2wd or 4x4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

weedoublewide · 05-08-2016, 01:06 PM

Good day everyone,

I'm looking for a truck to save from the grave, and the truck I've been wanting to bring back from the dead is a 1969/1970 GMC 4x4 w/ a manual transmission.

But in the process I feel like I'm passing up so many candidates and I wondering if I need to reconsider my options on what I want to restore.

On one hand theres this idea in my head of a 4x4 standard...
I wont do much hauling with it and the only off roading it will see would be during hunting season or road trips.
but the main reason why I'm so attracted to the 4x4 style is the stance that has or will have. The slightly aggressive ill beat you down look.

One the other hand....theres the new idea with the 2wd with the manual transmission..which the only thing I have is theres not as much weight in the truck and its good for just cruising around. Which that's what till be used for majority of the time. Plus, drop a nice crate motor in it and you can have yourself some fun.

And that's where I turn to everyone here, give me some input or feedback or your opinion or even personal experience. What one is better for what reasons and such....it doesn't matter.

Thank you,

WEEDOUBLEWIDE

CG · 05-08-2016, 01:34 PM

I wish I had a favorite style. Would have saved me just shy of one zillion dollars getting one truck I liked and sticking with it. Right now I have a K20 for driving, and several what am I going to do with these trucks someday?

weedoublewide · 05-08-2016, 01:56 PM

Lol right, I feel like all the trucks are dogs at a pet shop and they all are saying save me save me...pick me pick me...its just so hard to decide what way you wanna go ya know.

**LockDoc** · 05-08-2016, 02:06 PM

-
I have had just about every style of truck and they all have a purpose. I like short fleets and short Step Sides for cruising, long beds & long Step Sides for hauling, Suburbans, Blazers, & Panel Trucks for being different, and 1 ton Duallys for getting some serious work done. 4x4's are fun to drive, haul a lot of stuff, work good off road and are easy to sell if you ever have to.. I like driving all of them, and in my case the use overlaps quite a bit from one to the other....

LockDoc

dazza · 05-08-2016, 06:09 PM

Unless you need it for an almost exclusive purpose, don't think about it, and when you see the one that you know is it, grab it. Kind of like the right girl to have in your life, a missed chance you don't want to live with. damhik.

**DeadheadNM** · 05-08-2016, 06:22 PM

That's easy: 4wd.

Bigdav160 · 05-08-2016, 06:28 PM

I don't think you could have gotten an automatic trans in a 4x4 truck, officially, until the 1971 model year.

So unless it's been converted, the truck you desire should be manual trans.

msgross · 05-08-2016, 06:41 PM

If I was doing it over again, I'd probably find a 71 or 72 K-20... disc brakes, auto tranny and NP205 transfer case... very solid trucks with easy to find parts. K-10 from that era would work as well.

tev · 05-08-2016, 07:50 PM

I like my 69 C-10 stepside shortbed, but the 72 4WD 3/4 ton is really the thing for me. I pretty much agree with all the responses on this post.

In The Ten Ring · 05-08-2016, 08:43 PM

You already know what you want (manual 4x4) so just keep looking. You'll come across one that works for you eventually.

I like the fun of manual transmissions and wish my daily driver was one.

My truck was a gift from my dad so I cannot sell her......she's a 3OTT which I like very much but I do wish she was LWB 4x4.

*If I could I'd have 5 of these trucks for different jobs but I'd also have 5 cars along with a bunker of a house, massive garage, 100 acres to hunt on, many more guns, and at least 3 women.

**LockDoc** · 05-08-2016, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

You already know what you want (manual 4x4) so just keep looking. You'll come across one that works for you eventually.

I like the fun of manual transmissions and wish my daily driver was one.

My truck was a gift from my dad so I cannot sell her......she's a 3OTT which I like very much but I do wish she was LWB 4x4.

*If I could I'd have 5 of these trucks for different jobs but I'd also have 5 cars along with a bunker of a house, massive garage, 100 acres to hunt on, many more guns, and at least 3 women.

