1986 GMC Crew Cab, Dually, 4x4

[ssapach]

Well I figured I would start posting a little more info on my truck, so I guess the easiest would be a build thread.

I started off with a 1986 GMC crew cab, dually, 4x4 with a 454 and a 4 speed. The 454 was running on propane when I got my hands on it, I think that's the only reason the truck was for sale as long as it was....which allowed me to get a hold of it.

The truck had a touch over 130 000 km's on it when I went to see it, and I even took my 1/2 ton with the tow bar and lights in anticipation of driving the dually home.

This is how it looked the day I drove it home:






It had a few too many mud flaps in the rear for my liking, but I wanted it to hold my welder and tools and such. Did a fine job of it for how much I drove it.

As far as square body trucks go, this one is as close to new as I have ever owned so far and I really enjoyed driving it around with or without anything in the back. It handles nice and rides nice for an old truck.

[ssapach]

I tried out some HID headlights for my high-beams, but there was WAY too much interference with the radio. They were nice and bright, but they didn't last long before I got rid of them.

[ssapach]

The old propane tank didn't even have a handle on the main valve on the driver's side:



It was time to get rid of the propane tanks and replace them with some gas tanks. I had a pair of tanks given to me for free, one was practically brand new and the other was older, but still in great shape.

So I tore into the motor a little...

[ssapach]

I figure if I'm taking stuff off, I'll put some shiny new stuff on!





I actually would have preferred a blue distributor cap, but I was in a hurry to get one and I live over an hour drive from any real aftermarket parts stores. I can always switch it out later anyways.



And the valve covers and air cleaner were just an easy touch up.

[bilfman]

Looks great so far, I love the 4x4 duallys, I just did a 4l80e/np205 swap into my 79.

[ssapach]

Originally Posted by bilfman

Looks great so far, I love the 4x4 duallys, I just did a 4l80e/np205 swap into my 79.

Thanks!

I love the looks of the dually trucks, but for something to just drive around with I think a reg cab, long box would be a very nice ride. The 4 door dually is a big long truck, not exactly parking lot friendly.

Bear with me for a little longer, I have a few more pics to post!

[ssapach]

This is the pile of junk I pulled off the truck. Running boards and brackets, mudflap brackets and whatever else I didn't like....



And this is the pile of miscellaneous wiring I ripped out from under the hood. Nothing serious, but cluttered wiring always looks scrappy.



This truck came from the factory with dual batteries, not sure if that was an option on its own or if it was part of the "Camper Special" package. Either way, I removed the isolator, because I had no use for a second battery unless it was going to be used for cranking the engine.

This little guy had to go:


So I made some nice new battery cables for everything out of some 1 ga welding cable. Soldered and crimped the lugs on the ends and put heat shrink tube over them. They should last a fairly long while.



I also added this little gizmo inside the cab. Not planning anything just yet, but the truck is capable so might as well have it.

[UPNADM]

Very good looking truck. I had a crew cab dually 4x4 in the past, it was fun.

I like your color!

[survivingalone]

factory color? it looks like there is metallic in the paint.

[low n slow 1965]

Looks great man
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[ssapach]

Not the original color, not even a GM color. I believe it's a Chrysler color, but I loved the color so I wasn't going to be too picky about having a true GM color.

It's got a fair bit of pearl in it, makes it sparkle and shine quite nicely in the sunlight.

[Greenlee]

Nice work! The truck looks great. I like the one ton 4x4's.
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[Woogeroo]

sweet dually!

-W