J.O.A.T. Sierra

I built one of these about 15-17 years ago. LOVED it but just because of the standard cab, it had to go :(

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Mine started as a half ton and ended up as a 3/4 ton with a 402 and T350/205.
 
It was a '77. 4" lift that rode like a brick, 3/4 ton axles with 4.10 gears. I think the tires were 305 70 16? Previously mentioned 402, T350/205.

NEW bed, fenders, doors, hood, cab corners, rockers and floor pans. '95 GMC truck indigo blue paint by the owner (Dupont stuff...I wasn't real thrilled with how the clear flowed out but it wasn't terrible). I did had the seat done in gray tweed but never really got the interior to "nice" status. It was fine, just not "done".
 
Bart said:
That was a sweet truck for sure. Not too tall, but definitely not stock.
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Exactly.

mbryson said:
It was a '77. 4" lift that rode like a brick, 3/4 ton axles with 4.10 gears. I think the tires were 305 70 16? Previously mentioned 402, T350/205.

NEW bed, fenders, doors, hood, cab corners, rockers and floor pans. '95 GMC truck indigo blue paint by the owner (Dupont stuff...I wasn't real thrilled with how the clear flowed out but it wasn't terrible). I did had the seat done in gray tweed but never really got the interior to "nice" status. It was fine, just not "done".
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Thank you. That truck has the perfect stance. I love it.

LT.
 
My girls and I spent some time at the shop today. The exhaust I had installed keeps coming lose so, today I installed lock washers on it in an effort to keep it tight.

While we were there I learned why the front springs were resting against the frame rails. It looks like all the bushings in the front springs and shackle are all shot. This allowed the front shackle to move upwards. The springs are so shot that they have no more flex in them. This also pushed the front shackles towards the rear of the truck. These two events is why the front spring is against the bottom of the rails. So, today I ordered a 4" lift kit by Rough Country from Rocky Mountain Suspension and a FUSH, HD shackles, grease able bushings, bolts, and extended brake lines from Off Road Design.

I wanted the Tuff Country springs also from Off Road Design but, this is a repair that I wasn't completely ready for. Money was just a little too tight for all the parts I really wanted. So, this will just have to do for now. I also just went with the rear blocks because I figure I will address the rear suspension when I have more money as well.

LT.
 
Has anyone seen or tried the new BF Goodrich all terrain KO2 yet? I am real serious about running them on this truck. My last experience with the all terrain kinda turned me off from them. But, it seems, through their marketing and some limited reviews, that their short comings have all been addressed and improved upon. Short comings like tread wear, side wall strength, mud traction, and stone retention. Here is some info. http://m.tirerack.com/tires/TireDetailsServlet?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=All-Terrain+T%2FA+KO2

Anyways, any input would be appreciated.

LT.
 
A few days ago I was texting my brother about the trying to squeeze some more power and better mileage out of sierra. He laughed at me because I had neither in this truck. When I first started tracking the mileage in this truck it was 10. 10 lousy miles per gallon. After I installed the part time kit in the transfer case and part time hubs and the new exhaust we were at a consistent 11 mpg.

After my little helper and I worked on the truck all morning and early afternoon we tested our improvements. 100 mile test loop and we used 8.2 gallons. Yep, that's right, 12.19 MPG BABY!! I know most of the jeep and toyota folks are scoffing at this but, if you have ever owned one of these older Chevy or GMC trucks you would know this is a pretty big improvement.

We replaced, plugs, plug wires, oil, filter, greased joints, and adjusted the timing a bit. I was unable to find a cap and rotor at any local auto parts stores today. Those items will be next.

Anyways, I am stoked to see this truck running so well, especially considering we did it with a 3 year old helping me.

LT.
 
I averaged 8 mpg in my k2500 chev with 350 and 35's. But that's mostly because with the cherry bombs I couldn't stay out of the floor with the onion pedal.
 
Chocflip201 said:
I averaged 8 mpg in my k2500 chev with 350 and 35's. But that's mostly because with the cherry bombs I couldn't stay out of the floor with the onion pedal.
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I have this wet dream of keeping it in double digits with the lift and tires. May not happen but, that is the goal.

B2-Bomber said:
I have a set of stock springs for it. $20 and they are yours
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I ordered new springs for her on Wednesday. Thank you for the offer though.

LT.
 
SAVAGE said:
i love these old trucks dude. I could easily see you remaining in the double digits.
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Thank you. I hope so but, it is not like I am going to lose much sleep if it drops to 9 mpg or so. These trucks are rolling bricks. Aerodynamicly challenged if you prefer.

Next question is about gear ratios. It has 4.10 or 4.11 if you prefer. Anyways, do I keep the same gears with the 35's or do I step them to the 4.56's?

LT.
 
mbryson said:
I think you might get a bit better mileage with the 4.10 gears and 35" tires.
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I was thinking the same thing on the highway anyhow. I need to get her lifted and the tires on her first. Then I can reevaluate the gear change or not.

One order of the parts should be coming in tomorrow. I thought that was odd as tomorrow is veterans day. The other order I was provided a tracking number that doesn't seem to work.

LT.
 
Well damn! I was cleaning out my oil drain pan this morning and found some gold colored glitter in it. Unless I have misunderstood it looks like an engine will be in my near future. Figures.

LT.
 
LT. said:
Well damn! I was cleaning out my oil drain pan this morning and found some gold colored glitter in it. Unless I have misunderstood it looks like an engine will be in my near future. Figures.

LT.
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Hopefully it's just a cam lobe but I wouldn't be surprised if you are killing some bearing. I'd run it until it pukes. Not like it's hard to find a small or big block Chev motor
 
mbryson said:
Hopefully it's just a cam lobe but I wouldn't be surprised if you are killing some bearing. I'd run it until it pukes. Not like it's hard to find a small or big block Chev motor
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Good thought. I did manage to find two possible engines. One a 1971 350 small block, and the other is a late 70's 454 big block. Both will be gone through before being installed. Not sure what is the best route at this time.

LT.
 
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