Found my first real sub to buy.....need some help first

[84CUCV]

It is a 78 3/4 ton sub w/ 4" lift 38" tiers. He said it is a 400/203 combo. The axles are a 14 bolt and a 44 in the front with 4.10 gears. Here is where I don't know what to do. There is no motor. SO there is no way for me to test the drive train. He also said it had a 454. I can get a 350 no problem, but a 454 is a different story. Will a 350 have the power for something like this? He also said it needs new front doors and that is it for rust. Any other things I should look for? He said he did not wheel it. I did think he could because the 44 would break. So I thought. ANY help would be very appreciated. Thanks a lot Mike

 

[Muddytazz]

yes a 350 will be fine, the 454 will have more power yes, but worse on the wallet at the tank. My dad has a 77 3/4ton 14bff d44 with 4.10's with a 350/th400/205 and it has mass power.

 

[Great78burb]

Sounds like a solid start for a great truck to me. A 350 will have plenty of power for it and you can find one with fuel injection for pretty decent prices. I have a '78 1/2 ton with a 350/350/203 combo and the first thing I am doing is to get some 3/4 ton axles. As for the rest of the vehicle, I would pull the covers on the diffs and examine the gears. They should not be chipped, burned, or have too much metal in the fluid. Another thing you might ask is if the 203 has been converted to part time. If the price feels right to you, go for it! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/burb.gif

 

[84CUCV]

Thanks for the help. I have a good feeling that it is coming home with me. Thanks Mike /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif