CK5
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Can you cruise at 80+mph in your truck?
- Thread starter y5mgisi
- Start date
Yeah, I was just joking. They break, a lot.
Maritn
Maritn
When I had my 73 on 38s ( swamper radials) it would cruise down the road at 80 mph. It was a very smooth riding stable truck on the road.
Horton will go freeway speeds too just never done it for long periods of time.
The Jimmy we donna have the power. I can get to 75 ish and it feels pretty good. I kind of think it would cruise at 80 mph.
I think my tolerance might be higher than some. My daily driver has been a lifted old truck for many years and lots of them heavily modded. So I might be able to put up with a bit more.
I do remember thinking my 73 was more comfy in the summer with no top on. Reduced wind noise and was just plain fun
Horton will go freeway speeds too just never done it for long periods of time.
The Jimmy we donna have the power. I can get to 75 ish and it feels pretty good. I kind of think it would cruise at 80 mph.
I think my tolerance might be higher than some. My daily driver has been a lifted old truck for many years and lots of them heavily modded. So I might be able to put up with a bit more.
I do remember thinking my 73 was more comfy in the summer with no top on. Reduced wind noise and was just plain fun
I wouldn't try 80 in my K5. It's just not put together for that. I've done 65, and wasn't happy about it at all. My TCC doesn't work right now so I was in 3rd turning the engine pretty hard. The BFG M/Ts that were on it were pretty well balanced but with a mini-spool in the rear and no sway bar, I didn't want to do anything like that near a curve. Plus my brakes still pull to one side really hard even after replacing everything.
We'll see how it does after I get the TCC working and I may put a sway bar back on it, but I doubt it. It's a wheeler and a cruiser, not a speedster. We ride it around town and on back roads but I do 55 on the interstate and just block the slow lane.
Interstate speed limits are just 70 around here anyways and I don't even do that in my CC very often, I just set it on 65 and relax. I grew very tired of fighting traffic when I was driving 3hrs to work and back and would just pull into the slow lane, set it about 62-63 and let the ones fighting so hard to get ahead just go around me and that was in my lifted XJ. I didn't even notice the difference in travel times for that length of drive. If it's late or I'm on a barren stretch or can get in with a group doing a speed I'm comfortable at I'll turn it up a bit, but if the lane changing and struggle start I just find a comfy spot and hang out till that's over.
We'll see how it does after I get the TCC working and I may put a sway bar back on it, but I doubt it. It's a wheeler and a cruiser, not a speedster. We ride it around town and on back roads but I do 55 on the interstate and just block the slow lane.
Interstate speed limits are just 70 around here anyways and I don't even do that in my CC very often, I just set it on 65 and relax. I grew very tired of fighting traffic when I was driving 3hrs to work and back and would just pull into the slow lane, set it about 62-63 and let the ones fighting so hard to get ahead just go around me and that was in my lifted XJ. I didn't even notice the difference in travel times for that length of drive. If it's late or I'm on a barren stretch or can get in with a group doing a speed I'm comfortable at I'll turn it up a bit, but if the lane changing and struggle start I just find a comfy spot and hang out till that's over.
Figured I'd bump this one 
I almost always have a trailer/buggy hooked to my K30 on longer trips and hence, I usually run 70 mph. It's a happy medium, running the engine fast enough to keep the EGT's good (12V Cummins) and slow enough to keep MPG in check.
Ran this Blazer Bash with just the pickup, no trailer. Ran 80-85 mph for the 200 mile trip each way, no problems (it is 75 and 80 mph speed limits for I70 through that stretch). But, again; overdrive, bigger tires and diff gears to make it all work together are the key to working well at higher speeds.
Noisier than a brand new pickup, but otherwise, nothing limiting an older truck with the right parts.
I almost always have a trailer/buggy hooked to my K30 on longer trips and hence, I usually run 70 mph. It's a happy medium, running the engine fast enough to keep the EGT's good (12V Cummins) and slow enough to keep MPG in check.
