I just bought a 1981 short bed...need advice - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

supermaxxbasher · 10-27-2003, 11:24 AM

Hey guys I am new to this board so I am gonna need some advice on what I should do to my truck. The truck is a 1981 chevy short bed with a rebuilt 350 engine and tranny. The body is in really good shape and it has a good paint job. I want to know what rims look good on these trucks I was thinking something in the 17" range. I already have plans for the engine it should make around 400 horses when i get done. Another question I have is who makes a diff spool for these trucks cause I want to have full time posi. As for the height of the truck its already lowered to within an 1" of the top of the front tires but the back needs to come down about 4" or so. I also want to know what kind of mufflers I should run, I want something not to loud but has a definite aggressive sound.. I have looked around on this board and noticed alot of tube type front grills where can I get one like that and some have euro tail lights that I want but can't find. So any help I can get is appreciated.

**N2TRUX** · 10-27-2003, 11:47 AM

supermaxxbasher,
Welcome to the forum. We are glad to see new guys come along. If you post some pics of your truck, these guys will be glad to offer plenty of advice.

What style of wheel do you like? Some guys like new style some prefer classic style, and I like both. Look at the "pictures" forum, and you will see quit a few trucks posted there for ideas.

I have a single in, single out Flowmaster on my 77 Cheyenne. It has a nice deep rumble, but it's not too loud....

**Captkaos** · 10-27-2003, 12:04 PM

I cannot recommend the use of a Spool for use on the street, you need something that will unlock or differentiate for turns.

I can recommend a limited slip unit from Eaton, and Lock-rite and a few others have one that will go in an open diff.

78SilveradoSWB · 10-27-2003, 12:34 PM

Welcome to the board!

Mufflers: My personal choice would be Hooker Aero Chambers, nice rumble and no drone sound at 2000 rpm. Another choice are the Flowmaster, which really rumble, but they have a droning at 2K rpm. Board is about 50/50 on these two muffler brands, but there are some still advocates of glass packs too.

Wheels: I like the 17" American Racing Torque Thrust II's.

Lowering: Go with a flip kit which should get you a 5" drop in the rear.

supermaxxbasher · 10-27-2003, 12:52 PM

Thanks for the welcome guys.

Wheels: any type of 5 spoke design like the TT2's

mufflers: yeah I have heard the hookers on a camaro and they sound good so I think i might go with them.

Rear end: Where can i find this eaton posi diff at..

What really funny about this is that I hate trucks so I have driven my camaro and loved it but when I saw this truck I said hot damn I have got to get this. So now I have my 1989 camaro and a 1981 truck to go together.

I will get pics posted as soon as possible..

78SilveradoSWB · 10-27-2003, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by supermaxxbasher
Thanks for the welcome guys.

Rear end: Where can i find this eaton posi diff at..

I think Summit sells the Eaton posi.

I will get pics posted as soon as possible..

**swervin ervin** · 10-27-2003, 03:32 PM

Welcome to the board. You say you hate trucks. Why??

No matter, we will make you a truck lover before long. You been hanging around on 3rd gen boards too long.

I used to go over to thirdgen.org a very long time ago. I picked up some great info over there on Q-jets. But you are right, all them guys hated trucks. They all thought I was dumb as dirt for lowering my truck.

Anyway, I love my American Racing Torq Thrust II's. But it seems you may be wanting something in a more modern style. I like mine because I'm old.

Mufflers? IMO, the best one out there is the Hooker Aerochambers. You couldn't run fast enough to give me a Slowmaster. My head can't take the tin can drone they make.

Summit or Jegs sell posi differentials, as they do anything you can think of for performance. Go ahead and get some gears to go in it while you are at it, cause I know you probably got some sucky ones in there now.

Where's the pics, cause:

LOHRTBT · 10-27-2003, 03:51 PM

Welcome!

gldevall · 10-27-2003, 03:53 PM

Welcome. On the rear end parts, check ebay. I got my Eaton posi unit, 3.73 gears and the install kit for $540. Ebay is also a good place to find all sorts of items for out style of truck.