Obviously you live in the wrong state....

LockDoc

**truckster** · 05-08-2016, 10:10 PM

Easy. Go with the 4X4. My preference is the Blazer, but I have a flatbed trailer for hauling.

In The Ten Ring · 05-08-2016, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Obviously you live in the wrong state....

LockDoc

Only the wrong state of mind!

**Ol Blue K20** · 05-09-2016, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Obviously you live in the wrong state....

LockDoc

Leon, that is hilarious, my family IS in that state and I'm the weird one....lol. As for this thread, you never go wrong with 4x4. My favorite is the K20.....surprised?...probably not...lol

El Dorado Jim · 05-09-2016, 01:51 AM

I hunt occasionally and live in the country, all my trucks are 4wd...I also prefer manual trans....be patient and find your gmc 4x4,,,I prefer K20's haul more and are tougher trucks.If I were you I would look for a '71-'72 K20, with the 4spd...they have front disc brakes and the 205 tcase,the best you can get...or if you get a 69-70, you could always change the front end to disc brake type, a dana 44 from a 73-76 K20 will bolt right in, your profile says anywhere, usa.might want to change that to what state you are actually in if you want help finding your dream truck!! welcome to the site..

canuckian · 05-09-2016, 01:15 PM

get both. That's my plan. Currently have a 72 K10 short step with a manual transmission and I will eventually have a 68 C10 SWB that'll sport a silly big engine and likely some kind of forced induction. There may also be a 3rd and 4th but I'll be into my retirement years before I get to that point.

fwayne · 05-09-2016, 01:32 PM

Don't settle for anything less than what you really want. Those of use who have had several vehicles slip past know the feeling. Keep looking and saving, the longer you look the more you're likely to find the deal you want. I've had a 71 blazer and man do I wish I had the 4x4 manual back. The pro's for a 4x4 manual are the toughness, reliability and plain fun driving factors. And man they look fantastic even if not perfect.

67ChevyRedneck · 05-09-2016, 01:40 PM

Are you looking for a GMC shortbed 4x4? You're not finding them because GM only made a couple thousand of them per year. The longbeds have a much higher production volume, but GMC's still sold 1/4-1/3 of what Chevrolet did (GMC sales records were lost in a fire so we can only speculate now a days.)

72kool · 05-09-2016, 02:22 PM

All trucks are great and have a purpose. I have a C20 and love it, but would also like it to be 4x4. I have been looking to convert it over because there is no way i can sell it.

do i need it to be 4x4? no. i have a suburban and a durango that are 4x4 but i like my vehicles to be able to do anything and everything i may need whenever.

case in point, my wife wanted a minivan to haul everybody and for trips. we got a suburban though because it can also pull a trailer while hauling alot of people (somebody breaks down on a trip? it happens) starts snowing when on a trip (nebraska,raining in the morning turns to 80 and sunny at noon and a blizzard by 6pm)

all bases are covered

unless you are worried about gas mileage horribly (wrong vehicle to start with) i dont think you will ever regret getting a 4x4. and if its a k20, all the better

57taskforce · 05-09-2016, 08:35 PM

That's an easy choice, 4x4 any and every day of the week. They stand out in a crowd of bagged dropped c/10s, not to mention they are 100 times more functional and useful.

El Dorado Jim · 05-10-2016, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

that's an easy choice, 4x4 any and every day of the week. They stand out in a crowd of bagged dropped c/10s, not to mention they are 100 times more functional and useful.

x2

weedoublewide · 05-15-2016, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canuckian

get both. That's my plan. Currently have a 72 K10 short step with a manual transmission and I will eventually have a 68 C10 SWB that'll sport a silly big engine and likely some kind of forced induction. There may also be a 3rd and 4th but I'll be into my retirement years before I get to that point.

Sorry I haven't been on....every now and then I have to make an appearance at work lol.

But I like that idea, after thinking about it that's what'll have to happen..one for crusing around town in and then one for the hunting and fishing and off roading adventures in.

