I couldn't do it. I had the for sale sign on for a while and everything, and was all ready to sell the 83 1/2 ton that I restored, but I couldn't do it. While I am no longer shopping for a newer turbo diesel, I now have a few issues with the current truck which I would like to work through. The body I have came from a 6.2 diesel, and I kept the hydro-boost brake system that came with it. The pump is about done now, and I'd like to go back to a pump that just drives my power steering, and go with a vacuum assist brake booster. My question is this (1st question :) ) Can I bolt a vacuum assist booster, master cylinder combo up to the pedal linkage and rod that the hydro-boost came with from the factory? The other thing that was wrong with the truck, that I didn't want to mess with, is the front outboard u-joints on the axles. The passenger side is trashed, and I'm sure the drivers side could use R&R too. I'm not so worried about the proceedure on this one, as I have a good GM Shop manual that came new with the truck, as I am about how long it's taken you guys who have done it before. Afternoon? Weekend? I know I will need to replace at least the passenger side inboard axle shaft also. If I'm going to do tie rod ends and ball joints, would it be best to just tear into it friday night and completely do the front end all at once? I also want new gears, as this truck has the 2.73 ratio in it now, which makes the overdrive totally useless with 32 inch tires, but I'm a bit nervous about setting the last on the ring and pinion. So basically, if anyone has any tips, or lists of tools I should gather before hand, tricks, I'm all ears. Thanks guys. It's great to know I'll be owning something I can work on for at least a few more years. Thanks also to everyone who suggested joining the diesel page and reading their forums. I still want a 6.5 some day, but it just won't work when I'm still in school and don't have year long income to throw at the 4 digit problem$ which so many speak about.
MT
I don't know enough about 4x4's to answer your driveline questions, but as far as the brake booster goes, I did the opposite a number of years ago - vacumn can off, Hydro-Boost on.
As I recall, no problem bolting the booster/cylinder up to the firewall, what I can't remember is if the pedal pushrod was the right length or not. I believe it fit up OK too, but I can't say 100%. (As I said, it's been years!)
If it's only the power steering pump that's the problem, I think it would be easier to just replace the pump and leave your brake system alone. (When I did mine, I had all the parts off a donor truck handy, and my booster/cylinder was in need of replacement anyway)
Just a thought!

Hey all,
I.m a solo lawn mowing outfit & am considering getting into the Plow biz for year round income. I'm checking with my current customers & got 7 responses that said they would use me for their plowing. Course they want to know price. I'm working on that.
I definitely need to upgrade my '04 6 cyl 1500. A few guys around here I've spoken with (3/4 ton Ford owners) say Chevy's sit lower to the ground when a Plow is mounted. What do they mean? I gotta say the Ford 3/4 ton do LOOK heavier duty than Chevy. They LOOK more like work trucks to me. I've always had Chevy.
I'm coming to grips with the fact I probably need a 3/4 ton. I've always wanted an ext cab Chevy 1/2 ton 'cause my truck has been business/personal. This plowing thing changes all that. Operational costs (fuel, gear needed for plowing, etc) make it prohibitive to own a 3/4 ton for pleasure. I would have to make it all business I guess & buy a Yugo to get around.
Sorry for the multi question post. I just got a lot of thinkin to do to decide if it's worth the investment. I would value your input!
thanks alot!!!
hillndale:salute:
Hey all,
I.m a solo lawn mowing outfit & am considering getting into the Plow biz for year round income. I'm checking with my current customers & got 7 responses that said they would use me for their plowing. Course they want to know price. I'm working on that.
I definitely need to upgrade my '04 6 cyl 1500. A few guys around here I've spoken with (3/4 ton Ford owners) say Chevy's sit lower to the ground when a Plow is mounted. What do they mean? I gotta say the Ford 3/4 ton do LOOK heavier duty than Chevy. They LOOK more like work trucks to me. I've always had Chevy.
I'm coming to grips with the fact I probably need a 3/4 ton. I've always wanted an ext cab Chevy 1/2 ton 'cause my truck has been business/personal. This plowing thing changes all that. Operational costs (fuel, gear needed for plowing, etc) make it prohibitive to own a 3/4 ton for pleasure. I would have to make it all business I guess & buy a Yugo to get around.
