Hi All--This site has been a great resource. I'm hoping the crew can take some time for some Big Bolt questions.
I'm considering adding a Big Bolt as an actual work truck. I've long had the bug, and my low mileage 2nd Series 55 GMC has proven that with a rear end, some front discs and a tranny swap her 248 straight six can handle anything a modern light duty truck can handle--with better fuel economy most of the time. Of course, I might be a little biased...
Now I need a serious work truck. I really want to make one of the many second series trucks out there work. There are just so many of them, and at good prices! My questions are, "what should I expect, and what will I potentially regret?" I'm assuming I'll need some disc brakes and a drivetrain swap. But, I also know myself. I'll find some amazing, low mileage truck and hate myself for anything I change on it. So, what if...
Say, I went for a 6400 with a two speed rear? Are the wheels two piece, and/or are they dangerous at modern speed? Is the six cylinder, four speed truck able to carry a ton of payload up a mountain and maintain speed? How about trailer-ing? I'm guessing, the answers are "No" and "No." If I throw a 7,500lbs trailer on the back without the aforementioned upgrades, I'm guessing life will get very interesting... What is a safe highway speed (assuming the steering box and all else are good) under normal/no load? 55mph?
I'm guessing that if I go this route, I'll find some beautiful restored farm truck, shrink wrap the old drive train and plop something newer in there. What do you guys think? Better just to get a modern work truck?
Thanks much--Ben
