You could also think abt replacing the 250 with the 292 six. I don't know,
but think it should be a simple swap. But I'd want to go with a 3/4 ton with
either a 4 spd manual, or GOOD automatic. I like the 700R4. It has an O/D,
so you could use a fairly low rear end ratio, But you'd have to have the
auto trans modified for towing. I talked to several transmission shops here
in the PHX area a few years ago. Two were using 1 ton dually Chevy or GMC
pick ups to tow racecars during the week end. Neither had a problem with
their modestly built 700R4's. Better to have too much truck, rather than not
quite enough!! Bob K in PHX, AZ.
----- Original Message -----
From: <GremlinGTs@aol.com>
To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2003 4:22 PM
Subject: [oletrucks] Question - can a Chevy 250 inline be used to tow cars?
Power enough? ( '72 Sub )
> I've been thinking about replacing my '74 Chevy 3/4 ton truck with a
> cross-purpose vehicle, the wife needs a medium-sized reliable Van or
something
> similar for her craft show use, and I want a vehicle that can tow cars (
or old
> trucks. :) ). I'm not sure I like using Vans to tow cars, I did it a few
> times years ago, but I think I prefer using a "truck" like a pickup or
panel /
> suburban. The problem with the "new" Suburbans ( '74 and up ), is that
that are
> too plush, and just not plain utilitarian enough for my liking. Don't want
to
> have to remove seats all the time. Anything way earlier is a little TOO
rough
> for my wife's liking, I think. I'm looking around for a '67-72 Chevy or
GMC
> Suburban or panel ( 3-door sub prefered ), and I found one advertised
locally,
> but it has a 250 inline and a 3-speed ( column or floor shift unknown,
probably
> column). It'll work for craft show use, but can it handle towing a '55
Chevy
> Suburban that weighs almost as much as the driving vehicle? I think it'd
be a
> great compromise vehicle, being part truck, part van, and for $1,500 it
> wouldn't break me. Just wanted to see if anyone out there tows with a
'70's inline
> 250 engine and trans, and can give me some real-world info on drawbacks
and
> pluses. Thanks,
>
> Jerry in Virginia
> '55 TF Sub project
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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