I don't know what modifications, if any, the truck has already had. Right now it has four on the floor. I'm guessing it's original, just from the previous owner's lack of interest in fixing it up.
Here is the problem as best as I can describe it: I drove it home from the mechanic's after the engine was rebuilt, truck inspected, and all that legal stuff. Acceleration at low gears was awesome, but "short". Moved through the low gears way too quick. Got out on the highway and headed up the canyon. Plenty of "umpphh", never dropped below 55 mph all the way up the grade to the summit. But here's the thing. The engine was just sounding "good", definitely wasn't maxxed out or anything, but it had nowhere else to go. If I had had even one more gear, it would've taken that grade at 75 or 80 mph easily. And actually at the time, it felt like it would fly to the moon if it had a way to get there.
Sorry I don't know all the terminology. Like I said, I don't know a lot. But I know when an engine "sounds" and "feels" good. I've had people tell me to take the 283 out and put in a 350 crate. I've nothing against the 350, I have one in my '94 3/4 ton. But my gut instinct tells me that there's nothing wrong with that 283 that the proper transmission and gear ratio won't fix.
But that's all I've got ... gut instinct. No knowledge or experience to back it up. For batting around the dirt roads, the low gear ratio would be fine. But I really want to make this truck a comfortable, daily driver that is highway worthy.
I also want the brake system upgraded. I can live with the steering once the play is taken out and I bolt on a suicide knob (if that is still legal).
What have other people done that worked, and are happy with? What would they do differently?
If there's other info I'm lacking in order to get good advice, just tell me where to look for it. I'm not afraid to go crawling under there looking, just don't know what I'm looking for. :-)
Thanks,
Husker
"Just planning on getting this gorgeous hunk of metal back out on the road where she belongs."
