Farm truck refresh - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mavis79 · 03-13-2016, 09:49 PM

I picked up my 79 C30 a couple of years ago to haul rock on the acreage that we purchased. It is a 350/400 with a dumping flatbed.

A couple of weeks ago I lost oil pressure while hauling my mower. I have decided to update the drive train to a TBI 350 and a 4L80e.

I've tried to upload pics but they always show upside down....

Blessed66 · 03-13-2016, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavis79

I've tried to upload pics but they always show upside down....

Try using an image hosting website, like Photobucket (for example). I've never had the problem.

Mavis79 · 03-13-2016, 11:16 PM

Current photos...

MTCK · 03-14-2016, 03:59 AM

Cool truck. You will like the 4l80e.

Blessed66 · 03-14-2016, 02:17 PM

Gonna keep that bed on? (I would, just saying)

allengator · 03-14-2016, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blessed66

Gonna keep that bed on? (I would, just saying)

I agree!!! cool truck!

Mavis79 · 03-14-2016, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blessed66

Gonna keep that bed on? (I would, just saying)

Absolutely, I still use it as a farm truck. The dump gets used for hauling rock, firewood and hay.

Mavis79 · 03-19-2016, 10:04 PM

I got the motor dressed and was ready to put transmission on and found out that the two flexplates that I have seem to have different offsets. The original flexplate the came with a 4L80 looks to have 1/16th more offset than the 4L60 flexplate that came with the engine.

The 4L60 flexplate will fit my torque converter but only three bolts will mount. I'm not sure if there are any other implications of doing this.

MTCK · 03-19-2016, 11:34 PM

So you are running a 4l80e behind a 350 that had a 4l60 originally? And what torque converter are you using?

Mavis79 · 03-20-2016, 12:11 AM

Torque converter is from the 4L80e. The original engine that was bolted to the 80 had a cracked head. I got a good deal on a "lightly" used crate 350 from another wrecked truck that had a 4L60.

Mavis79 · 03-22-2016, 11:22 PM

Engine and trans mated...wiring harness installed hope to get it in the truck this week

MTCK · 03-23-2016, 03:11 AM

Looks good. Who did you get your harness from?

Mavis79 · 03-23-2016, 11:20 AM

Harness came from FuelInjectionConnection.com out of Colorado...cheaper than Howell, but they haven't returned emails/questions....The harness appears to be of good quality.

Mavis79 · 03-27-2016, 12:17 AM

Made progress...engine and trans are in place.

Mavis79 · 03-27-2016, 12:22 AM

Modified the sending unit from the 95 to fit the fuel tank from the 79. So I'll use the stock 95 fuel pump.

I didn't get pictures but I also cut down the trans crossmember from the 95 to fit the 79...

MTCK · 03-27-2016, 05:32 AM

Nice work. What are you doing for a PCM? I'm not super up to speed on the tbi computers but I have one that will be homeless in a couple weeks from my crew (5.7 4l80e).

Mavis79 · 03-27-2016, 01:38 PM

I've got a 6395 PCM from a salvage yard truck...I may be interested in the DRAC module.

I did find out why my gauges don't work. It seems a prior owner thought he was an electrician...it a mess under the dash.

Mavis79 · 03-27-2016, 02:52 PM

What are your plans for the crew?

Never mind, just realized it is you project heavy hauler.

MTCK · 03-27-2016, 08:57 PM

Yeah it's getting a fresh motor. I think I need to keep the DRAC for my speedo to work but I'll look into it.

Mavis79 · 04-11-2016, 03:59 PM

Finally got back to tinkering on the truck (my son's car blew a brake line and I've been working 6-7 days a week) only to realize that the exhaust manifolds from the newer truck (88-95) I have won't work. I've got the engine in, but I won't be able to install the O2 sensor in the driver's side manifold. the hole for the sensor is directly centered and up against the upper frame rail. Are the 87-91 TBI manifolds different...I thought I saw a picture with the O2 sensor mounted towards the rear of the truck...

MTCK · 04-11-2016, 04:05 PM

It was on the y-pipe on my 91.

Mavis79 · 05-27-2016, 11:20 AM

Well, it's been awhile so I figured I'd give an update...

I built a new Trans cross member from rectangle tube stock, and went to finish the wiring only to find I was no longer getting power to the truck. I suspect the "wiring job" completed by the previous owner in the cab. This together with the fact that the cab mounts are rusted, floor pans were poorly patched (sheet metal riveted over the rust), and rocker/cab corners are shot I went and found a decent '80 cab.

So like so many other projects, what started out as a "simple" drive train swap now involves a complete cab swap....pics to come....

LT7A · 05-29-2016, 02:17 AM

Really like the yellow and white. Good luck!

MTCK · 05-29-2016, 04:15 AM

Exciting. Looking forward to the pics. Keeping the color scheme?

Mavis79 · 05-30-2016, 10:32 PM

The new cab is brown but I think I'll repaint to the yellow and white. Old cab is off and the frame is cleaned and primed.

03-13-2016, 09:49 PM	#1
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Farm truck refresh I picked up my 79 C30 a couple of years ago to haul rock on the acreage that we purchased. It is a 350/400 with a dumping flatbed. A couple of weeks ago I lost oil pressure while hauling my mower. I have decided to update the drive train to a TBI 350 and a 4L80e. I've tried to upload pics but they always show upside down.... Last edited by Mavis79; 03-13-2016 at 10:09 PM.