Sorry for the multi question post. I just got a lot of thinkin to do to decide if it's worth the investment. I would value your input!
thanks alot!!!
hillndale:salute: For business and PLEASURE, you won't wanna run around in a lumber wagon Ford. There is nothing wrong with GM and a plow, they have torsion bars that need to be cranked up when the plow is on. And, of course the Ford guys are bad mouthing GM, just like the GM guys bad mouth the Ford. Just get what you like.
Don't listen to those ford guys. If you are looking at a bigger truck, I would go with a 2500hd cab and a half with the timbern front suspension system. That way you get personnal use along with business. Plus you get more towing cap. and the 2500s are better for plowing than the half tons. I have a 02 regular cab with the timbern suspention system and love it. Of course I'm not married so I don't need a ext. cab truck. But what ever you need to get the job done.
Don't listen to those ford guys. If you are looking at a bigger truck, I would go with a 2500hd cab and a half with the timbern front suspension system. That way you get personnal use along with business. Plus you get more towing cap. and the 2500s are better for plowing than the half tons. I have a 02 regular cab with the timbern suspention system and love it. Of course I'm not married so I don't need a ext. cab truck. But what ever you need to get the job done. The Chevys have no problems carrying a plow and they ride alot better than ford's. Crank the bars 5 turns and timberns on the front. You will need some ballast in the bed. I can get you a supplier discount on a new chevy or GMC. I have a 05 ext cab Chevy 2500 HD and will put it up against anybodys 3/4 for plowing. I love this truck for pushing or pulling, its a beast.
Regards Mike
Supplier discount? I ordered one 5 weeks ago, it'll be here any time now, what kind of discount?
Supplier discount? I ordered one 5 weeks ago, it'll be here any time now, what kind of discount? Hi Jeff
Since I work for GM they have a program where I can get friends a supplier discount. I only can give 2 of these away a month. I think you will save somewhere around 1000.00- 1500.00 more. Check with your dealer to see if you can use it on the truck you ordered. I know I need the following from you.
1- The legal name of the purchaser
2- The last 4 of your SS number
3- A valaid email address so GM can send you the info you need to give to the dealer
4- Purchaser's date of birth.
Let me know if you need one.payup
Regards Mike
Or you can get the ford and not have to crank anything up or spend extra money on timbrens to try to make a chevy car with a bed into a truck.
Had to jump in and say something...lol
Or you can get the ford and not have to crank anything up or spend extra money on timbrens to try to make a chevy car with a bed into a truck.
Had to jump in and say something...lol
Oh boy...Here we go! Yer gunna start sumthin'. LOL
The Ford the fella got that I was talkin' to was actually a 1 ton. I thought it was a 3/4, and it did have the Timbrens on it from the dealer and did seem a very beefed up rugged truck. Definately no crankin' torsion bars for sure.
Really, what is the difference between a 3/4 Chevy & a 3/4 Ford? I'm talkin' suspension, towing etc. I love my '04 4x4 1500 single cab, full bed pick up, but it's really isn't made for heavy work. I cleaned up some sand last spring and was going down the highway at 30MPH with the front end up in the air weaving back & forth. I didn,t think I was gonna make it. Needless to say I was disappointed in my "work truck".
hillndale
Hey thanks much for the responses regarding making a decision on an upgrade.
My father had a 2005 2500 hd he got a 8 foot boss plow installed on it. The front end definitely was sagging. He had to crank up the torsion bars like previous people have said. Some people say turning up the torsion bars has no negative effects on the front end some people say it does, I really don't know either way. Even after he turned them up i still could tell it sagged a little... i didn't like it at all but the truck seemed to drive as good as new.
The Chevy's do ride very nice, i felt like i was in a luxury car when i was driving my fathers truck. When i went looking for a truck i wasn't concerned as much about the ride (after all it is a truck not a car) Both my ford and my dodge handle a 8 foot plow with very little sag at all and i didn't have to do anything to them. I did put timbrens on the dodge just for added measures. I don't like independent front suspension for plowing that was the one thing that always stopped me from looking at Chevy's.
