I'm from the Toyota board, but am having kids at such a rate I need to go to something bigger. I need tons of interior space and something that can pull a camper.

I'm kicking around getting a crew cab Chevy 4x4. I've owned Chevies before but they were K5 blazers.

What are the weak points as far as axles, trannies, and engines in the 1 ton 4x4 Chevy's? I have seen a couple on ebay with 454, auto tranny-was there ever a manual with these? I think they had a 4.11 rear.

I'd consider getting one with a 350 just to keep the mileage as high as possible-is that wise?

How are the prices on parts-brake shoes, etc?

Thanks!

The only weakspot I know of is a 700r4 lasting longer than 125k without a rebuild. They did make a manuel version available with the infamous (NV4500) that is a 5 speed with the 5th gear being overdrive=KILLER TRANNY!!! Get one you wont be disappointed......hey newbie...:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

Things to stay away from is the NP203 case, unless you want to do a doubler. I would not recommend a 350. In my experience with chevy duallies/ one tons that the 350 works so hard that the 454 is very competitive for fuel empty and wins hands down loaded or pulling a trailer. (I have owned 6 one tons ranging from 89-98 year models) I would look for a Th400/NP205 combo 87 or above to get FI and really increase mileage. Expect to get 10 MPG on average unless you get a new enough one to have overdrive. My 98 with 3.73's and a 4L80 overdrive gets 13.5 on the highway empty and 9 pulling my K-5 over the mountains weighing 8000K truck and trailer if I drive it reasonably. The frame at the steering box is the weakest point. Check for cracks there. They did come with a 4 speed granny low but it is unsincronized(sp?) low gear and mostly useless on the road. All wear items are cheap except the rotors. If you buy one with 4.10's I would put 33's on it to help the mileage. If you are going to keep smaller tires look for one with 3.73's. :smokin:

1 Tons never had 700R4's they had TH400's and 4L80's both of which are unstopable:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

Originally posted by Butch
1 Tons never had 700R4's they had TH400's and 4L80's both of which are unstopable:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

That's funny my 90 6.2 1 ton has one cause I just replaced it after 146k on original tranny.....:flipoff2: :flipoff2: :D

some stock 700R4s do indeed have problems. I know Art Carr, Jet Perf, and Perf Auto Center (those guys in Louisiana that make the Raptor) all make beefy 700s that solve said issues.

J

Hello- first of all good choice to switch to Chevy and second there are virtually no weak points of a 1 ton cure cab, but if that isn’t enough I would suggest a 3/4-ton burb. Find one with a 454, th400, np205, ff14, and just a Dana 60 and you could toe anything and have more interior space than you would now to with.:beer:

In a one ton crew cab that is doing lots of work you definately want a 454. I have driven 350's that worked well in 1 tons but they were geared really low(4.56's with SM465 and 235/85R16) and concequently got poor fuel economy. That's ok if your company is paying the bills but for the average person towing or carrying heavy loads long distance a 454 will probably actually work out cheaper on fuel. Not to mention that the 454 has got some get up and go!