71 Truck Problems...

[skyreep1]

Ok so I have a 1971 C-10 with a 350 and 3 on the column shifter. Sometimes it has a hard time getting the power that I expect with a 350 and so I figured I'd check out the basic stuff. The first thing I thought I'd check was the spark plugs since there's a serious lack of power. As in, it will hardly make it up a small hill in 1st with a headstart. So as I pulled my first plug I saw the plugs completely oil fouled.

I also have a 71 C-10 with a 307 Automatic, but the transmission is shot and the body is a little bit more rough. It's got the fleetside package. I found out my tranny was shot because it wouldn't move once I shifted so I took off the pan to replace the filter and it was filled with metal shavings =[.

So my problem is I would really like to start driving one of these trucks A.S.A.P. and I don't know which one I should even attempt to fix. Before I drive either I have to pay for new tires, tags, and registration. Plus I still have to get my title signed over on my 350.

So what's yalls opinion on what I should do? I'm on a 12-14 hour per week grocery store budget so I can't exactly be extravagant with money =]. Thanks boys and girls.

[Lee H]

I would do a leak down test on both engines and use the best one. Do a google search on this process, try to borrow a set of gauges. If this is not an option I would do a major tune up on the 350.