I am 27, and all I know about carburetors is what I see in Roadkill episodes... My father hasn't touched a carburetor in about 15 years
Had the same reaction. Had to find a 13 digit VIN decoder from GM. It is indeed a 5 lug 3/4 ton light duty truck. 400 SBC (6.6L) and TH400 3-speed, as mentioned earlier. Built in Lordstown, OH. That's all I was able to get from the VIN.
Cruise control does not work, brake light on dash is on. Brake master cylinder has two reservoirs, one is empty. Topped it off and it pushed all fluid out on the 1.5 hour drive home.
How was the Transmission type decoded from a 13 digit VIN? Both the TH350 & TH400 carried the same M40 RPO code, The actual GVWR dictated what transmission it got. A 7,700 GVW G20 van would have a TH350, Even a small block C20 pick-up with a 7,700 GVW & 8-lug wheels would have a TH350.
All Big Blocks got the TH400 no matter the GVW.
You are correct, the transmission code did not come from the VIN. The previous owner swore up and down that it is a 400 Small Block with TH400 combo. Another Chevy guy I know also said that it must be a TH400 based on van size, so I haven't bothered to look yet. Plus didn't have a chance to get it up in the air yet since purchase... So based on what you are saying it could be a TH350, but once I get it up in the air I will refer to the trans pan gasket pattern picture posted above and will update.How was the Transmission type decoded from a 13 digit VIN? Both the TH350 & TH400 carried the same M40 RPO code, The actual GVWR dictated what transmission it got. A 7,700 GVW G20 van would have a TH350, Even a small block C20 pick-up with a 7,700 GVW & 8-lug wheels would have a TH350.
All Big Blocks got the TH400 no matter the GVW.
I got a few trucker relatives who have shower passes expire all the time... So I hope to get a few passes from them for the trip, and will use the portable pop-up shower for other times. I heard Linville waterfalls are pretty refreshing this time of year also...Vladiator, one thing many people don't know or think of when staying on the road is showering. You can shower at trucks stops for a fee, sleep in your van and avoid hotels.
The grill that came with it seems to be from a truck with 350 in it. Found a few examples online for the grill I actually need and it is priced in the $40-$60 range, so shouldn't be too hard to get.Great interior esp in the back. Any luck on sourcing a new grille?
Someone will correct me but I think the 400 SBC's have a different number of freeze plugs on the side? I want to say that the block can be told apart from the others on that basis. Not sure where the casting number is nor if it is viewable while installed in a van.
The early 4 bolt main 400's had 3 freeze plugs per side. The later 2 bolt main 400's had 2 per side but still had the indention between them where the 3rd would be. A 78 would be a 2 bolt main. The 400 harmonic balancer will have a cut out for balance.Someone will correct me but I think the 400 SBC's have a different number of freeze plugs on the side? I want to say that the block can be told apart from the others on that basis. Not sure where the casting number is nor if it is viewable while installed in a van.
You are correct, the transmission code did not come from the VIN. The previous owner swore up and down that it is a 400 Small Block with TH400 combo. Another Chevy guy I know also said that it must be a TH400 based on van size, so I haven't bothered to look yet. Plus didn't have a chance to get it up in the air yet since purchase... So based on what you are saying it could be a TH350, but once I get it up in the air I will refer to the trans pan gasket pattern picture posted above and will update.