I want to build a truck that is simple, easy to work on, and practically indestructible - primarily for hauling firewood and plowing snow on my 11 acre property in North Idaho. I believe the less complex something is, the less likely it will break. Therefore, I want a truck with the BARE MINIMUM needed to run. No frills. No computers. Strong as hell. I call it the "Anti-Truck".

Here is my idea:

Third Generation Chevy K-Series 1973-1987
Tonnage: K2500 (3/4 Ton) or K3500 (1 Ton)
Wheelbase: 131.5 in wheelbase (NOT 117.5 in wheelbase)
Engine: 350 cu “small-block” V8 or 400 cu V8, added as an option in 1975 (NOT 305 cu, introduced in 1981)
Transmission: 4-speed Saginaw Muncie SM465 manual (NOT 4-speed New Process NV833 overdrive manual, 1981 and later)
Transfer Case: 205 (conventional 4-wheel drive) or 203 (permanent 4-wheel drive, with manual locking hubs (NOT 208 Transfer Case shift-on-the-move, with auto self-locking hubs, 1981 and later)
Front Axle: Dana 60, 1977 and after
Rear Axle: Dana 60
Carburetor: 4-barrel - provides better gas mileage, higher acceleration and top speed?

NO power windows or power door locks (optional 1977 and after)
NO power steering
NO hydro-boost or vacuum boost braking assist – optional on all models (might have to remove the vacuum booster and put the rod directly into the master cylinder)
NO hydraulic clutch (1985 and after)
NO year 1987 (introduced fuel injection, electronic power train controls, electric fuel pump)
NO air conditioner


What do all you truck enthusiasts think?

 

If your looking for a care free plow truck I would look closer at the Chev Blazer with all the same criteria as your first post.
The reason I suggest a blazer as a plow truck is because the over all structure of the Blazer is stronger then the full size pick up w/8ft box.
The pick up will begin to weaken between the cab and box over time from snow bank impacts.
With the Blazer you could haul fire wood in a 12,000lb dump trailer

 

Going to be hard to find any truck in those years without power steering and brakes. A work truck would be better with them anyways in my opinion, especially if you are going to load it down