CRRoy71 · 10-27-2003, 11:40 PM

Welcome to the site.

supermaxxbasher · 10-28-2003, 05:16 PM

I hated trucks cause I couldn't stand to drive them at all especially long beds but when I saw this truck I feel in love. I will get pics up as soons as I can.

Low87 · 10-28-2003, 05:26 PM

Welcome to the board!

**swervin ervin** · 10-28-2003, 08:58 PM

I was just picking at you a little. We all have a thing around here. Anytime someone says something about a truck or mod and trys to describe it to us, we demand pics.

We're all just pic junkies.

Mike

Ric83 · 10-28-2003, 10:20 PM

Welcome!!
Ditto on the pics...

phantom dually · 10-28-2003, 11:05 PM

There is a guy that sells on ebay under quickgns. He lives in my area and has great e bay prices on gears and posi stuff. go with a 3.73 and a eaton posi. Anyways welcome to the board!!

supermaxxbasher · 10-29-2003, 01:13 AM

I don't get the truck tell the 3rd so I can't get pics till then but when i get it I will post pics.

supermaxxbasher · 10-31-2003, 01:10 PM

but I already have plans for it. I found a 4.5" front and 6" rear drop kit which would lower it to my liking and I am going to stick a set of 20" rims under it. I am going to put a ram air hood on it with a fiberglass tonneau cover so I can cover my 2200watts of audiobahn stereo equipment. I found out that these trucks look good when you put aftermarket parts on them. But I am going to try and go over and take some pics today.

**swervin ervin** · 10-31-2003, 01:48 PM

Yeah they look good with aftermarket parts, just be careful and don't rice it up. Remember the term. KISS.

10-27-2003, 11:24 AM	#1
supermaxxbasher Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9	I just bought a 1981 short bed...need advice Hey guys I am new to this board so I am gonna need some advice on what I should do to my truck. The truck is a 1981 chevy short bed with a rebuilt 350 engine and tranny. The body is in really good shape and it has a good paint job. I want to know what rims look good on these trucks I was thinking something in the 17" range. I already have plans for the engine it should make around 400 horses when i get done. Another question I have is who makes a diff spool for these trucks cause I want to have full time posi. As for the height of the truck its already lowered to within an 1" of the top of the front tires but the back needs to come down about 4" or so. I also want to know what kind of mufflers I should run, I want something not to loud but has a definite aggressive sound.. I have looked around on this board and noticed alot of tube type front grills where can I get one like that and some have euro tail lights that I want but can't find. So any help I can get is appreciated. Last edited by supermaxxbasher; 10-27-2003 at 11:28 AM.

10-27-2003, 11:47 AM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	supermaxxbasher, Welcome to the forum. We are glad to see new guys come along. If you post some pics of your truck, these guys will be glad to offer plenty of advice. What style of wheel do you like? Some guys like new style some prefer classic style, and I like both. Look at the "pictures" forum, and you will see quit a few trucks posted there for ideas. I have a single in, single out Flowmaster on my 77 Cheyenne. It has a nice deep rumble, but it's not too loud.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-27-2003, 12:04 PM	#3
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	I cannot recommend the use of a Spool for use on the street, you need something that will unlock or differentiate for turns. I can recommend a limited slip unit from Eaton, and Lock-rite and a few others have one that will go in an open diff. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

10-27-2003, 12:34 PM	#4
78SilveradoSWB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,615	Welcome to the board! Mufflers: My personal choice would be Hooker Aero Chambers, nice rumble and no drone sound at 2000 rpm. Another choice are the Flowmaster, which really rumble, but they have a droning at 2K rpm. Board is about 50/50 on these two muffler brands, but there are some still advocates of glass packs too. Wheels: I like the 17" American Racing Torque Thrust II's. Lowering: Go with a flip kit which should get you a 5" drop in the rear. __________________ Mitch 1978 Chevrolet Silverado C 10 454 BB, TH400