And everyone else...if you do look back at this forum, thank you for your input, personal experiences, and everything else. Once I find "The One" ill make sure I post some pictures...

Also, I'm curious to see yalls before and after photos of your trucks...and maybe a story to go with it..

Thanks guys,

05-08-2016, 01:06 PM	#1
weedoublewide Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Rowlett, Tx Posts: 127	2wd or 4x4 Good day everyone, I'm looking for a truck to save from the grave, and the truck I've been wanting to bring back from the dead is a 1969/1970 GMC 4x4 w/ a manual transmission. But in the process I feel like I'm passing up so many candidates and I wondering if I need to reconsider my options on what I want to restore. On one hand theres this idea in my head of a 4x4 standard... I wont do much hauling with it and the only off roading it will see would be during hunting season or road trips. but the main reason why I'm so attracted to the 4x4 style is the stance that has or will have. The slightly aggressive ill beat you down look. One the other hand....theres the new idea with the 2wd with the manual transmission..which the only thing I have is theres not as much weight in the truck and its good for just cruising around. Which that's what till be used for majority of the time. Plus, drop a nice crate motor in it and you can have yourself some fun. And that's where I turn to everyone here, give me some input or feedback or your opinion or even personal experience. What one is better for what reasons and such....it doesn't matter. Thank you, WEEDOUBLEWIDE

05-08-2016, 01:34 PM	#2
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,826	Re: 2wd or 4x4 I wish I had a favorite style. Would have saved me just shy of one zillion dollars getting one truck I liked and sticking with it. Right now I have a K20 for driving, and several what am I going to do with these trucks someday? __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

05-08-2016, 01:56 PM	#3
weedoublewide Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Rowlett, Tx Posts: 127	Re: 2wd or 4x4 Lol right, I feel like all the trucks are dogs at a pet shop and they all are saying save me save me...pick me pick me...its just so hard to decide what way you wanna go ya know.

05-08-2016, 02:06 PM	#4
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,395	Re: 2wd or 4x4 - I have had just about every style of truck and they all have a purpose. I like short fleets and short Step Sides for cruising, long beds & long Step Sides for hauling, Suburbans, Blazers, & Panel Trucks for being different, and 1 ton Duallys for getting some serious work done. 4x4's are fun to drive, haul a lot of stuff, work good off road and are easy to sell if you ever have to.. I like driving all of them, and in my case the use overlaps quite a bit from one to the other.... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

05-08-2016, 06:09 PM	#5
dazza Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: California Posts: 971	Re: 2wd or 4x4 Unless you need it for an almost exclusive purpose, don't think about it, and when you see the one that you know is it, grab it. Kind of like the right girl to have in your life, a missed chance you don't want to live with. damhik. __________________ --------------------------------------------------------- I'm not crazy, I'm chosen, there's a difference. ---------------------------- '72 K10 SWB, 350, sm465/np205 ---- ----

05-08-2016, 06:22 PM	#6
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,351	Re: 2wd or 4x4 That's easy: 4wd. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-08-2016, 06:28 PM	#7
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: 2wd or 4x4 I don't think you could have gotten an automatic trans in a 4x4 truck, officially, until the 1971 model year. So unless it's been converted, the truck you desire should be manual trans. __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

05-08-2016, 06:41 PM	#8
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: 2wd or 4x4 If I was doing it over again, I'd probably find a 71 or 72 K-20... disc brakes, auto tranny and NP205 transfer case... very solid trucks with easy to find parts. K-10 from that era would work as well. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

05-08-2016, 07:50 PM	#9
tev Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Austin texas Posts: 25	Re: 2wd or 4x4 I like my 69 C-10 stepside shortbed, but the 72 4WD 3/4 ton is really the thing for me. I pretty much agree with all the responses on this post. __________________ 38 GMC 3/4 ton 69 C10 shortbed stepside 72 GMC 2500 4x4 99 Tacoma 4x4 TRD

05-08-2016, 08:43 PM	#10
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: 2wd or 4x4 You already know what you want (manual 4x4) so just keep looking. You'll come across one that works for you eventually. I like the fun of manual transmissions and wish my daily driver was one. My truck was a gift from my dad so I cannot sell her......she's a 3OTT which I like very much but I do wish she was LWB 4x4. *If I could I'd have 5 of these trucks for different jobs but I'd also have 5 cars along with a bunker of a house, massive garage, 100 acres to hunt on, many more guns, and at least 3 women.

