Daily Driver's?

[Jrgunn5150]

How many of you DD your rig's, and how far, in what type of traffic? My 69 is torn to pieces at the moment. But I would like a mild resto on it. It's a regular old 350/4speed. Probably gonna go with 4.10's and a posi out back. I can't really stand to think of banging it up on the trail, so I will keep my 79 K5 for that.

I guess my question is, should I swap in a 700r4 and some 4.56's for cruising/light duty wheeling. Or should I just keep it as a weekend fun vehicle? I drive about 30 miles each way in SoCal.

***Edit, I'm sorry, but I'm really just looking for some direction here, I'm in love with the rig, just don't know what to do with it.

 

[vtblazer]

I used on as my work truck for awhile.
396 big block th-350 and 4:10's w/265 tires.

It was fairly slow on the interstate but I didn't wanna run the big block over 3K either.

 

[vtblazer]

If I were to drive one again as a DD, an over-drive would be a must.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I was just browsing your 4500 swap with quite a bit of interest, lol. I have it all apart, so it's the perfect time.

 

[69TowRig]

How big and what size tires? Your gearing choices hinge on those a bit. I think overdrive is a MUST nowadays with gas prices being what they are, so the 700R4/4.56 combo sounds like a nice compromise.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

No bigger than 35's, probably 33's.

I'm getting the body and frame ready for the sandblaster at the moment, so I'm not in a rush there. It will be a very light duty wheeler. I feel obligated to keep it in good shape, and I want to stick some creature comfort's in there while I'm at it, like AC, and maybe power locks and windows.

 

[bouncytruck]

I drive mine daily. My commute is about 6.5 miles in some of Seattle's heaviest traffic (I-405 - takes about 30 -45 minutes). My rig is running a bone stock 350/TH350 with 3.07 gears and 235/85R16 tires on a 4" lift. I get about 13-14 mpg (less with the AC on). I don't see a need for the overdrive in my commute as I'm rearely going fast enough to need it.

My last rig had a mild built 350/TH350 with shift kit, 4.10's, 35" tires on a 6" lift. I got about 6 MPG and it didn't really make for a great daily driver with a fair amount of bumpsteer.

I'd probably stick with 3.73s and 33's for more driveablity.

 

[JDahl]

I used to drive my 72 Blazer 70 miles to and from work every day. If I remember correctly, with 31.50's I ran between 2200-2400 rpm with 350/4spd. It has been several years since It did the daily driver, I dont recall the gas mileage being that bad.

 

[CumminsChick]

my burb is my DD, i drive 56 miles to work and 56 miles home and usually about 110+ each way on the weekends to my ranch. shes made every trip..but when i get the cummins the trip will be shorter.

~b