What am I dealing with?

Started by Speed, June 17, 2014, 01:12:14 AM

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Speed

Okay-having looked through the parts listings,I have NO idea what drive-train this '81 4X4 pick up was/is equipped with. I'm still 2 weeks from getting any books on my truck- :headscratch: how do I identify the axles,transmission and T/C it has? Are there any chronic problems on these trucks I should be aware of? What axle ratios would it have? What model 5 speed is in it? The shifter's pretty sloppy,and I'd like to do something to firm it up. I saw some bushings listed but only for certain shifters. Same with the short-throw shifters. (I've been spoiled by my B-II's 5 speed,on which I broke the stock shift lever,so I built one from a '49 Chevy truck shifter-I ground the pivot ball down until it fit the tower,cut the little ball off the end,shortened it about 7/16 inch more and made a new ball,straightened the lever,shortened the lever about 5 inches and re-threaded it for a late GM knob. Shifts great now,but still has that POS plastic tower,now ventilated [and weakened] for access with a grease gun. Turned out it gets plenty of lube from the mist the gears throw.)
   Speed
"HMMmmmm--What can I make outta that??"

   "Bash On Regardless"


Speed

Thanks for the link-found answers to a lot of questions there.
   Here's my latest crop of questions.
   What lube can I use in the RF1A T/C?
   What lube is good for the L50 five speed?
   Was a limited slip axle available from the factory in the '81 4X4 pick up?
   If I can find a gauge cluster with a Tach and full gauges,is the wiring already there to hook it up,or do I need to save wiring from the donor truck?
   It LOOKS like the fuse block has a plug on top to connect it;is this right,or is there a plug farther down the wiring to unplug it?
   Will the stock wiring handle Halogen headlight bulbs?
   Thanks to all for being patient with me in my ignorance of info. I'll learn all about this truck and probably appreciate it all the more....
   Speed
"HMMmmmm--What can I make outta that??"

   "Bash On Regardless"

81 shortbed

 I run 80w90 in my tranny, transfer, and differentials. And the wiring should handle halogen bulbs. Not sure about your other questions.