05-08-2016, 10:10 PM	#12
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,875	Re: 2wd or 4x4 Easy. Go with the 4X4. My preference is the Blazer, but I have a flatbed trailer for hauling.

05-09-2016, 01:51 AM	#15
El Dorado Jim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: El Dorado Ca Posts: 3,374	Re: 2wd or 4x4 I hunt occasionally and live in the country, all my trucks are 4wd...I also prefer manual trans....be patient and find your gmc 4x4,,,I prefer K20's haul more and are tougher trucks.If I were you I would look for a '71-'72 K20, with the 4spd...they have front disc brakes and the 205 tcase,the best you can get...or if you get a 69-70, you could always change the front end to disc brake type, a dana 44 from a 73-76 K20 will bolt right in, your profile says anywhere, usa.might want to change that to what state you are actually in if you want help finding your dream truck!! welcome to the site..

05-09-2016, 01:15 PM	#16
canuckian Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NS Canada, eh! Posts: 25	Re: 2wd or 4x4 get both. That's my plan. Currently have a 72 K10 short step with a manual transmission and I will eventually have a 68 C10 SWB that'll sport a silly big engine and likely some kind of forced induction. There may also be a 3rd and 4th but I'll be into my retirement years before I get to that point.

05-09-2016, 01:32 PM	#17
fwayne Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Midlothian, TX Posts: 55	Re: 2wd or 4x4 Don't settle for anything less than what you really want. Those of use who have had several vehicles slip past know the feeling. Keep looking and saving, the longer you look the more you're likely to find the deal you want. I've had a 71 blazer and man do I wish I had the 4x4 manual back. The pro's for a 4x4 manual are the toughness, reliability and plain fun driving factors. And man they look fantastic even if not perfect. __________________ 1970 GMC Stepside Short Gone...Factory 350 V8 Now...4.8L LS

05-09-2016, 01:40 PM	#18
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: 2wd or 4x4 Are you looking for a GMC shortbed 4x4? You're not finding them because GM only made a couple thousand of them per year. The longbeds have a much higher production volume, but GMC's still sold 1/4-1/3 of what Chevrolet did (GMC sales records were lost in a fire so we can only speculate now a days.) __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!



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05-09-2016, 02:22 PM	#19
72kool Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: kearney nebraska Posts: 613	Re: 2wd or 4x4 All trucks are great and have a purpose. I have a C20 and love it, but would also like it to be 4x4. I have been looking to convert it over because there is no way i can sell it. do i need it to be 4x4? no. i have a suburban and a durango that are 4x4 but i like my vehicles to be able to do anything and everything i may need whenever. case in point, my wife wanted a minivan to haul everybody and for trips. we got a suburban though because it can also pull a trailer while hauling alot of people (somebody breaks down on a trip? it happens) starts snowing when on a trip (nebraska,raining in the morning turns to 80 and sunny at noon and a blizzard by 6pm) all bases are covered unless you are worried about gas mileage horribly (wrong vehicle to start with) i dont think you will ever regret getting a 4x4. and if its a k20, all the better __________________ 1972 GMC C20 Custom Camper 350/TH350

05-09-2016, 08:35 PM	#20
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Farmington, New Mexico Posts: 6,307	Re: 2wd or 4x4 That's an easy choice, 4x4 any and every day of the week. They stand out in a crowd of bagged dropped c/10s, not to mention they are 100 times more functional and useful. __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 315/75/16's ‘87 IROC-Z all original 50K mile survivor TPI 305 IROC Blue ‘10 Camaro 2SS/RS Aqua Blue Metallic #93 -version 2.0

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