1991 v3500 - big dumb lifted forever truck

[1-ton]

Cool Score! You have the "Holy Grail" of Chevy square bodies. I have a 1991 V3500 as well. I like the 4L80E trans in mine, and it is staying. The part about the 350 not being enough engine for these heavy beasts is true. I can personally attest to that.

 

[obijuank5]

Good luck with the tach install. The electric speedo clusters are pinned completely different from previous years plus there's a box shape place molded in to the cluster shell to accommodate the speedo circuit board.

I do have 91 FSM's if you want to use the wiring diagram book (or the other books).

I have that in my ebay watch list. You make a good point but my 85 manual has NO mention of tachometer equipped trucks in it at all. Does yours?


Also how many of y'all would hate me if I took this busted ass grille off and put the cucv grille on it with guard?

 

[1-ton]

Lastly the oil pressure gauge is wiggin out. Is that the one behind the distributor?

Yes it is that one. They are difficult at best to get to without removing the distributor. I used 1/4" brass tubing and 90 degree fittings, in order to relocate mine in a better fitting angle than it came factory.

 

[78K30]

Sweet score! I’ve gotta tag in on this one

 

[1-ton]

I noticed that your truck still has the transfer case to trans bell housing bracket on it. If you are going to throw that away, I will take off your hands.

 

[nvrenuf]

I have that in my ebay watch list. You make a good point but my 85 manual has NO mention of tachometer equipped trucks in it at all. Does yours?


Also how many of y'all would hate me if I took this busted ass grille off and put the cucv grille on it with guard?

I'll dig my manual out and see if it's got a tach diagram. I've never seen a tach in a truck newer than '81 but I've read they were supposed to be available in to the mid - late 80's. I'll see what's in my book.

Don't change that grille!!

 

[Scribbles]

+1 on not changing the grille unless you're in Tx and want to swap, I want that setup for mine! I'm very interested to watch you try to swap in a tach, I have a '90 I really want to do the same thing with. That truck is a nice find!!!

 

[LIVEAnimals]

This is a bucket list truck for me. Sub'd

 

[Justin V]

Badass

 

[obijuank5]

Pitiful one wheel peel.

 

[nvrenuf]

Nothing a little money and time can't fix.

 

[obijuank5]

How tall can I lift this thing without the front driveshaft touching the exhaust crossover tube?

Also how does the speedometer get programmed for tire size or gear ratio changes? Thinking the cucv axles would go well with the 35s. That would also solve the one tire on fire syndrome.

Most of these searches yielded billions of other results. Not square specific.

Thanks!

 

[GWeakland620]

2" and 35's would be perfect in my eyes. No vibrations and go well with 4.56 gears.

 

[obijuank5]

2" and 35's would be perfect in my eyes. No vibrations and go well with 4.56 gears.

I have these laying around that I got on a total impulse buy. I'll toss these on some wheel vintiques 16x8 and keep the caps. Hopefully I won't have to trim.

 

[GWeakland620]

I fear that those would increase the vibrations you are trying to avoid.

 

[GWeakland620]

But they would look sick! LOL

 

[nvrenuf]

How tall can I lift this thing without the front driveshaft touching the exhaust crossover tube?

I was able to go 6" on my 91 without it hitting. That said, I had a Rough Country lift so it was STIFF and the driveshaft was CLOSE to the crossover pipe but it didn't touch. Also keep in mind, I did not wheel it at all.

 

[skunked]

Radials?

 

[nvrenuf]

@obijuank5 I check my wiring manual and there's nothing for a tach. No diagram or mention at all.

 

[obijuank5]

@obijuank5 I check my wiring manual and there's nothing for a tach. No diagram or mention at all.

Thanks for reading into that for me. I appreciate you taking the time. I would have been surprised if it was in there though. Also good insight on the front driveshaft. it seems really close as is but i bet it is not as much as im expecting. Most likely the 4" parts from the cucv and axles are headed under this truck. They were great daily axles with no issues. These have rusted front rotors and pulsating rear drums. Hub seal leaks too. Might just be easier to swap those in.
4" and 35s ought to look ok. 2" probably looks a little better but id have to buy more stuff.