I just picked up this truck:
http://imagedo.com/files/bxavxrqe2llxohwzd1u4.jpg

I am trying to get this trail ready and try to improve my gas millage if possible.

I just replace the front leaf springs, rides much better now. It currently has rear blocks, should I swap those out for new springs? I bought a paid Superlift Soft-Rides for $99/each for the front, should I get some for the rear too or can I get away with rear blocks?

I am not looking to crawl with this truck, due to the tiny axles, it's just going to be a camping trail truck for the weekends.

So what would you guys suggest? I am looking to spend around $1k fixing it up, over the course of the next 2-3 months, so it is ready for the cooler season ahead.

Thanks

I would ditch the rear blocks, a shackle flip is pretty cheap and will give you about 4" of lift in the rear.

Less than the $220 I would pay for new springs?

Anyone?

For just camping trails (I'm picturing dirt roads more than trails), I'd say leave it as is for reliability. Some nice tires (aggressive AT's or some MT's depending on how much road it sees), maybe a cheap locker/welded rear, and beat the crap out of it.

As for the shackle flip, try a search in the Chevy section:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=678064&highlight=homemade+shackle+flip
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=695537&highlight=shackle+flip

My 2 cents.

For just camping trails (I'm picturing dirt roads more than trails), I'd say leave it as is for reliability. Some nice tires (aggressive AT's or some MT's depending on how much road it sees), maybe a cheap locker/welded rear, and beat the crap out of it.



id leave the blocks alone. ive always had blocks in my offroad truck and never had any problems even had a 3inch one in a daily driver i used to tow with. id recommend maybe a locker also. i got a s10 blazer with fullsize axles under it with just some generic all terrains and this thing can go through some crap

Is it a carb'd 350? My money would go tires, winch, good battery, TBI conversion parts.

Is it a carb'd 350? My money would go tires, winch, good battery, TBI conversion parts.

Yeah, it is carb'd. I have brand new BFG All Terrains, I was told these are great for Arizona trails, is that true, or should I get something better?

I cannot beat the shit out of this truck because it is also my semi daily driver, I drive it to work 2-3 days a week.

I cannot beat the shit out of this truck because it is also my semi daily driver, I drive it to work 2-3 days a week.

As a DD, leave it as is and upgrade for reliability than trail-worthiness. A locker is livable on the street, and makes a huge difference in the dirt and EFI is more reliable both on and off-road, so both of those make good choices.

After that, throw some skid plates/rocker guards on it to keep it looking good and the rocks away from the undercarriage, and call it done. At least until you can pick up a proper DD and make the truck your primary wheeler.

Converting to TBI is pretty simple. I am running GM TBI on my IH 345. All required information can be found here -> http://www.binderbulletin.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=75

I sold my carb for about what I have in my TBI set up.

How much is a TBI swap then? Would I see a major difference in MPG? Loose any power?

It idels a little rough, I am going to check the valves and everything this weekend.