10-27-2003, 03:32 PM	#7
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Welcome to the board. You say you hate trucks. Why?? No matter, we will make you a truck lover before long. You been hanging around on 3rd gen boards too long. I used to go over to thirdgen.org a very long time ago. I picked up some great info over there on Q-jets. But you are right, all them guys hated trucks. They all thought I was dumb as dirt for lowering my truck. Anyway, I love my American Racing Torq Thrust II's. But it seems you may be wanting something in a more modern style. I like mine because I'm old. Mufflers? IMO, the best one out there is the Hooker Aerochambers. You couldn't run fast enough to give me a Slowmaster. My head can't take the tin can drone they make. Summit or Jegs sell posi differentials, as they do anything you can think of for performance. Go ahead and get some gears to go in it while you are at it, cause I know you probably got some sucky ones in there now. Where's the pics, cause: __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

10-27-2003, 12:52 PM	#5
supermaxxbasher Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9	Thanks for the welcome guys. Wheels: any type of 5 spoke design like the TT2's mufflers: yeah I have heard the hookers on a camaro and they sound good so I think i might go with them. Rear end: Where can i find this eaton posi diff at.. What really funny about this is that I hate trucks so I have driven my camaro and loved it but when I saw this truck I said hot damn I have got to get this. So now I have my 1989 camaro and a 1981 truck to go together. I will get pics posted as soon as possible..

10-27-2003, 03:51 PM	#8
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Welcome! __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

10-27-2003, 03:53 PM	#9
gldevall Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Walker, LA Posts: 2,925	Welcome. On the rear end parts, check ebay. I got my Eaton posi unit, 3.73 gears and the install kit for $540. Ebay is also a good place to find all sorts of items for out style of truck. __________________ Gary -1986 SWB: lowered 4/6, SOLD!!! -Best 1/4 mile: 14.51 @ 91.01 MPH -2001 Pewter Tahoe, billet grill, Corsa Sport Cat-back, K&N FIPK SOLD!!! -2004 Z-71 Extended cab with a flowmaster, BDS 6.5", 3" BL, 35x12.5x18 Trail Grapplers on Pro-Comp 18x9 wheels

10-27-2003, 11:40 PM	#10
CRRoy71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mont Belvieu, TX Posts: 852	Welcome to the site. __________________ Chris '92 ext. cab s/b 4.3L "Sparky" '04 crew cab 2500 4x4 6.0L

10-28-2003, 05:16 PM	#11
supermaxxbasher Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9	I hated trucks cause I couldn't stand to drive them at all especially long beds but when I saw this truck I feel in love. I will get pics up as soons as I can.

10-28-2003, 05:26 PM	#12
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	Welcome to the board! __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

10-28-2003, 08:58 PM	#13
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I was just picking at you a little. We all have a thing around here. Anytime someone says something about a truck or mod and trys to describe it to us, we demand pics. We're all just pic junkies. Mike

10-28-2003, 10:20 PM	#14
Ric83 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 824	Welcome!! Ditto on the pics... __________________ Ric '83 Silverado SWB Fleetside Here she is

10-28-2003, 11:05 PM	#15
phantom dually Project92 SWB stepside Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 4,792	There is a guy that sells on ebay under quickgns. He lives in my area and has great e bay prices on gears and posi stuff. go with a 3.73 and a eaton posi. Anyways welcome to the board!! __________________ 92 C1500 stepside 496 Stroker Competiton Engineering Ladder bars/QA1 coilovers. Dana 60 rear with 4.10 gear and posi. Bonspeed Palisade 20x12 in rear w/335/30/20 and 20x8.5 front w/245/40/20. 5/8 drop with Belltech springs/DJM spindles/drop shocks. WWS Progress thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=140448

10-29-2003, 01:13 AM	#16
supermaxxbasher Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9	I don't get the truck tell the 3rd so I can't get pics till then but when i get it I will post pics.



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10-31-2003, 01:10 PM	#17
supermaxxbasher Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 9	but I already have plans for it. I found a 4.5" front and 6" rear drop kit which would lower it to my liking and I am going to stick a set of 20" rims under it. I am going to put a ram air hood on it with a fiberglass tonneau cover so I can cover my 2200watts of audiobahn stereo equipment. I found out that these trucks look good when you put aftermarket parts on them. But I am going to try and go over and take some pics today.

10-31-2003, 01:48 PM	#18
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Yeah they look good with aftermarket parts, just be careful and don't rice it up. Remember the term. KISS. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

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