Hi Jeff
Since I work for GM they have a program where I can get friends a supplier discount. I only can give 2 of these away a month. I think you will save somewhere around 1000.00- 1500.00 more. Check with your dealer to see if you can use it on the truck you ordered. I know I need the following from you.
1- The legal name of the purchaser
2- The last 4 of your SS number
3- A valaid email address so GM can send you the info you need to give to the dealer
4- Purchaser's date of birth.
Let me know if you need one.payup
Regards Mike
It wont let me PM you, can you shoot me an email?
Thanks,
Jeff98ny@gmail.com
Arn't chevy 2500HD the 3500 singal rear wheel trucks?
Hey all,
I.m a solo lawn mowing outfit & am considering getting into the Plow biz for year round income. I'm checking with my current customers & got 7 responses that said they would use me for their plowing. Course they want to know price. I'm working on that.
I definitely need to upgrade my '04 6 cyl 1500. A few guys around here I've spoken with (3/4 ton Ford owners) say Chevy's sit lower to the ground when a Plow is mounted. What do they mean? I gotta say the Ford 3/4 ton do LOOK heavier duty than Chevy. They LOOK more like work trucks to me. I've always had Chevy.
I'm coming to grips with the fact I probably need a 3/4 ton. I've always wanted an ext cab Chevy 1/2 ton 'cause my truck has been business/personal. This plowing thing changes all that. Operational costs (fuel, gear needed for plowing, etc) make it prohibitive to own a 3/4 ton for pleasure. I would have to make it all business I guess & buy a Yugo to get around.
Sorry for the multi question post. I just got a lot of thinkin to do to decide if it's worth the investment. I would value your input!
thanks alot!!!
hillndale:salute: yes chevy's will sit lower with the plow on. get the ford for plowing!!!! don't listen to the chevy guys(sorry). listen to someone that uses both ford and chevy. i personally use chevy ford and gmc 3/4 ton. they all make me money. if you want a good ride and ease of getting in and out of (low to the ground) get the chevy. if you want a heavier built front end get the ford or dodge. if you get the ford it will be ready to go from the fractory ( no timbrens or torision bar adjustments) trust me i know because we use three brands.
yes chevy's will sit lower with the plow on. get the ford for plowing!!!! don't listen to the chevy guys(sorry). if you get the ford it will be ready to go from the fractory ( no timbrens or torision bar adjustments) trust me i know because we use three brands. Thanks -- For plowing ONLY, I think the Ford is probably better. This bothers me as I have always had Chevy. I like the way the Chevy drives and steers, handles etc. I will go test drive a Ford. Been a long time since I drove one. Ideally a used 3/4 ton Ford would work, but I never know what problems I inherit going used.
Thanks for all the info people. I know you know your stuff!! wesport
hillndale
Chevy is a smoother ride. Torsion bars are a few minutes to adjust which is easy. Ford's are higher, rougher ride and after 10 hours hours in the cab you'll be more fatigued.
Either truck will perform just fine. Pick one you like enough to keep in the Chevy 2500 or F250 and above range. Plow prep package and keep up the maintenance!
A Chevy or GMC will handle a plow just a well as a Ford or Dodge. As far a the sagging front end. Look at it this way. A Ford or Dodge when factory they have very little if and rake in the truck (i.e. they sit level). The Chevy and GMC will have some rake (i.e. lower front compared to rear. This is the main reason people say that Chevy's or GMC's "sag" when carrying a plow. A few turn of the torsion bars will bring of the front end. I believe that if you actually look at how much the front end drops when the plow is lifted you will find similar numbers when comparing similar trucks across the different brands. The fords and Dodges will have a some what stouter front end because they use solid front axles, but that is not saying the the GM products are trash. My 8' western pro plow (around 700lbs) drops my front end on my GMC maybe an 1" at most (never measured) when lifted. I have 3 turns on the torsion bars and timbrens. Total time to install the timbrens and torsion bars adjustment was like an hour at most. I am sure a few more turns on the bars will reduce the drop, but I am happy with it the way it is.
