Reliability of the truck

[feller]

My question is regarding the reliability of the truck itself, I have a 72 c10 that I'm planning on swapping a 2001 4.8/4l60 in, planning on rebuilding the rear-end and checking out the brakes and so on. Is it possible to get a truck that's reliable to drive from coast to coast, even though it's a 1972? And most of my build will be in the budget category lold, call me a tight wad. Thanks in advance.

[Clyde65]

If you rebuild the usual wear items ( bushings, brakes, rubber stuff)
My swap I would easily trust, it only has about 13k miles on it and everything has been rebuilt as I described above along with tears end.

[feller]

That's what I was thinking, but I guess I worry about stuff too much. My donor 4.8 has 170k and seemed to run fine before I pulled it, so as of now I'm not planning on rebuilding it or the transmission, but that could always change. I couldn't find any rebuild kits for what I considered decent price, tight wad.

[BR3W CITY]

IMO aside from basic maintenace during the swap (timing belt, oil pump, water pump might not be the worst idea), your biggest focus should be on chassis maintenance.

Grease and check any greasable bushings/joints. Do the brakes and check all the brake and fuel line for leaks/kinks. Take a look at any rag joints or steering joints, and make sure that the control arm bushing isn't worn, as well as the rear suspension joints.

[feller]

Totally my thoughts, best thing about the rear-end, it's a leaf spring truck, so a little less worry there. I guess since the rear drive shaft has already been tossed out of the truck itself makes me nervous, that issue will be addressed during install.

[Heavymetl]

For a home "built" truck, you need to watch the little things. Wires and lines rubbing, good electrical connections, heat shielding critical items, and logical wiring that easy to troubleshoot, etc.

The engine and trans, and suspension will likely be fine. It's the little things that matter.

[t300]

and try to stay away from custom wear parts or items you can't get at your local dealer or auto parts store. Last thing you want to be is stuck on the road with a faulty part thats only available from a specialty shop.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by t300

and try to stay away from custom wear parts or items you can't get at your local dealer or auto parts store. Last thing you want to be is stuck on the road with a faulty part thats only available from a specialty shop.

I have to carry my own spares box for that reason. Prob 80% of my stuff is store replaceable, but stuff like my oversize plug wires, steering joint, AN fuel.hardware for fuel filter, is all custom size. The more performance/custom/race stuff you add, the harder it gets.

[mongocanfly]

Agreed with all above..I wouldn't be scared to drive mine cross country..check out fasttoys coe...he's racking up the miles on his..I think he's well over 40k now

[feller]

Great info, and opinions, thanks guys.