early 1970's C10 questions

[JoshStratton]

Hey guys.

I am thinking of putting together a pop-up camper hauler. My POS Laredo with the V6 sucks monkey nutz at pulling anything.

I found an early 70's C10 that I would like to make into a nice camping utility. All it really needs is an engine and a tranny.

So, that being said, what kind of engine/tranny combo would it take to get a 7000 lb towing capacity?

Could I use an LS1 with a T56 tranny with some upgraded goodies or would I need to be more realisitic with a 350 and a 350 turbo tranny.

I would want it to be reliable power. I was looking at new trucks, but would rather have something with some nastalgia.

[Kenova]

Find yourself a 6.0 with a 4L80E. Get one that has all of the accessories, wire harness and computer. It should be easy putting one of these into a '70s pickup considering how much room they have.
Ken

[JoshStratton]

Mkay. This might sound silly, but can a 4L80E handle a lot of torq on a 4x2?

[David Sloan]

Put a cumming's in it an it will pull & pull & pull!!

Did i tell you how much i like my o4 cumming's!!!

[Elusive R]

I'm not entirely sure you should be as worried about the drivetrain as you should the frame. I'm not sure what they're rated to, but without any work you might end up twisting one up at 7000 lbs.

That said, a 6.0L with a 4L80e would probably tow anything you could ever want to. There's alwasy the diesel route, too.

Ryan

[Kenova]

:idea: Is this one of those trucks with the gas tank in the cab, behind the seat? If so get it the hell out of there!
Ken

[JayR]

Mkay. This might sound silly, but can a 4L80E handle a lot of torq on a 4x2?

When they came out, I heard they were tested to 800 ft/lbs or something crazy like that.

[surlyjoe]

6.0 4l80 would be the way to go. 2wd will not affect tow rating. Mounts are available to make the motor straight bolt in. I would have to look for the link. If you are talking about the 3/4 ton ie leaf springs out back 7000 should be no problem. The 1/2 tons with the coils aren't as strong. I think a diesel would be overkill if that is all you want to tow. 6.0's can be had for a fairly reasonable price these days also.