1987 GMC 3/4 Ton Van, Opinions?

[Ballenxj]

Hi, I've found an interesting 3/4 ton GMC van. Anybody know what automatic transmission this might have? <br />Were 87 GMC vans equipped with fuel injection? <br />Things to watch out for? <br />PS, It has the 305 V8.<br />Thanks.<br />-Bruce

 

[stude53]

<strong>Bruce,</strong><br /><strong>Most 1987 3/4 ton&nbsp;GMC vans had a th-400 transmission, which was a good heavy duty unit.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Hope this is helpful,</strong><br /><br /><strong>Bob</strong>

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks Bob, Yes, that was helpful. Probably means the fuel economy is going to suffer though. <br />-Bruce

 

[sparky1]

I have a "90" same set up, so far w/lots of miles on mine-&amp; doing fine.<br />sparky1 in s.Va.

 

[Ricekila]

My option - the more enlightened will chime it --<br /><br />A 305 is a boat anchor - and not a good one at that <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" alt="" align="absMiddle" border="0" />

 

[Simran]

I have a 1975 Chevy G30. It has a 350 engine with a turbo 400 trans. which is a bullet proof combination. BUT . . .that said it is notoriously hard on fuel especially with the low geared rear end.<br />I was well aware of what I was getting into when I bought it and am happy with it. It allows me to pull my car on a trailer like it isn't even behind me through any kind of terrain, for any distance.<br /><br />I've never owned a 305 but have had other rave about the good mileage they get with them in pickups. But if this van is a G20 I would place money on the trans. being a turbo 350 or a 4 spd. auto. Especially with a 305 engine. The turbo 350 is a very good transmission as long as they are maintained properly. They have a long history of good service as long as they weren't over powered or over worked by 4 wheel drive components.<br />Your on your own with the 4 spd. auto. I know nothing about them only because I've avoided the older ones like the plague. I've heard to many $2500 stories about them.<br /><br />Gus

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks for your input Gus. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />I do know the TH350 &amp; TH400 are strong transmissions. I used to run a shade over 400 ponies in front of both, and they held up fine. (old 442's &amp; Trans Ams)<br />I have heard the 200 &amp; 700R Transmissions are strong enough to handle up to 400 ponies, but that is an unknown entity to me. <br />-Bruce

 

[joey]

The 305 is a good engine for cruising and getting good gas mileage.It is not a good engine for pulling a load.As long as you don't try to pull too much with it,you will do fine.

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks for the input Joey. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />-Bruce