Dodge or GMC

[Stroh]

I am looking for an older 1 ton dually crew cab to put a cummins into. I stumbled upon an 82 GMC from california in excellent shape that I am seriously considering. Which truck would be better from that era? An early 80's dodge or GMC/Chevy? From what I can tell the GMC seemed to be a little stouter but I only had a couple of minutes to stop and look at it.



I know the GMC would be a harder to do but finding a good solid older truck is hard to come by in Wisconsin.

 

[JUeckert]

although the dodge would be simpler,my vote is for the gm product. i have been beating those older style gm units for many a mile,and under heavy service. they hold up well,and after all these years still look good!

 

[DMemos]

I've got an old vermonter friend and he always says "you want the 73-79 vintage GM's as the frames are thick and tough.

 

[wicked6]

I gotta say, I am impressed with the frame under my '89 2WD R3500 Chebbie... *burly* Heck, Ken at Autoworld has 400k <?> miles on his repowered old school Chevy. .



Have not seen any documentation on it, but I have *heard* that the newer body style (1988+ 1/2 ton, 1990+ 3/4 & 1 ton) GMs were a little flimsier than the early GM truck frames... . . . they'll require some beefing if you're putting a Cummins in it. .



BTW, if you are considering a 2WD Suburban (1989, 3/4 ton, 454) lemme know. . I happen to know where one is, for less than $2k... (runs good, decent interior, some dents on the driver's side) Original CA truck, no rust.

I sold the same 454/th350 drivetrain out of my dually for $1200. . Evidently, good 454's are evaporating. .



Linc

 

[Stroh]

Thanks

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate it. I have a 84 Dodge crewcab that has alot of electrical and body issues. I was going to fix it up and put in a cummins but it's not a very good candidate. The GMC I found is in alot better shape. There seems to be more aftermarket support for these like Year One, LMC etc.