop, can't say if would suit you. I ended up swapping to a 1/2 ton frame with rear coils. You will need a GMC core support since the GMC double headlights are required, you can weld the GMC headlight mounts onto a chev support. That's what I did. __________________ 71 GMC 1500 LWB

01-08-2011, 09:18 PM	#11
71sierragrande Petroleum User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 928	Re: What should i do to this truck I would say put the slots on, leave the trim off cuz it hides the beautiful lines of this body style. Oh yeah, spoof is right, I forgot about the headlights. __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande 2WD 1/2 ton, 350/400 auto 2008 Chevy Silverado 2WD 1/2 ton LT1 5.3L auto Last edited by 71sierragrande; 01-08-2011 at 09:23 PM.

01-08-2011, 10:15 PM	#12
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: What should i do to this truck You might also look at a 5 speed OD conversion to get a bit better fuel milage and hiway manners. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-08-2011, 11:12 PM	#13
dixietruck71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: ravensdale washington Posts: 111	Re: What should i do to this truck i have just started to research the 5 speed conversions but am not getting verry far. i was thinking a nv4500 but was told that a 5 speed from a 2002ish chevy is a better one to go with but i cant figure out what model that is. origionally i was going to go with the borg warner wc t5 but after braking a few with a inline 6 i decided that i dont want to waste my time.

01-08-2011, 11:17 PM	#14
dixietruck71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: ravensdale washington Posts: 111	Re: What should i do to this truck right now my tires are 255/70/15. i want to go to a 60 series tire my slot mags are 15x7s how wide can i go.

01-09-2011, 12:08 AM	#15
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: What should i do to this truck 4/6 and trim sounds great! __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.



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01-09-2011, 03:09 AM	#16
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: What should i do to this truck I think 4/6 or 5/7 drop would look good. I thought mine was axle wrapping too, then I just checked the carrier bearing and its loose so I'm gonna fix that and see if it helps out any, you might want to look at yours (mine is a 3/4 ton with leaves, it had 10 leaves originally but I took out 4 to get some drop). If you want to drop it with leaves you should to the flip, its cheap and will retain the ride you have now. I'm in the process of swapping to coils, it cost me $185 for the rear, $40 for the trailing arms and springs. If you are planning on bagging it, the coil setup makes it a no-brainer. __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's Last edited by Jacfourteen; 01-09-2011 at 03:10 AM.

01-09-2011, 03:31 AM	#17
YBNORML Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 3,844	Re: What should i do to this truck Nice truck man! It all depends on what you want to use the truck for. If it was mine I would drop it 5/7 put some 18/20 inch wheels on it and drive the crap out of it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ --------------------------------------------------------------- Jason. 68’ GMC shortbox https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=794201 72' 2WD Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=425385 67' LongBox C-10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691845 InstaGram ybnorml67

01-09-2011, 04:26 AM	#18
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,093	Re: What should i do to this truck If you wanted you could get a overdrive unit from gear vendors if you wanted a simple overdrive and keep your stock tranny. I honeslt wouldnt worry about changing to much because the more you do the longer youll be working on it rather than enjoying it. But in the end what you want it what you should do. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)

01-09-2011, 01:55 PM	#19
Kokomoooo Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kokomo Indiana Posts: 56	Re: What should i do to this truck Do what your heart tells you to do. I'm building my Longhorn with all of the goodies that I would want in a new truck, so thus, it is my new truck. Having lost my butt on new trucks, I now know its better to put money into a vehicle that has a value thats going up, instead of a vehicle that loses 25% just as soon as you sign on that line!!

01-09-2011, 04:18 PM	#22
RCbowtie69 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Thomasville, NC Posts: 1,877	Re: What should i do to this truck nice project, U got a nice truck to start with,

01-09-2011, 04:22 PM	#23
dixietruck71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: ravensdale washington Posts: 111	Re: What should i do to this truck thanks for all the comments and advice. i have just finally decided not to make it a short bed. Now just need to start buying parts. i also started using it as my daily driver last week. forgot how fun it was to drive. and the smell of gass when i take a hard right turn is sweet!!! __________________ 71 gme Sierra Grande lwb. 68 Rambler American 2 door 75 jeep cj5

01-09-2011, 04:51 PM	#25
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: What should i do to this truck Na! I think you should part it out, i'll take the seat! Be there in a couple hours..... Seriously though thats a sweet truck! good luck with it. and welcome to the forum from Spanaway! If ya do run a cross a good seat for one of these trucks shoot me a pm.. __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

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