From a junky a$$ f@#d to a Chevy...good or bad?

[railcruiser]

Well I was a junky a$$ f@#d man up until I was offered this truck for such a good deal or so I thought. I purchased a 1986 3/4 ton long box with a 4 on the floor and a 292 straight shooter. Its pretty much a plain jane but boy does it have towing power, to bad it tops out so low. I have to look for a 5 speed tranny to bolt up to this thing, anyone have experience or know if there is an easy swap out there for this gas hog? I bought a carb kit and I have to tune it and set the timing etc. to see if that will help but when you have to shift to 4th gear at 70 Kmh its time for a change, I think this was used for a camper before I got it. I was going to use it for a commuter in the winter to and from work but it drinks more than do so I may have to look for something else.Maybe another junky a$$ f@#d? Later all, oh, very nice website, night all, signing off from the great white north.

[19_Chevelle_69]

Welcome from Ontario, Canada.

[tabdoo16]

Ive got a 86 C20 and I know what you mean !! Its geared to low mines got a 410 gear and when Im driving on the freeway at 70mph the RPM is at 4100 !! I talked to a few shops in town and they all said to change the gaer to a 373 or a 342 and this would help with getting the RPM down and get a little better gas mileage, I tow a 25' fifth wheel camper "8000lbs" and the 410 does have towing power so I think Im going to go with a gear vendor, it can handle ALL the horse power & Towing check it out online gearvendor.com
Todd

[Pontiac1976]

Welcome from Ontario, Canada.

[Highpsi]

Welcome to the site. I don't know anybody that's really got any experience with a 5 speed swap on a truck like ours. Keep in mind that I don't know of many other trannies out there that can hold a candle to the bulletproof Muncie tranny in yours. If you swap in a 5 speed you will likely give up some durability unless you have a modded 5 speed.

[Bent]

Welcome to the site guys!!!