03-13-2016, 11:16 PM	#3
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh Current photos... Attached Images

03-14-2016, 03:59 AM	#4
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Farm truck refresh Cool truck. You will like the 4l80e. __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

03-14-2016, 02:17 PM	#5
Blessed66 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 217	Re: Farm truck refresh Gonna keep that bed on? (I would, just saying) __________________ Current Projects: 1984 GMC, LWB Fleetside, 305/350 - Currently Doing TBI Conversion 1966 GMC, SWB Stepside, 350/200-4R - Currently waiting patiently.

03-19-2016, 10:04 PM	#8
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh I got the motor dressed and was ready to put transmission on and found out that the two flexplates that I have seem to have different offsets. The original flexplate the came with a 4L80 looks to have 1/16th more offset than the 4L60 flexplate that came with the engine. The 4L60 flexplate will fit my torque converter but only three bolts will mount. I'm not sure if there are any other implications of doing this. __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala

03-19-2016, 11:34 PM	#9
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Farm truck refresh So you are running a 4l80e behind a 350 that had a 4l60 originally? And what torque converter are you using? __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

03-20-2016, 12:11 AM	#10
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh Torque converter is from the 4L80e. The original engine that was bolted to the 80 had a cracked head. I got a good deal on a "lightly" used crate 350 from another wrecked truck that had a 4L60. __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala

03-22-2016, 11:22 PM	#11
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh Engine and trans mated...wiring harness installed hope to get it in the truck this week __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala

03-23-2016, 03:11 AM	#12
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Farm truck refresh Looks good. Who did you get your harness from? __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

03-23-2016, 11:20 AM	#13
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh Harness came from FuelInjectionConnection.com out of Colorado...cheaper than Howell, but they haven't returned emails/questions....The harness appears to be of good quality. __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala

03-27-2016, 12:17 AM	#14
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh Made progress...engine and trans are in place. __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala

03-27-2016, 12:22 AM	#15
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh Modified the sending unit from the 95 to fit the fuel tank from the 79. So I'll use the stock 95 fuel pump. I didn't get pictures but I also cut down the trans crossmember from the 95 to fit the 79... __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala

03-27-2016, 05:32 AM	#16
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Farm truck refresh Nice work. What are you doing for a PCM? I'm not super up to speed on the tbi computers but I have one that will be homeless in a couple weeks from my crew (5.7 4l80e). __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

03-27-2016, 01:38 PM	#17
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh I've got a 6395 PCM from a salvage yard truck...I may be interested in the DRAC module. I did find out why my gauges don't work. It seems a prior owner thought he was an electrician...it a mess under the dash. __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala Last edited by Mavis79; 03-27-2016 at 02:07 PM.

03-27-2016, 02:52 PM	#18
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh What are your plans for the crew? Never mind, just realized it is you project heavy hauler. __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala



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03-27-2016, 08:57 PM	#19
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Farm truck refresh Yeah it's getting a fresh motor. I think I need to keep the DRAC for my speedo to work but I'll look into it. __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

04-11-2016, 03:59 PM	#20
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh Finally got back to tinkering on the truck (my son's car blew a brake line and I've been working 6-7 days a week) only to realize that the exhaust manifolds from the newer truck (88-95) I have won't work. I've got the engine in, but I won't be able to install the O2 sensor in the driver's side manifold. the hole for the sensor is directly centered and up against the upper frame rail. Are the 87-91 TBI manifolds different...I thought I saw a picture with the O2 sensor mounted towards the rear of the truck... __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala

04-11-2016, 04:05 PM	#21
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Farm truck refresh It was on the y-pipe on my 91. __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

05-27-2016, 11:20 AM	#22
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh Well, it's been awhile so I figured I'd give an update... I built a new Trans cross member from rectangle tube stock, and went to finish the wiring only to find I was no longer getting power to the truck. I suspect the "wiring job" completed by the previous owner in the cab. This together with the fact that the cab mounts are rusted, floor pans were poorly patched (sheet metal riveted over the rust), and rocker/cab corners are shot I went and found a decent '80 cab. So like so many other projects, what started out as a "simple" drive train swap now involves a complete cab swap....pics to come.... __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala

05-29-2016, 02:17 AM	#23
LT7A Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: PNW Posts: 3,560	Re: Farm truck refresh Really like the yellow and white. Good luck!

05-29-2016, 04:15 AM	#24
MTCK Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,830	Re: Farm truck refresh Exciting. Looking forward to the pics. Keeping the color scheme? __________________ -Marcus 1991 V3500 L29 454 4L80E NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's 1984 K30 292 TH400 NP205 D60/14 Bolt 4.56's flat bed 7'6" Meyer Plow 2022 Silverado 3500 L8T Project Daily Driver Project Heavy Hauler Project Plow Truck

05-30-2016, 10:32 PM	#25
Mavis79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Wilton IA Posts: 61	Re: Farm truck refresh The new cab is brown but I think I'll repaint to the yellow and white. Old cab is off and the frame is cleaned and primed. __________________ 84 K5 6.2 Diesel/700R4 (Project on hold) 84 K10 Extended Cab 350TBI/TH350 98 C3500HD 6.5/NV4500 Dump 03 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/Allison 07 Ford Escape Hybrid (Commuter) 15 Chevy Impala

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