Not trying to bash chevy guys/dodge guys...everyone has a preference/opinion...Since when is a work truck suppose to ride like a Cadillac? :dizzy: LOL I had to, anyways, I think they all ride a little rough to be honest, the Ford rides rough yes but becuase of the coil front suspension...We have an 05 with an 8'6" MVP on it...still holds its head up high with the plow on it...Also We use it as a personal truck EVERYDAY! It only plows in the winter, pulls a race car here or there....But dollar for dollar I don't think you can beat the Ford...And the Chevy's like to sag, call around local install shops they will tell you the chevys hold the wieght the worst. ...A guy plowed for us last winter had an 04 2500 HD with an 8ft western on it, the frame of the plow would hit curbs every so often....It comes down to personal preference....The Ford is the best choice for me, suspension wise, and looks wise...It also has a lot of room inside.....Good luck, let us know how it works out...
M & M,
I own a 2002 F350 w/ 7.3 & a 2005 3500 w/ 6.6 duramax both have single rear wheels. I have timbrens on the front ends of both trucks with 8 ft. pro plows on both. Each truck sags in the front with the plow up. Chevy looks as if it drops more because its lower to begin with. I'll take the greater turning ability of the independent front suspension over the solid axle with leaf springs any day. On another note, the frame of my chevy has way more beef in the rear than the ford does not to mention the heavier and greater # of leaf springs. What you loose on the front end with the chevy you gain in the rear as far as payload capacity. Ford dips as bad if not worse in the rear w/payload as the chevy does on the front end w/plow. Both trucks are rated at 9,900 lbs. Just my 2 cents!
Dan
:drinkup: It is all preference....My 03 tows my Nova with ease, doesnt sag, the 05 pulls it to doesnt sag....It is all personnal preference...not stepping on any ones toes...just my .02 cents...Ford to me is the superior truck...there are guys who love them and hate them same with every other make....we all have opinions
to every one....--->
any of the trucks would suit your needs....pick the one that is right for you...and let us know!

This season I have made the decision and acquired a 07 Chevy 2500HD (been Ford for some years), Western Poly Vee (been Boss or Blizzard), and still stayed with the SwingWing back blade. I am very excited to transform this workhorse into a plow truck in the next few weeks. I plan on completion by mid October. I'll post pictures as I take them.
So, the moral of this story is: People can change.
Thanks guys & gals.
LOL.... i guess you learned from your mistakes eh?;)
ford-chevy blonde-brunette beef-pork wiskey-beer summer-fall, life is all about change......
WHAT NO MORE GO WIDE GET A BLIZZARD??? what is this world coming to. :)
Welcome aboard. Truck should be great with that setup
So, the moral of this story is: People can change.
Thanks guys & gals. Yes, but change isn't always for the better. :) Good luck with that frame.
Welcome to the comfort of a GM truck. Would love see the pics as you make progress.
good choice, i'm sure it last a very long time and make you much money.
Nice!
Welcome brother.
That's funny because after about 30 Chevy 3/4 ton pickups over the years we just bought our first Ford. Time will tell if this change was for the better.
Good choice on the new Chevy. What engine did you get in it? Those 6.0liters are really good engines
good man, i went from chevy to ford, and now im getting another chevy, i liked my chevy alot better than my ford, but dont get me wrong, i still like the ford, but the chevy was less $$ in repairs
I thought I would try something new. First year for Western & Chevy for me. I am PUMPED.
Thanks guys.
Need pics... A 2007 Classic I assume?
You get any pics of that rig yet?

My engine is slowly giving up the battle and i am thinking about replaceing it with a 6.2 diesel. Any of you guy done this or have any experiences with this engine? I have a 1974 K20 with a small block, sm465 4 speed ,np203 case.
Is it a bolt in. and anything else i need to know? Springs? extra parts needed?
Thanks in advance.
http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/
They will have all the info you will need for the swap.
http://www.x-pointcgi.com/~dieselrepower/
Try that site for installing a cummins engine power plant.
Dino
Your going to want a complete doner truck. Deffinetly look at the diesel page. I know they are working on this project right now, and a complete report should be out in the next month or two.
