Possible New Cruiser Purchase

[chichiflys]

OK - I have an '85 with the 2F (147k) and a new 5-speed. We mainly use the truck for camping - and when we do we tow a pop-up (less than 2500#). I did the 4-runner brake conversion on my truck to help with the stopping. But she struggles, especially here in the cascades. So....
I have been eyeing another '85 with a 350 and 700R4 (109k total with 25k on the motor and tranny). I'm gonna look at it Monday, but from what I hear it is in real nice shape.

So my question is, should I expect a much better towing experience with the 350 and auto tranny vs. the 2F and 5-speed? Acatually I haven't towed the trailer yet with the new 5-speed due to the weather, so I can't make a great comparison. I know with the lower first gear it will help, and on a level road I might be able to get it in 5th gear while towing, but probably not for long around here.

Anyways, I'm not familiar with the 700R4 so my concern is if it is wise to go this route with the fact that I plan on towing ... Any opinions/experiences out there? Thanks.

 

[kitb]

you should look at the dual fuel 60 with the v-8 and the ranger torque-splitter in the clasifieds

 

[cfdlighthouse]

OK - I have an '85 with the 2F (147k) and a new 5-speed. We mainly use the truck for camping - and when we do we tow a pop-up (less than 2500#). I did the 4-runner brake conversion on my truck to help with the stopping. But she struggles, especially here in the cascades. So....
I have been eyeing another '85 with a 350 and 700R4 (109k total with 25k on the motor and tranny). I'm gonna look at it Monday, but from what I hear it is in real nice shape.

So my question is, should I expect a much better towing experience with the 350 and auto tranny vs. the 2F and 5-speed? Acatually I haven't towed the trailer yet with the new 5-speed due to the weather, so I can't make a great comparison. I know with the lower first gear it will help, and on a level road I might be able to get it in 5th gear while towing, but probably not for long around here.

Anyways, I'm not familiar with the 700R4 so my concern is if it is wise to go this route with the fact that I plan on towing ... Any opinions/experiences out there? Thanks.

The 350 will give you a much better towing experience. 700r4 trans is a okay trans stock, better if built, but easy to replace/rebuild if goes bad because like the 350 motor they are everywhere

 

[Elbert]

I would expect that the v-8 setup would be clearly better for towing, at least in the ability to pull the load. Unless the brakes have been upgraded you'll still have issues there. THe 700R4 and 5.7 V-8 combination would be like a GM pickup or SUV (1987....1992) .

 

[D'Animal]

Put electric brakes on your trailer and a brake controler in your cab.

The brakes on my 60 will put you through the windshield if stomped on.

 

[chichiflys]

Copy all and thanks everyone for the input. I have brakes on the trailer and a controller in my current truck - so I would just swap it to the new truck. He is asking 10k for the truck - assuming I could get 6k for mine, then it's like a 350 conversion for 4k - plus lesser miles. Still not sure if I'm gonna do it because I have to sell my truck to make it worthwhile (no I can't have both of them)...


Thanks again.