My new to me 1996 Z71 K1500

[Chief_Handy]

This is my first full sized pick up, first truck in general at that lo. I've always driven a subaru impreza with a standard transmission. Buy where u live there's just so much more to do with a truck. I've always liked working on my subaru bUT wanted to go to completely untreauntreaded territory. Im an 18 year old guy who just wants a fun and nice toy. I have a 96 K 100 with the Z71 package. I bought this truck out of PA about 30 minutes from new york state. I'm pretty good with nuts and bolts but not so much with body work. And let me tell you guys something, this rust is much worse than I thought lol. I have a 305 with a standard Trans and 4x4. Mechanically this truck is amazing, the body needs some definite work. I have a lot of plans for this truck and can't wait to get started in the spring. I've really fallen for this truck and love to work on it. Much easier to work on American rather than foreign lol. I've already done front and rear shocks, front and rear brakes, o2 censor, idler pulley, serpentine belt, and idler arm. I've done some sanding/undercoating but the cab corners and rocker panels I'm definitely going to have to attend to. Like I said I have tons of plan for this Ole gasser and I'm so glad I've found this site. Every one seems real nice and supportive as I've already been helped in another thread. Enough of the small talk, here's my truck!

 

[Chief_Handy]

Forgot to mention, when i bought it it had 135k miles on it. My plans for it are AR wheels sitting on 285/75s with probably just a 2 inch lift. Flow master dual exhuast, tinted windows, and a 350 swap this summer. Should be a lot of fun!

 

[my name is alex]

Nice looking truck. I bet that color scheme would look good with some black wheels

I've got a black wheel bias...

One of the (many) perks to living here in California is not having to deal with rust. My Burb has no body rust, though some surface frame rust. Even my old 77 blazer was relatively unrushed.

 

[Chief_Handy]

Yeah im stuck on black or chrome AR Baja Wheels man! Its strange no surface rust but underneathe... different story lolol. But thanks boss!

 

[1998K1500]

Welcome to the addiction that is owning a truck/4x4

The 350 swap will definitely be nice but if you come across a 454 don't ignore it! Either one beats the 305 though haha.
What flowmaster muffler you thinking of using?

 

[Chief_Handy]

Welcome to the addiction that is owning a truck/4x4

The 350 swap will definitely be nice but if you come across a 454 don't ignore it! Either one beats the 305 though haha.
What flowmaster muffler you thinking of using?

Not sure yet, ive been to busy trying to get it to pass inspection w/ the rust lol... but i definitely want something loud and deep, 40 series? Im not sure. And as far as the 454 goes, how clean of a swap is that? Im pretty sure the 305 to 350 is just in and out (much more simple) rather than the 454. Just what ive heard anyways.

 

[twomanymontes]

Nice truck! Not sure how the winters are in your area, but they destroy trucks from the bottom up around here.

 

[dmr22]

Nice looking truck, looks very similar to mine. Good luck with the build!

 

[Chief_Handy]

Thanks guys! Yeah winter and all the salt in maryland can get pretty bad. Really appreciate all the positive responses!

 

[1998K1500]

Not sure yet, ive been to busy trying to get it to pass inspection w/ the rust lol... but i definitely want something loud and deep, 40 series? Im not sure. And as far as the 454 goes, how clean of a swap is that? Im pretty sure the 305 to 350 is just in and out (much more simple) rather than the 454. Just what ive heard anyways.

Yeah I wouldn't really recommend doing a 454 swap cause you'd want to put a 4l80e trans in, you'd want to upgrade your 10 bolt rear axle to a 14 bolt ideally, you'd probably want better springs in the front and so on.. It would be cool if you had the money but not actually worth it IMO. I'm not really sure why I suggested it.. kinda just joking haha

You could do a 383 swap, which should be (mostly) just a bolt on swap and will bring the power of a 454. But since it brings the power of a 454 I'd recommend the better trans and beefier rear axle again
A 350 swap will be your easiest and cheapest route but go for the 383 if you've got the money for a brand new motor, trans, etc haha