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I've been lurking for a while, thoroughly enjoying the 73-87 section. I have a 1983 GMC High Sierra K2500 and a 2007 GMC Sierra Classic SLT EC/LB K2500HD LBZ/Allison. Previous rides include a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4x4, and a 1986 GMC Sierra Classic C2500 Camper Special. I have very few pictures of my '83, most are scans from film pictures but they will follow.

I am a 27 year old college student (Civil Engineering) in Eastern WA and trucks are my passion, here is the story of my '83.

1983 GMC High Sierra K2500

* Engine

400 cubic inch small block, no A.I.R., has a small front and rear main seal leak, with approximately 65,000 miles on it.

* Transmission

SM-465 4-speed manual transmission. Never been rebuilt, shifts great with over 450,000 miles on it. Clutch has been replaced.

* Transfer Case

New Process Model 208, never been rebuilt, works great with over 450,000 miles on it.

* Intake, Fuel, Ignition, Exhaust

Stock intake/exhaust manifolds, quadrajet, GM HEI ignition, true dual 2.5" exhaust

* Axles

Front: Stock GM 10 bolt with 4.10:1 ratio, upgraded with Warn Premium Locking Hubs.
Rear: Stock 14 bolt, 9.5 inch ring gear semi-floating with 4.10:1 ratio.

Both have had wheel bearings and seals as needed, otherwise stock with over 450,000 miles on them.

* Interior

Carpet has been replaced with original equipment purchased from GM, seat has been recovered in original fashion though in Gray and not Black. A Sun Super Tach has been added, visible in pictures. I've picked up an original gauge cluster with tach (79.5-81 style, orange needles & correct font) and wiring harness off of eBay, I will be installing it after I have the gauges restored. Original dash, no cracks.

* Exterior

Has been repainted a slightly different shade of gray than was original. Paint job was poor at best, it's rough (texture) behind the bumpers and between the cab & box. It will be repainted eventually back to original color, properly and completely. Only one small dent after 27 years (my dad put it there, big PO), he was hanging a light fixture in the shop and it swung down and hit the front corner of the passenger side fender.

* A Brief History

My dad ordered this truck late in 1982, he ordered it with a 350, manual transmission, air conditioning, power steering, dual fuel tanks, AM-FM Radio, no frills interior...that's about it. He took delivery of this truck, his first brand new truck, in January of 1983; also the same month that I was born, I am his only son. This truck served him quite faithfully for many years of farming and general service. It was cleaned every weekend, the oil was changed every 2,000 miles. The original 350 accumulated 250,000 miles before being pulled. In hindsight my dad wishes he had kept the engine so as to have it rebuilt and the truck be original, that obviously didn't happen. The truck went through 5 or 6 crate 350s that had "Made in Mexico" printed on them before a nice rebuilt 400 was picked up in Spokane, WA. That is the truck's current engine. The truck was retired many years ago to be kept in a climate controlled garage, occasionally being brought back into service as a back-up. When I turned 16 my dad bought a 1986 454-powered GMC C2500 Camper Special, that was to be my first truck that I payed for, plus all of it's repairs, insurance, and fuel. After two years my dad offered to trade me trucks. The 1986 was also immaculate by this point. I took him up on the offer, the truck I grew up with and spent many hours in with my dad is now in my name.

* My Plans

I have kept the truck in the manner my dad taught me. I plan to completely restore it after college, adding the options that were available for that year of truck. I've gotten a NOS cargo light kit off of eBay, a clearance light kit is next. I also have a set of front power doors and with all related wiring from an '89 V1500 Suburban. The door panels I will try to get at the dealer, if not there then eBay. I am really trying to gather only GM Parts. The truck will receive a ZZ383/425 crate engine from GM, or something similar. I want a torquey carb'd small block. I might convert it to hydraulic clutch, the transmission & transfer case will be rebuilt, the axles I would like to swap out in favor of a Dana 60 and 14 bolt full floater with disc brakes (preferably a factory disc braked (and parking brakes) 14 bolt from a GMT-800 truck and move the spring perches). The original parts I would keep in storage.

* Interesting Facts

I have the ORIGINAL, never used, spare tire and wheel in the bed.
I also have the original steel wheels and hubcaps that came on it.
Additionally I've got the plastic bag with owner's manual, new vehicle information, tire information, and EPA rating card.