1986 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Pickup truck

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

1GCGK24M0GF316801

Gasoline

When I purchased this original condition truck, it had 79,000 original miles and was rust free with exception of a few surface spots where the paint had peeled from the body and a couple of small surface spots on each door jam probably due to a weather stripping leak. It looked just like your grandfathers truck – left just the way it came from the factory over 25 years ago. I chose this model of Chevrolet truck for a number of reasons. First, I love the way it looks. There’s something striking about an old 1980‘s square bodied Chevy truck that, when found untarnished by obscenely big lift kits, huge and loud exhaust pipes, or any other “improvements” haphazardly installed over the last 25 years, is a true classic by any stretch of the definition. What I didn’t like (aesthetically and mechanically), I subtly changed in a way that doesn’t detract from my truck’s factory correct look. I like the K-Series Chevrolets because they are the last of their kind. With exception to a few 1-ton 1988-1989 model extensions, Chevrolet stopped installing straight axles on the front of their 4×4 trucks after 1987. In 1990, they moved completely to independent front suspension, making Chevrolets/GMCs the only American made 3/4 and 1 ton trucks without a front-end straight axle. They have stuck with the IFS even with massive amounts of disapproval from the 4WD community. I believe Chevrolet trucks have never been the same. You see all the new media about how tough they are and I believe them. However, I can’t get over the fact they lack a proper front axle like the ones presently sold on a Dodge, Ford, or Jeep. A little info about my 1986 Chevrolet K20:?The “K” in K20 indicates four-wheel-drive as opposed to a “C” series two-wheel-drive model. The “20” translates to a 3/4 ton truck. When compared to the K10s of the era, the K20s came with larger 14 bolt rear / Dana 44 front axles, much larger brakes, heavier duty frames, and larger towing capacity leaf spring suspension. It’s powered by a 350 cu in small block mated to a TH400 automatic transmission / NP208 transfercase. It has factory dual side shoot exhaust as well as dual 20 gallon fuel tanks with fuel doors on both sides of the bed. The paint is a single stage factory correct gold / white combo. It has faded over the years giving the gold a patina look. The white paint on the roof has been peeling (a common problem with single stage paint jobs) and is the reason for the only surface rust on the truck. What I Changed Suspension? The ride height of the truck is very low for a 3/4 4×4 when compared to present day trucks. I wanted to lift the truck but do it so subtly that even the keenest eye would have to ask to know for sure that there were changes made. To achieve this look, I opted for a 2 1/2” front end leaf spring lift and a 2” rear leaf spring lift. I had to order the front leaf springs from 4 Wheel Parts and the rear leaf springs from Rough Country as there is no one company that will sell you both. Notably, all companies that sell lifts for these trucks can’t comprehend why you aren’t lifting the truck 6” or 8”. They’re mostly all of the opinion that, the higher it sits, the better. Not me. The end result is a ride height tall enough to fit a 305/70/R16 or 33” tire. The truck still has a slight rake but not as extreme as factory specs. Additionally, the subtle lift did not require replacing any steering components, brake lines, drive shafts, etc. Shocks & Bushings? Accompanying the new leaf springs, I replaced all the suspension bushings / body mount bushings with new polyurethane upgrades from Summit Racing. I initially made the mistake of installing the lift kit shocks that came bundled with the leaf springs. The ride was terrible ant the truck floated all over the road. I soon replaced all the kit shocks with Bilstein 5100s. Tires ?I opted for D -Rated 305/70/R16 Dick Cepek Fun Country II Tires ($1100) as they are radials that have all the looks of an all-terrain but without all the premature tire wear, loud road noise and low load ratings. The truck’s hood still sits lower than a new Chevrolet truck only it has a slightly higher ride height making it a preferable off-road set-up. None of the major drivetrain components had to be altered and the ride comfort have actually been improved upon over the old stock setup. Steering ?The steering pumps found on the 1980s Chevrolets are not known for their durability. Mine had been leaking for an extended period of time prior to my purchase. And, as a result, the previous owner let it get low on fluid one too many times and all but burned up the steering gear. I replaced both the steering gear and pump with parts from NAPA. My future plan was to replace the steering components with PSC parts (gear, pump & reservoir). Brakes? I replaced the old master cylinder it with a new/reman master cylinder from NAPA. While the brakes are safe and inspected, I would recommend new pads and rotors in the near future simply due to their age. Why It’s So Hard To Find A K20 or K30 These Days In the 1980s the K20 and K30 were not, by any means, the most popular model. Most people believed every Chevrolet Truck model that wasn’t a “Short Wide” K10 4×4 (Half Ton / Short Wheel Base) was an all around lesser truck. Nobody liked the look of a long bed or heavy driving feel of a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck. “The truck” was the K10 with the 350 V8 or nothing. Times have changed. These days, we are used to seeing everyone from ranchers to doctors driving around heavy duty 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks because they are more expensive and simply better equipped in most respects. They come with bigger brakes, bigger / stronger drivetrains, stronger frames, and their higher price makes them the “Cadillac” of trucks. Why did this come to be? In 1999, Chevrolet introduced their first short bed 3/4 ton 4×4 model. It started the HD truck craze amongst everyone that didn’t need an 8’ bed for hauling building materials but wanted the toughest truck money could buy. In 1999, whether you knew it or not, everyones perception of the Heavy Duty truck began to change. The problem with finding a Chevrolet K20 or K30 today is their origin of duty. They were predominantly work trucks, farm trucks, snow plow trucks, etc and as a result, were used and abused. Finding one that’s been taken care of is like finding a pristine condition lawn mower from the 1980s. There aren’t too many around. Points of Interest The original radio still works and lighted. The truck has ice cold Air Conditioning. It has the dual 20 gallon gasoline tanks that are in perfect working order. The toolbox locks and I have the keys. The original owner installed a gooseneck hitch in the bed. The windshield has a crack up the middle but does not interfere in the line of vision. Both doors open and shut perfectly. The tailgate opens and shuts perfectly. The door locks and window have no problems. The dash and bench seat are cracked tattered and worn as one would expect from 25 year old truck. The clock still runs but does not keep good time. The engine starts and runs very well with exception to a timing chain rattle at hard acceleration and a small oil leak at the right side valve cover. The transmission shifts smoothly and the transfer case functions as though it has never been used. I over $10K invested in this pickup not counting my labor. Every part purchase/installed was done to a higher standard than factory specs. It you haven’t noticed, this truck is very special to me. I welcome anyone seriously interested in purchasing to come drive and inspect in person. I will not sell this truck to anyone intending to take it south of the border. I reserve the right to end this auction at anytime for any reason. If you have zero or negative feedback, you must contact me prior to bidding. Please contact me with any questions.