Ran this Blazer Bash with just the pickup, no trailer. Ran 80-85 mph for the 200 mile trip each way, no problems (it is 75 and 80 mph speed limits for I70 through that stretch). But, again; overdrive, bigger tires and diff gears to make it all work together are the key to working well at higher speeds.
Noisier than a brand new pickup, but otherwise, nothing limiting an older truck with the right parts.
Well, My bone stock 86 could cruise along at 80-85, and that was with a 2-barrel 350 going through a TH400, and 31x10.50 Bias ply Super Swampers.
I was on the highway when a firend of mine dared me to catch her in her focus, so I did, and besides the un-godly tire howl, it really wasn't too bad, I did have the top off at the time, so it was lighter than normal, and I had run her down rather quickly, the speedometer was as far as it would go, 85, and I was actually quite surprised with how sure-footed it felt at those speeds.
I'd even say it rode nicer at 85 too.
I was on the highway when a firend of mine dared me to catch her in her focus, so I did, and besides the un-godly tire howl, it really wasn't too bad, I did have the top off at the time, so it was lighter than normal, and I had run her down rather quickly, the speedometer was as far as it would go, 85, and I was actually quite surprised with how sure-footed it felt at those speeds.
I'd even say it rode nicer at 85 too.
I drove mine from GA to CA for KOH 2012. If the road allowed, I was doing atleast 70mph, speed limit be damned. If I was able to do 80mph, I did. Other than the Michelins being rediculously loud, no big deal. Something like 2800 miles that trip.
This picture was takin by my buddy, right after crossing the California state line.
This picture was takin by my buddy, right after crossing the California state line.
y5mgisi
1 ton status
With my junk it seems the faster I go the more difficult it is to keep it straight. It just veers and wanders something bad.
Thanks to some recently raised speed limits and some crazy traffic patterns over Labor Day weekend (
), I can say that my K10 handles 80 & 85 just fine. It has hardly ever gotten to do that, as Midwestern traffic is usually much more laid back. But it handled the road in a smooth and straight manner. Fuel mileage took a small hit; smaller than I was expecting.This is with 6.2 Diesel / 700R4 / 3.08:1 gearing / 29" tires. Completely stock suspension.
Everything is new on mine, mostly. Steering box is a PSC brand unit, psc assist cylinder. Kingpins have the springless, bronze bushings, with set screws for pre-load. I have an XJ steering shaft w/ ujoints. Cross-over steering with all new ends. HD tie rod. Steering box lowered on frame to correct draglink angle. All shocks and springs are new, as are all bushings. Every one of those things contributed to GREAT steering and handling. I'd let my 85 year old grandmother drive it cross country. 
Unfortunately, getting to that point isn't cheap or simple.
Unfortunately, getting to that point isn't cheap or simple.
When my '80 Jimmy still had the stock (ridiculously high) gears I tool a lot of road trips in it. Headed down to FL was great, into the Appalachians sucked. Carb'ed 350, TH350, NP205, 2.73:1
My dad's '85 K10 was always stock and I drove it to make deliveries when I worked for him in the late 80's. It would easily cruise all day at 75, which was as fast as I would go in OH back in the day. Sorry, but I don't remember much about the drivetrain. I know it was a SBC, probably a 305 with either TBI or a carb, TH700R4, NP208, unknown gears
And since you said solid axle I wasn't 100% sure you were just asking about these trucks or just in general about stuff with SFAs. My '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee was an awesome road tripper. Kind of forgotten the details on this one, too. But what I remember- FI 318, 4 spd auto, full time 4WD, 3.73:1
The '85 and the Jeep were both just as comfortable as my '95 Yukon. I don't think IFS is a must have for a road tripper. As long as it's geared right, has OD, quality springs & shocks, and good radial tires you be fine.
