Below is why I think this truck is worth rebuilding. Just for reference, I almost decided to find a 1920's or 1930's 2 ton and turn it into a Jeep hauler instead. That would have been cool, but I kind of miss having a full size Chevy. We have a surprisingly large number of old 2 tons around here. I pass by two almost every day (one has a for sale sign on it) and my parents neighbor has one I could buy. So those of you who may think that this is too much work or that this wasn't worth the time, money or effort, this was the relatively "quick and easy" option in comparison.
1. TBI - A very basic and reliable fuel injection system from the factory. Already programmed and tuned.
2. The th400 version of this truck is super basic. No lock up torque converter, no over drive and no computer control of the transmission (other than the kick down which can be done with a simple switch on the throttle).
3. The 454 has plenty of power to haul a Jeep. It gets horrid gas mileage, but I didn't buy this thing to commute in. My Jeep gets about the same mpg by the way.
4. The frame and body are almost rust free. There is a lot of surface rust on the flatbed, but I can wire brush that off and paint it.
5. Gear driven transfer case that is manually shifted.
6. New tires, transfer case, transmission, front suspension and engine. The engine condition is questionable since it got hot, but the 454 is plentiful enough to find another if needed.
7. Lots of parts and aftermarket support still available for the GMT400.
8. I enjoy building vehicles that I get to drive.
In other news, the engine lift plate showed up today. I finally ordered one since I felt lazy about chaining up the hoist to the engine. Dakota Digital just emailed me and said that my new instrument cluster and all its goodies just shipped!
Also, my brother is coming over today. Sounds like he wants to buy that 1995 Jeep off of me that I had forgotten about. He wants something to go out in the woods with. That would be one less vehicle at the house.
