1986 swb suspension question

[Mrtn15]

My truck; 1986 chevy silverado 2WD 350/350.

I have a 3 speed automatic.. Would buying a turbo 400 be worth it?

Also, what is the stock height for these trucks? I want to lower the back and even it out, but I don't know how much to drop the back end
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[softballnrd27]

What are the plans for the truck? Is it going ot have alot of hp in the future? Your th350 should be fine.

[babyJay]

A TH400 is also a 3 speed automatic, so you wouldn't gain any lower RPM at cruise speeds, you would need a 700R4,4L60E,4L80E in order to gain overdrive. The 400 handles more abuse and HP than the 350TH does.

Stock height varies according to model. Yours is SWB so I'm assuming its a half ton, not a 3/4 or 1 ton longbed cut down to SWB.

According to LMC catalog, a 2 inch drop in rear brings the half ton trucks to level.

[Mrtn15]

Originally Posted by babyJay

Stock height varies according to model. Yours is SWB so I'm assuming its a half ton, not a 3/4 or 1 ton longbed cut down to SWB.

Thanks, mines a Stock SWB, And I dont know about the whole HP thing, Its a Stock motor. Would a 700R4 give me more power? or what ? I just hate 3 speeds

[Mrtn15]

Originally Posted by softballnrd27

Is it going ot have alot of hp in the future? Your th350 should be fine.

I don't think so, Im 18 and dont really know much about these trucks.. I want some more power though, What would you suggest ? Gears? only upgrades I have are edelbrock valve covers, carb, and air filter cover

[babyJay]

Originally Posted by Mrtn15

Thanks, mines a Stock SWB, And I dont know about the whole HP thing, Its a Stock motor. Would a 700R4 give me more power? or what ? I just hate 3 speeds

It would lower your RPM's and improve gas mileage. You'll have to do some upgrades to the internals of the engine for more power.

[Clyde65]

there is actually two different stances on the 80's truck, if they were heavy half then they had stiffer springs and would ride stiffer and carry a little more. One of the tell tale signs is dual tanks among other items.

[babyJay]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

there is actually two different stances on the 80's truck, if they were heavy half then they had stiffer springs and would ride stiffer and carry a little more. One of the tell tale signs is dual tanks among other items.

Not to say they don't exist, but I personally have never seen a SWB heavy half. Not disagreeing with Clyde's statement applying to a longbed truck.

[N2TRUX]

We need to know more about what you have now. What gears are in the truck, and what size tires are you running? A gear change is more economical than a transmission swap, but we need to know whats already there.

The quickest and cheapest way to lower the rear is a lowering shackle. Check our Vendor Marketplace for Forum deals on suspension. LINK

[Mrtn15]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

what size tires are you running? A gear change is more economical than a transmission swap, but we need to know whats already there.LINK

okay, My gears I guess are stock. I havent changed or looked since I got the truck, theyre not posi trac or anything. And My tires are 275/60/R15.

[Mrtn15]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

there is actually two different stances on the 80's truck, if they were heavy half then they had stiffer springs and would ride stiffer and carry a little more. One of the tell tale signs is dual tanks among other items.

I have dual tanks, And I could get a pic of the undercarriage if you'd like ?

[benoit454]

they still had a 3 speed in 86? I figured it would have been a 700r4 with OD, unless someone has changed it, it's more then likely a th350c with electronic torque convertor lock up. Yea it might save a tad bit of gas but I'd get rid of it for a reg. th350.

shift kit makes things more interesting, some tire chirp shifts.

gear change excellent idea, nore power and torque, headers, exhaust, cap, wires, rotor, normal tune up stuff, compression check to make sure it's not worn out.

[big_b]

does your truck have the original th350? if it did it would be a th350c wich has a lock up torque converter that kinda acts as an overdrive.