My dad's '85 K10 was always stock and I drove it to make deliveries when I worked for him in the late 80's. It would easily cruise all day at 75, which was as fast as I would go in OH back in the day. Sorry, but I don't remember much about the drivetrain. I know it was a SBC, probably a 305 with either TBI or a carb, TH700R4, NP208, unknown gears
And since you said solid axle I wasn't 100% sure you were just asking about these trucks or just in general about stuff with SFAs. My '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee was an awesome road tripper. Kind of forgotten the details on this one, too. But what I remember- FI 318, 4 spd auto, full time 4WD, 3.73:1
The '85 and the Jeep were both just as comfortable as my '95 Yukon. I don't think IFS is a must have for a road tripper. As long as it's geared right, has OD, quality springs & shocks, and good radial tires you be fine.
y5mgisi
1 ton status
Yea, something is just not right with my stuff then. I think I'm going to end up with new front Springs and shocks and new sway bar bushings and see how that does.
I don't think I'd take mine to 85 anymore. I think it could do it, but I need more miles on it before I'd trust my work. Everything has changed: 1-tons, new brakes, new springs, T-case partially rebuilt, new rear driveshaft, fuel reroute, etc. And I'm especially nervous after my axle fell off last time .
Even if everything was perfect, cruising 85 with no sway bar and squishy springs, non-factory brake system, high center of gravity, no airbags, etc etc. may be too much for me now that I'm old with kids and all that. A panic stop or evasive maneuver type thing may would not be pretty.
Back roads are more fun anyway.
.Even if everything was perfect, cruising 85 with no sway bar and squishy springs, non-factory brake system, high center of gravity, no airbags, etc etc. may be too much for me now that I'm old with kids and all that. A panic stop or evasive maneuver type thing may would not be pretty.
Back roads are more fun anyway.
I hit 70 in sand yesterday with a gps speedo 
I actually had it up to 85 for a little bit on the way up yesterday. It drives just fine. But the 4.56 gears and 33s lead to the motor just screaming
I actually had it up to 85 for a little bit on the way up yesterday. It drives just fine. But the 4.56 gears and 33s lead to the motor just screaming
I hit 70 in sand yesterday with a gps speedo
I actually had it up to 85 for a little bit on the way up yesterday. It drives just fine. But the 4.56 gears and 33s lead to the motor just screaming
Do you have a tach on your truck? Might come in handy knowing what your engine speed is while tearing through da dunes...
Do have
Oh yeah. I had forgotten the new gauge set came with all the modern conveniences.
What was your tach reading at 85MPH? Looks like it'd be somewhere around 3000RPM, given the ratio in that picture. Is that approximately right?
How high does it get while you're getting airtime?
Around 3 yes. With the 2500 stall converter.Oh yeah. I had forgotten the new gauge set came with all the modern conveniences.
What was your tach reading at 85MPH? Looks like it'd be somewhere around 3000RPM, given the ratio in that picture. Is that approximately right?
How high does it get while you're getting airtime?
Idk, I don't pay attention to it really in the dunes, only when on the road lol.
Bringing this one back up cause it's a great topic.
Most of you all know my setup but for those that don't it is a 82 C10 long bed. 91 10bolt rebuilt front a ord 4 link king coil overs kit. LQ4 6.0 with a 4l60e 4.56 gears and 35 inch tall general grabber red labels. It also has a newer aam 14 bolt with disc brakes.
I can cruise 80 all day long on the highway with one hand on the wheel. I haven't gotten it in the mountains but I will eventually and suspect I will need a sway bar which is in the works. I once got it up to 90 and it scared me cause the wind was pushing the truck up and felt really loose.
Most of you all know my setup but for those that don't it is a 82 C10 long bed. 91 10bolt rebuilt front a ord 4 link king coil overs kit. LQ4 6.0 with a 4l60e 4.56 gears and 35 inch tall general grabber red labels. It also has a newer aam 14 bolt with disc brakes.
I can cruise 80 all day long on the highway with one hand on the wheel. I haven't gotten it in the mountains but I will eventually and suspect I will need a sway bar which is in the works. I once got it up to 90 and it scared me cause the wind was pushing the truck up and felt really loose.
Yes I can,,easily 
actually can cruise quite a bit faster than that
actually can cruise quite a bit faster than that
