CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

71 3/4 ton GMC

mud390

1/2 ton status
Joined
Oct 31, 2002
Posts
1,210
Reaction score
0
Location
Little Rock, Arkansas
I'm supposed to go look at a 71 GMC longbed today and I've got a few questions. Any areas I should pay special attention to? What was the stock axle configuration? The guy says the truck has a 400/T350/and what he thought was a 205 case. The truck is no beauty queen, but I'm not looking for one. Any other things I should be on the lookout for? Thanks!

Kris
 
Hope I'm not too late, but I might as well chime in.

Stock axles will be a D44 open knuckle disc brake front, with spicer external lockouts (with the big plastic knob, if stock).

Rear axle is most likely the Eaton H052, but there is a very small chance it could be a FF D60. If the glove box option sticker is intact, look for any RPO codes that start with a G8 and then another number. I forget what their respective numbers are, but if it has the Eaton axle, it could have a factory Detroit locker (will be called a No-Spin on the sticker, there will also be another sticker for this somewhere inside the truck, like on the roof or behind the seat). If it has the D60 it could have a power lock posi, which would also be indicated on the sticker.

If it has a 400 small block it isn't stock. Check the VIN. If it's an original 4x4, the vin should start with a K, followed by a S or an E. If it has the S, that means the truck originally had a straight six, the E means V8. Any optional engine would be listed on the sticker, and 90% of these got the 350. 400 was not an option in this generation of truck. The 402 big block was only available in 2wd trucks in these years, so if it is a BB that isn't stock either (but would be a nice find).

Tranny and transfer should be TH350 and NP205.

Other than that, check for rot in the frame behind the rear spring hangers, the rockers and cab corners, firewall, and above the windshield. If it has really bad windshield rust be on the lookout for a new cab.

Good luck!

EDIT: here is the sticker that was originally put inside the cab at the factory if the Detroit Locker was installed. I have seen 3 of them, 2 on the roof of the cab between the visors, and one behind the seat and next to the gas tank.

d075.jpg
 
Thanks for info. Went and looked at the truck and it ended up being more of a basket case than I wanted to deal with.

Kris
 
Thanks for info. Went and looked at the truck and it ended up being more of a basket case than I wanted to deal with.

Sorry to hear that. I have been in that situation way to many times in the past 6 months i have probaly looked at 25 trucks and they where all junk
 
Top Bottom