1986 Chevy G20 3/4 ton, 6.2 Diesel

So I have a line on a 2000 Chevy 1 ton dually. $10000. 200,000km on it.

I'm not sure if it's gas or diesel, but I know it's been taken care of and it's in great shape.

Problem is I don't have access to that much cash right now, and I don't want to get in to financing. Would anyone here consider turning a truck that big in to a daily driver in addition to being their TV? I have a 2010 Mazda5 I'd sell, but I'm pretty sure I would regret that immediately.

I used to haul 20,000# combined with a 82 1 ton dually 6.2 4:10 turbo 400 3 sp auto. Sometimes down to 30 mph on the Syskious but it did it for many years with no problems, just slow at times.

Thanks Marty, I appreciate all the info.

Considering my current hauling situation (no further than 20 miles at any given time) I'm happy with the van's performance. I'm not sure I'd want to haul any great distance with it given that it's a pretty slow mover and really isn't all that comfortable a vehicle to ride in (seats wore out, no air, very loud on the highway). Plus the only seat with a seat belt that still works is the driver's seat, so I can't put the family in it for a trip.

(There's a reason I call it the beast!)

Still have my eyes open for a replacement, but I feel better about the van's capabilities after having used it to tow the new TT and having the information given here.

THing you have to remember, is the manufacture gcwr are more of a guidline than a 'WHAT" you should haul per say. If you do as mentioned, stay under 80km/hr vs trying to hit 100 like a lot of us do, then you need less hp, you motor etc may be up t the task! GM at about the time your truck was made etc, in the owners manuals stated, if under 25mph, you could increase tow ratings by 25%. Not that 80kmhr/50mph is 25mph, but hopefully you see the reason. At 60 mph you might need 120hp to move a given load, and need 45hp per 1% grade to hold that speed. Same setup at 50 might only need 80hp and 30 hp.

Many larger trucks in teh class 8 range, are speced based on if they are doing city vs hwy driving. A city/local road rig that really never goes above 50 mph will be speced way different than one that is on the hwy going 60-65 all the time. For your needs, you may very well be fine!

as I mentioned earlier also, your tranny is better from a starting standpoint with the same motor, than a heavier duty 8 lug trans. That trans is stronger per say as it will handle more torque/hp, but from a get up and go stand point, it is not as good! your 5-1 ability is better than the 4-1 of the heavier trans!

Marty

blt2ski wrote:
I might have an old brochure from 88, IIRC it had the gcwr's for a 6.2. I do recall them being on par with a 305 from that era, which I am pretty positive I mentioned them above reasonably close!

Marty

Yes, you did. I should head to the scales when I get the thing started again and see what it weighs. Should give me an indication of how much I should really be hauling.

I might have an old brochure from 88, IIRC it had the gcwr's for a 6.2. I do recall them being on par with a 305 from that era, which I am pretty positive I mentioned them above reasonably close!

Marty

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
From your speed it sounds like you did just fine. Fix your starter and you're good to go.

That's the plan for the coming weekend. :-)

I was actually quite happy with the old girl's towing performance, and I was surprised that I was. I really wish I had some actual real-world towing limit numbers though. I can't find any anywhere on or in the van. Almost like they're saying, "You should not tow anything with this van."

From your speed it sounds like you did just fine. Fix your starter and you're good to go.

Well, we made it.

There are two long, but not steep, hills on the way to our spot that I maintained 70km/h on, and I kept it at 85km/h the rest of the way. It got up to that speed pretty easily, actually, and could maintain 85 without too much trouble. She didn't really want to go faster than that though.

Once we got there, however, and got parked I shut the van off and now will not start. Traced it down to the + wire going to the starter solenoid. Didn't have parts out there to fix, so that's a project for another day.

Thanks for the suggestions Jerem0621, I had thought of bolting on a turbo. Not sure there's room in there, being the van, but I'll look around. If I do upgrade, it will be to a truck, thanks for the info on capable units.

I think that a few well placed mods will make your truck into a real beast.

I would look into turbo charging that motor. There are several forums across the net that would be able to provide great direction on adding a turbo. I think that Banks made/makes a kit for the 6.2.

You can bullet proof the 700r4 and make it work great for your application.... Also, get the largest transmission cooler... or two... that you can.

Leave the 3.73 alone for this.

If the trucks in good shape I would work on resolving the minor issues that you may have with the truck and run it.

If you are intent on replacing the Suburban... what kind of vehicle would you be looking for? I am going to assume 90's models.

If you want to stay GM I would highly recommend a crew cab 454 3500 series truck. (SRW or DRW your choice) or if you are willing to learn the issues and work them out the 6.5 Diesel. Or a 2500 Suburban with a 454 or 6.5.

Ford you can get a gas or Diesel. I would recommend a 7.3 Powerstroke or the 460 V8. Both are towing monsters. Some early Super Duties (like mine) may be in your budget. Just shop wisely.

Dodge trucks.. I would recommend a Cummins diesel or a V10. Both have upgraded HD transmissions over the 360 IIRC. 2500 or 3500 series.

Good luck