Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums and the world of 4x4. I have recently purchased a 1980 Chevy. It is sitting on 38s with a new 8 inch lift and new hubs. I currently have a 305 in it and its geared at 4:10. Yes its very slow. The jets on the carb are stuck so I am having the carb worked on to get it kickin. When I hit the gas, it moves (top speed 65 mph), but you don't feel it "really" kick in and go (if that makes any sense). Any other idea's to get this beast moving a little better without changing out the motor or spending a fortune? I didn't pay that much for the truck and it is basically a work/hunting/play truck. The truck is a second vehicle, but will act as a daily driver occasionally. Thanks for any advice.  

dude...why would you want a truck with an 8 inch lift and 38's to go any faster than 40 mph...the thing is probly top heavy as it is...but to add more power ...i have a 305 in my trans-am...all i did to it was cam it up and put a 650 cfm 4bbl carb and an 8 qt oil pan and high volume oil pump...it might not have the kick as you were talking about because its geared so high...i have a 1980 half ton custom deluxe myself  

i agree with bryan, you probably don't want to be going much faster than 65 with a truck that's that tall.....roll over issues. the new cam will give you a bit more pep, if it's in the budget, put in roller rockers as well, this helps the cam work better.  

I appreciate the quick responses. Yeah, I'm not looking to make it a Nascar, just a little more jump when I hit the throttle. The truck started out as a 1/2 ton, but has 3/4 ton running gear. I can't complain, the bottom half of the truck is worth what I paid for it. I was thinking of changing motors next year (add a 350) but I think I would just be wasting time and money (not to mention losing mpg).

Going hog hunting this weekend, I'll let ya know how it goes.  

"Yeah, I'm not looking to make it a Nascar, just a little more jump when I hit the throttle."

Gears.

You are geared pretty high for the size of tire and engine  you have. I would regear to at least 4.56, 4.88 would be even better. That will get you your off the line power back.  

I just discovered that I have to fix the front seal (transmission fluid leak). So the get up and go will have to wait. I'm now working to support my truck (LOL).  

About how much should it cost to regear the truck? Like I said I'm new to the 4x4 world so sorry if I sound like a noob. I'm sure before its all over I'll be asking more noobish questions.....LOL.  

Once you save up enough money, regearing will be your best next upgrade just like the web editor said.  I would lean towards 4.88 gears for 38" tires, especially with the 305.  Your 1980 should have come with a TH350 transmission, so no overdrive but even so 4.56 gears would be better suited for 35"-36" tires.  

Thanks for all of your help. The 305 that is in it use to be a three speed, but now is a four speed. It does not have an over drive. Like I posted earlier, I'm currently fixing the carb (jet stuck) and the transmission leaked fixed (looks like a main seal possibly). Man, I like this truck and there are not many around our area like it, but I sure don't want to spend 20,000 on an older truck that gets 6-10 miles per gallon (LOL). Hopefully with the carb and tranny problem fixed, I can get it regeared and hopefully that'll be it. We'll see. I'll post some pics of it as soon as I learn how to. Again, I appreciate everyones comments and advice, its helping me a lot.  

You are probably looking at anywhere from $4-600 an axle to regear, and you have to do both at the same time. It's  not a cheap proposition by any means, but it will save your engine and trans from unneeded stress and will get back some of the get up and go you lost.  

Thats not to bad. Especially if it means saving wear and tear on the truck. I'm considering dropping it down also (4 inch lift with 33 or 35 tires). I'm hoping if I put a little money into the truck it will last me a while. I bought it with the 8 inch lift and 38's on it and figured I would just leave it like that for a while. Would I need to regear it if I dropped it down?  

For now I would suggest going to 35 inch tires. It would  help your truck a lot.keep your 8 inch lift unless  you already own the 4 inch.your factory tie size was about 31 inch tall so going to a smaller tire size would help. A 4 inch lift and 35`s is plenty if the truck sees a lot of highway.You really should re gear for the 38`s. Hope this helps.  

I was looking at down sizing the tires, but I was thinking 35's would be to small for that much lift. Will the tire size make that much difference (yep, noob question)? I do drive it around town and I do have to drive it a ways to go hunting.  

i have a 4 inch lift and a set of 35x12.50x15 procomp x terrains that are in great condition ..i am thinking about going to an 8 in lift and larger tires...if you ever want to relieve yourself of that 8 inch lift drop me an email or somthing..  

I've been thinking seriously of doing that (dropping it). I thought I posted earlier, guess it didn't go through. Where are you located at. Send me your email and I'll send ya pics of the truck so you can see the lift and the tires on it. That might be the way to go for me.