1977 C10

[karll]

I have a 1977 C10 pickup truck that I am looking to turn into a mudding rig. Obviously I want to lift it, get some bigger tires, transfer case, and maybe a few other things. The truck has a 454 in it, and it still runs pretty hard. My future plans are to completely overhaul the powertrain/driveline. My problem is that I don't know where to start. How much lift should i get? How big should my tires be? Best place to get a transfer case? I was thinking a cheap one from a junkyard and then rebuilding it later on. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks.

[MagicRat]

The most important thing is to decide on use.

Is this going to be driven on road much, or strictly a weekend toy?

Do you want general off-road ability or strictly the mud hole?

With those parameters, you can pick a tire tread design and size. Then lift it.
IMO you only want to lift it just enough to provide tire clearance and no more. It's the tires that get you through the mud, not the lift.

I see guys all the time with more lift than is required to clear the tires. Generally the taller you go the more easily it'll roll over, which means less ability to work hilly terrain. Also more lift produces more driveline angularity problems, steering problems, suspension wind-up problems etc.

[karll]

My plans are to go mudding with it more than anything. Pretty much just driving around in a big mud pit but nothing as techincal as rock crawling. For now it is going to see some road time, but mostly just around town. Not very much highway time. Of course I want like a 12 inch lift, but that just isn't practical. I would however like something around 6 or so. My main problem is ignorance. I try to research equipment and upgrades but I just get confused. Plus I'm having trouble finding lifts for older trucks. Maybe that is just me though.

[Andydg]

I would go with 35 inch Thornbirds. You'll get a lot of road noise but they're great mud tires. As far as the lift...I would go with a 6 inch lift. You could probably get away with a 4 inch lift but you might rub up on the fenders. With the T-case I'm not sure...but I will talk to my friends and see what they recomend.

[goinbig]

Wow, that's the first time I've ever heard of anyone recommending Thornbird's to someone...I sure hope you're just joking!!

[karll]

yea, i was under the influence that thornbirds wern't that good. but then again, what do i know?

[ECVcrawltoy711]

thornbirds are a all terrain tire. anyway how big of a tire do u want. thats is the key thing. that decicides what axles u run and what t case and how much power u need,

Drew

[karll]

something mean. perhaps a 38 inch tire. im sure i dont need that much for mudding, but i want an aggresive look as well. so 38 is probably what im going for.

[Andydg]

Originally Posted by goinbig

Wow, that's the first time I've ever heard of anyone recommending Thornbird's to someone...I sure hope you're just joking!!

Nope not joking. I friend of mine has 35's on his Blazer and loves them.

[karll]

just a side question, what is the difference between the c and the k models. are the k models just a 4x4 version of the c's? sorry. just never knew or how to find out.

[Andydg]

Originally Posted by karll

just a side question, what is the difference between the c and the k models. are the k models just a 4x4 version of the c's? sorry. just never knew or how to find out.

That's what I always thought it meant...

[ECVcrawltoy711]

Originally Posted by Andydg

Nope not joking. I friend of mine has 35's on his Blazer and loves them.

he has never had a real mud tire. as far as 38s man u need a new rear end like a 14 bolt and prolly wanna get a 60 for the front. otherwise u will break

Drew

[karll]

reckin junkyard parts will do if i can find them? and what does a 60 for the front mean? i have heard numbers thrown around for axles but im not sure what they refer to.

[ECVcrawltoy711]

1 ton stuff.

Drew