Advice on 77 Scottsdale

[MNiceGuy]

I've been using this message forum for a little while now but this is the first time I've decided to post something up. I don't have the knowledge or mechanical skills that most of you have but I've been having a lot of fun lately fixing up a '93 C2500.

I also own my dad's old '77 Scottsdale 1/2-ton 2WD. I am a little ashamed to admit it's been sitting in a shed for at least 5 years with little to no interaction from me. I feel it's time to...well...you-know-what or get off the pot when it comes to this thing. First off I'll share some pics:





The interior is completely original. The exterior has had a lot of the sheet metal replaced (i.e. no bondo) during a restoration over 10 years ago.

The engine is a 305 with a 2-barrel. There's about 180K on the clock but absolutely no oil burns or leaks. Pretty amazing really. This is mated to a 3-spd manual column-shift transmission.

The thing I can't get around is what to do about the transmission. This is where hopefully someone here can give me a little wisdom. The transmission was never meant for today's speed limits. At 70-75 mph I am running fairly high RPM and getting the gas mileage of a small aircraft carrier. At first I was looking into changing to an automatic but lately I've been wondering about a 5-spd out of a 88-era truck.

Can someone tell me what would be involved with swapping the transmission? Would it be easier to go automatic or manual? What are some options I should be looking at?

[Palf70Step]

It would probably be easier to convert it to an OD automatic like a 700R4. I would also check the rear end gears as they may be a bit on the low side (like 3:73) Truck is beautiful and welcome to the board. I moved this over to your the squarebody era where you might get some more responses. You could prbably find all the stuff you need in a junkyard or a parts truck to swap yours from the 3 on a tree to a stock looking automatic truck.

The 5 speed would require you switching to a hydraulic clutch set up and an electronic speedometer. It can be done, but I think going to the automatic would be easier.

If you wanted to keep it close to original you could also install an aftermarket overdrive unit (like gear vendors) to reduce the RPMs (probably most expensive option).

[77BBGMC]

Welcome, that is a nice looking pickup, the interior looks like new! Three speed on the column is kinda cool. I've owned several square bodies over the years and one consistent feature; they all burn a lot of gas. I would agree with Bill, check the gear ratio (i'm sure there are guys on here who will know what a good gear ratio would be for a 305 with a three speed) or upgrade to an automatic overdrive.

[motornut]

thats thing looks great
i'd wonder what are the rear gears too
mines 3.40 rear

[Wrecked1982]

can you imagine a 5 speeds but still on the column-shift!!!it would be weird

[Stew_Magoo]

That truck is sex on wheels. I wouldn't change a thing. The coolness of having a three-on-the-tree is well worth the cost of some fuel!

[walkerb]

Originally Posted by Stew_Magoo

That truck is sex on wheels. I wouldn't change a thing. The coolness of having a three-on-the-tree is well worth the cost of some fuel!

I agree. I wouldnt change a thing. Keeping it all orginal for history sake is what I say. Nice truck!

[Corts60]

If you're not planning on hauling, then I vote keep the 3 speed and change the rear end to about 3:23's or something like that.

[78 Big10 454]

Love the look and feel of "old school" trucks. I agree with Stew Magoo, walkerb and Corts60 - other than a rear end gear change, leave the truck as is.

[1977K10]

Yes that is a beautiful truck

[HotRodScottsdale]

That is simply amazing that truck is mint!
Posted via Mobile Device

[truckfan]

Don't change a thing, for me

[kalbert]

Whatever you do keep the 3 on the tree. You'll regret it if you change it! Personally I think it is exactly right just the way it is. Instead of trying to burn 75 mph in it and make good time, how about you cruise at 45-60 and have a good time? If you really want to change, find out what rear gear you're dealing with. Chances are they are pretty deep and you can go with something a little taller to get you a better cruising RPM.

[MNiceGuy]

Thanks for all the positive feedback guys! It really is a great-looking truck but then I may be a little biased.

My dad feels the same way about the 3-spd as many of you do: keep it in because it's cool. I have no idea what rear-end it has but I can certainly find out. Any other recommendations on what ratio would work best for this setup?

[DetroitIron]

Originally Posted by walkerb

i agree. I wouldnt change a thing. Keeping it all orginal for history sake is what i say. Nice truck!

x3