MT
If you dont already have a good 6.2,Id put a Cummins in it,the only down sie to the Cummins is initail cost,and weight.They make adapters to put it in front of most trannys.If you've got a good 6.2 ,go for it,I know they weigh about as much as a big block 454,so the weight shouldnt be a problem,power will be though,your used to a small block,even if its running on 6 cylinders,it will still smoke a healthy 6.2,
I actually was pleasantly suprised with the power of the 6.2 that I owned a while ago. Then can be modified to provide decent ups and the mileage is hard to beat. I had a friend with a tired 350, and I could keep up with him above about 40 mph. I had a 4 speed manual with overdrive (specific to this engine in a 1/2 ton I was told). It would smoke the hell out of the tires in 1st, and chirp then when you shifted to second. I have no idea if this engine had anything done to it, but it deffinetly changed my mind on a lot of things I had already decided about diesels.
MT
we had a 6.2 didn't think that it was that great would go for a 6.5 or a cummings. naturaly they would be more $ I think that the cummings would run you around $9k-10k when i tried to retrofit my e350 from a gas engine to the cummings plus 2K for instalation.
Thanks for the replys
I am just in the thinking stages right now (It doesn't cost anything)
Valve train on my current engine is slowly giving up.
I would consider a cummings if the price was right on a used powerplant but i just figured a 6.2 would be cheaper and easier
Low end Torque is what i'm after. This truck is a mule. It used for hauling and pulling heavy loads. With the gearing in the truck 65 mph on the highway is scary.
Anymore thoughts on the 6.2 would be appreiciated.
thanks
If your looking for low end,you need a Cummins,the 6.2 just doesnt have any low end at all,it needs to be wound tight to keep moving,the Cummins will pull like you wouldnt believe,especially on the low end.I have seen clean used cummins engine for 2500-4500,depending on condition,accesorys,mileage.Remember,a well maintained Cummins 5.9 with 2-300K on it,is still going to last longer than a brand new 6.2 GM.,and put out double the torque at much less Rpm's.It is considered normal to see 4-600,000 miles on them with no troubles at all.

Ok Gang
I got to see it and touch it with no camo on. There were three 1/2 ton pickups one chevy and two GMC. The rear seat in the ext cab can now be a split 60/40. The front bumper has a painted cover with a valance that hangs low. Not sure how they will get a plow mount on without cutting the cover but Im sure they will. It also has two electric fans on it and it runs quiet. Its looks pretty big and boxie to me. They have added extra storage in the door panel and above the glove box. The tailgate close's really easy. For all you tire fans the 3 trucks that I saw all had 265s on them, no more 245s. Also on the ext cab the window on the second door rolls down, not swinging out. The rear brakes are drums again, but remember all I saw were three 1/2 tons the 2500 HD and 3500 might not be the same as the 1/2 ton.
Regards Mike
Thanks for the update! They sound nice.
The current half tons don't come with 245s, there something like 265/70-17s. Either way it is about a 31.5" tire. So the new trucks probably have the same size tire then? Were they 17" rims? I am surprised they kept the rear drums. I had heard they were going to discs on the rear.
chevy had discs and went back to drums. I was told that the stopping power was not needed., verses the cost.
at the end of the day I hope the Turck is very reliable and has a real truck profile none of this low rider car like quality i've been seening the last few years.
I've held my purchase off for 5 years waiting - I'm really hoping this truck is the ticket!
I wonder how fast the plow manufactor will be able to mount a plow on the truck?
at the end of the day I hope the Turck is very reliable and has a real truck profile none of this low rider car like quality i've been seening the last few years.
I've held my purchase off for 5 years waiting - I'm really hoping this truck is the ticket!
I wonder how fast the plow manufactor will be able to mount a plow on the truck? Hi Scott
Quality is really not a issue any longer. My plant has won the JD Powers award for quality the last two years. As I work fo GM I have always bought GM trucks and I have never really had a bad truck. Sure they had some rust problems in the late 70s but todays trucks are a huge jump in quality. I would not give up my amercian made truck for a import even if you gave it to me. Jump on in and buy you a new truck. I can get you a supplier discount on a new Chevy or GMC.
