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'79 K20 vs. an '84 K20, which would you choose?

handloader90

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I'm going to be buying another truck soon.

I've found two that interest me that are in my price range, a '79 and '84 K20. Both trucks are supposedly in good rumning condition and white in color. There is $100 difference between these two trucks but I have a set amount that I will be offering due to what either of these trucks is worth to me.

Not planning on lifting whichever one I get. Main purpose will be to haul stuff around and tow a Wrangler half way across the country.

The bodies both look to be in similar condition, pretty clean. The '79 has a nice looking topper on the bed that looks to be complete and in nice shape.

The '79 should have a full floater? '84 should have a semi floater?

Both are auto, guessing the '79 is a TH350 with a 205 and the '84 would have a 700R4 with a 208?

Going to assume the '79 has manual windows and locks, I know the '84 has power windows, not sure on the locks. I do prefer manual everything.

The '84 has A/C which looks to be unhooked. I could care less to have A/C, honestly prefer not to have it.

Found an '03 gas engine 2500 for the same price as the two squares that has been used for plow work, waiting on email back so I can check it out too but would prefer some old iron.

Which way would you guys go? I'm looking at the '84 tomorrow in the morning and I'll snap pics and post them up. Can't check out the '79 until March 2nd ir 3rd due to the seller beimg out of town until the first with no one to show it for him while he's away.
 
If you're going to leave it alone and drive it. Overdrive, power windows possibility of AC...enough said

If you're going to build it to play go 79
 
I'm going to be buying another truck soon.

I've found two that interest me that are in my price range, a '79 and '84 K20. Both trucks are supposedly in good rumning condition and white in color. There is $100 difference between these two trucks but I have a set amount that I will be offering due to what either of these trucks is worth to me.

Not planning on lifting whichever one I get. Main purpose will be to haul stuff around and tow a Wrangler half way across the country.

The bodies both look to be in similar condition, pretty clean. The '79 has a nice looking topper on the bed that looks to be complete and in nice shape.

The '79 should have a full floater? '84 should have a semi floater?

Both are auto, guessing the '79 is a TH350 with a 205 and the '84 would have a 700R4 with a 208?

Going to assume the '79 has manual windows and locks, I know the '84 has power windows, not sure on the locks. I do prefer manual everything.

The '84 has A/C which looks to be unhooked. I could care less to have A/C, honestly prefer not to have it.

Found an '03 gas engine 2500 for the same price as the two squares that has been used for plow work, waiting on email back so I can check it out too but would prefer some old iron.

Which way would you guys go? I'm looking at the '84 tomorrow in the morning and I'll snap pics and post them up. Can't check out the '79 until March 2nd ir 3rd due to the seller beimg out of town until the first with no one to show it for him while he's away.
The only advise I have is to check if the 84 has the computer controlled carb and electronic spark control as well as the awfull web of vacuum lines.
If it does then go with 79.
If it's a hd 3/4 ton it should be a regular carb and I would go with that
 
I just helped a friend tear down and part out a 84 k20
It had a sf 14, 700r4 and 3.42 gears.

Im a round eye guy so that would be my choice but condition would factor in if long trips are planned.
 
I’d bet the 79 has a 203, not a 205.

If the 84 has a full floater I’d buy it.
 
Buy both..problem solved !..:D

But if your forced to choose ,I'd go for the older one,provided its not rotted more than the other one ..
 
Here's a mixture of pics that I just took and a few from the Craigslist ad.

It has a 350/TH400/NP208.

Both cab corners have some kind of foam that's been sprayed into them, no rot around the holes though.

Floor and the bottom side of the cab is solid.

Semi-float rear end.

Bed has some rust in it near the tailgate, very noticeable from underneath.

Drove well, the 208 works. Interior is probably the cleanest I've seen in one of these old trucks. All electronics work to include door locks and electric windows. Heat blows, A/C is unhooked.

Has a Q-jet and cast iron intake on it. Fired up like no one's business.

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The truck was originally a dark red color too, I saw a scratch in the white paint that showed red underneath.
 
My 85 K20 had a 350 700R4 SF14B 3.73 ratio. I think trucks with RPO "C6P" got the FF14B and TH400 trans.
 
Meh, I'd wait to look a the 79. If it does have a 205 and looks about the same condition wise I'd take it instead.
 

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