03TACOMA

I currently own a 2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4. Its a great truck, but I have decided that I want to purchase my first home in the next 12 months and my truck (and the insurance, being only 21) is the biggest monthly debt that I have next to my rent.

Anyways, I have decided to sell my truck and use the money I get out of it to purchase another vehicle in cash so I no longer have car payments or full coverage insurance. I have always liked the '67-'87 Chevy and GMC trucks and have decided that I would like to get one. My priorities will be on getting a home so I wont be putting much money into it, but I will probably still want to do some minor modifications such as lift, tires, motor.

What features should I be looking for when searching the used vehicle ads? What engines are available in the different models (1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton)? What axles are used for the different models?

Thanks for any help you folks can provide. Ive always liked the look of these trucks, but I know nothing about them. I have owned 4 vehicles since I started driving, but all of them were imports and all were brand new. I have very little knowledge about these old pieces of american iron, but I do look forward to being enlightened.

woodyh61

mysself i preffer 73 to 76 heavy1'/2 ton or 3'/4 no pollution expect pcv engines come all sizes, i like a 350 as it can be easly built but watch for rust just traded my 76 heavy 1/2 off after haveing it 10 years

is_davison

Here is a good link to follow it has everything you need to knowhttp://www.fourwheeler.com/thehistoryof/96738/. In my opinion i liked the 1986 chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 that i had. THe truck had the 305 cu engine, which some people talk shit about but its actually a good engine. Consider this, power is all in proportion to gearing right? Well the 305 from the factory has 160 HP the same as the 350 but the good thing is the 305 gets at least 5mpg better in most situations. Take a 305 hooked up to the 3.08 gears with a locking differential in the front (lock right makes a sweet one) then an auburn gear in the rear and you will be set up with an everyday driver that will smoke most other vehicles and perform awesome off road...and still get the 20 mpg that your check book requires....if you go with the 350 the best you are getting with an overdrive tranny is 16 unless you build it for mileage.

Llogoaero

One thing to consider when making your final decision is availability of parts.67'-72' Chev trucks are sought after and therefore are going to be pricey to buy as well as parts are becoming hard to find(good used rust free parts,not those aftermarket ones)Take my word on this as I am restoring a 69' K5 Blazer.You might want to stick to 73'-87 because the body style remained basically unchangedfor 14 years.The interiors are pretty much the same.Also you might want to choose the 350 because probably 75% of all 73'-87'trucks came with this motor so performance parts ie: headers, intakes etc.. are pretty cheap and abundant(new or used) The salvage yards are loaded with these trucks and you can find all sorts of interior and suspension parts
Hope this was of help.!

dirt49er

ok you should buy a 73-87 trucck, because the parts are very common.. i personally own a 74, if you buy a 73 or 74 then you dont have to pass smog and you can do whatever the hell you want to woth it, but they are hard to find in good condition, i would personally get one and restore it. j and the 1/2 ton, or 3/4 ton decision depends on what you are going to do with it, but a half ton chevy with a 350 would probobly be the best, and a transfer case isnt the bigest deal in the world, but the turbo 35o is a nice tranny