Regards Mike
what kind of price could you get a 07 2500hd reg cab for? i am just needing the basic work truck package is all. thanks
what kind of price could you get a 07 2500hd reg cab for? i am just needing the basic work truck package is all. thanks You would have to ask a dealer and tell him you will be getting a supplier discount. GM sets the price not the dealer.
Regards Mike
chevy had discs and went back to drums. I was told that the stopping power was not needed., verses the cost. I think that the fact is drum brakes offer a much better parking brake vs the small internal drums GM uses on the rear disc. The drums do fine for the acual brake duty they see.
Thank you Mike. I have no doubts you guys are putting the trucks together well. This truck, as I understand it, will have some very new designes. My concern is if the engineers thought it through well or did their cost saving engineering stuff. I've seen Wagner on Bloomberg talk about quality and turing the 'ship' around so, I've got to believe this truck should rock.
As soon as the 1500's hit the show room I'm there. If they look good I'll put my order in for either a 2500hd or 2500. Most definetly I'll keep you in mind for the discount :-)
Thanks!!
Hi Scott
Quality is really not a issue any longer. My plant has won the JD Powers award for quality the last two years. As I work fo GM I have always bought GM trucks and I have never really had a bad truck. Sure they had some rust problems in the late 70s but todays trucks are a huge jump in quality. I would not give up my amercian made truck for a import even if you gave it to me. Jump on in and buy you a new truck. I can get you a supplier discount on a new Chevy or GMC.
Regards Mike
I need to change the title of this thread to I DROVE THE NEW STYLE CHEVY AT WORK TONIGHT.:drinkup: Man it is quiet and runs smooth. It really is alot better in person than the pictures show. The truck was a 1/2 ton 4 wheel drive with a fancy interior. The height from the tow hooks to the ground was around 14 inchs. The front suspension has coils with some kind of a airbag inside the coils. I have been told the 2500HD and bigger still have T bars. I think you guys will like it, the sides look kind of like a ford and the grill like a dodge. I am off work for two days so next week maybe a report on a 2500 HD???
Regards Mike
chevy had discs and went back to drums. I was told that the stopping power was not needed., verses the cost. Since when?? My truck has discs.
Since when?? My truck has discs. On the new body style 07 the rear brakes are going back to drums. In just a few short months you will be able to see for yourself.
Regards Mike
On the new body style 07 the rear brakes are going back to drums. In just a few short months you will be able to see for yourself.
Regards Mike That makes no sense at all. Are the Tahoes/Suburbans like that too?
I need to change the title of this thread to I DROVE THE NEW STYLE CHEVY AT WORK TONIGHT.:drinkup: Man it is quiet and runs smooth. It really is alot better in person than the pictures show. The truck was a 1/2 ton 4 wheel drive with a fancy interior. The height from the tow hooks to the ground was around 14 inchs. The front suspension has coils with some kind of a airbag inside the coils. I have been told the 2500HD and bigger still have T bars. I think you guys will like it, the sides look kind of like a ford and the grill like a dodge. I am off work for two days so next week maybe a report on a 2500 HD???
Regards Mike
Hey Mike,
Thanks for measuring. The height of 14" is a solid 4 inches lower than my truck is currently. I can't imagine going any lower. Add a plow weight and I can see sparks. I've held off of buying a new truck for years now hoping for a better, real truck design from Chevy. I can't wait to hear your report on the 2500 and above.
Thanks! -scott
Hey Mike,
Any idea when you are going to start making the HD's? I heard that it was not going to be until February.
Favatts
Pict's Galore.
http://trucks.about.com/od/chevytruc...ures/index.htm
There's about 23 pictures of the new design. I like the GMC logo stuff best. Truck looks good. I'm concerend about the nose height though. Low and very nose down. 265 tires with decent rims may help but still seems 5"inch lower with the air dam.
-scott
Very nice pics, but their all PR pics from GM and are all 1500 series. Anything on the 2500HD?
Hey Mike,
Any idea when you are going to start making the HD's? I heard that it was not going to be until February.
Favatts Hi Favatts
Pontiac Plant will start building in Jan, most likely won't hit dealers lot till Feb.
Regards Mike