1983 Chevrolet Silverado C30 3+3, 1 ton Dually Pickup truck.

History and Facts

The third Generation Chevy Silverado, Scottsdale, Custom Deluxe, GMC Sierra, Sierra Grande, High Sierra, Sierra Classic, are all apart of the C/K Series a.k.a “Square body” C series being designated for the two wheel drive models, and K series for Four wheel drive. The Term Square body was never an official name from General Motors for this generation of their truck series, but became common among enthusiasts via word of mouth and Truck magazines.

Between 1973-1987 GM Offered a plethora of Engine and transmission configurations over the years.
Seven different gasoline engine configurations ranging from a 4.1 liter Inline 6 to a 7.4 liter v8,
And two non turbo diesel models were available as well with either a 5.7 liter oldsmobile v8 or a 6.2 liter Detroit.

Transmission ranged between 5 different automatics and 3 Manuals
A 4-speed 4l80e, 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 350, 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 400, 4-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 700R4,
3-speed Saginaw manual, 4-speed Saginaw Muncie SM465, And a 4-speed New Process NV833.

1983 Silverado 3+3

This is my 1983 Chevy Silverado 3+3 Dually. I bought it last summer for $1700USD. It came equipped with the 7.4 liter 454 cubic inch v8, in 1983 it had 230 hp and 360 lb·ft of torque. and came with a Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 a.k.a Turbo 400. 3+3 Standing for that the truck came with two full sized bench seats so it can fit three up front plus three in the back, hence 3+3.

Is it big?
From First appearances this truck seems monstrous in size, with a wheel base of 164.5 in. but once you start to drive it, you hardly notice this size except when changing lanes, parking, taking tight tuns, going through the drive thru.

Hows the MPG?
I’ll be honest, the fuel economy is garbage, with a 40 gallon fuel capacity between both tanks (one on either side) the best I’ve seen is about 14 mpg cruising at 55mph down the freeway. All thanks to the combination of the 3 speed automatic (So no overdrive only 1:1) And a final drive of 4:10

Is it fast?
Define “Fast” during a local Friday night Drag race I trapped a 17.06 in the 1/4th mile. which is not bad considering the truck weighs over 3 tons. off the line its actually quite quick thanks to the 4.10 final drive. but without an overdrive its speed is limited on average I trapped around 92+mph

Hows the Ride quality?
Quite nice, despite the super thick rear leaf pack for obvious towing purposes, when just cruising down the highway its like a big cloud.

Is it a Race truck?
YES! I know this is surprising but with the dually rear end and stiff leaf springs this truck has very little body roll, and feels very planted going around corners, the illusion of body roll while driving comes from sliding around on the damn bench seat,

Do i have any plans for it?
Yes I do, its a work truck and thats what its going to be, so i want to make it a better work truck. so its going to be getting a Dodge Cummins inline 6 turbo diesel, (The LS swap of the Diesel world) and then adding air bags to the suspension and the cab, while it does ride extremely nice cruising down the road, there are times alone just from that rear end it feels like your spine is going to go out your skull and into the droopy headliner.

Is the Purchase worth it?
Yes, if you cant afford some of the more expensive and more popular diesel trucks, the third generation chevy silverado is a very good option that i would highly recommend, Most of this model of truck sell for really cheap, mostly everywhere simply because no one wants to pay for the fuel economy of a 7.4 liters of ‘MERICA! and thats okay, I bought this truck because i had limited funds, and I needed a truck that can tow a car trailer, yes a 1/2 ton or even a 3/4 truck would’ve sufficed just the same, but I wanted that extra assurance that I know this truck can do what ever i wanted it too. plus the added benefit to the 1 ton model is it came with upgraded trans cooler, because thats what these trucks were designed for, work, and thats what i use it for, work. its my tow rig, my parts runner, heck as of right now in the bed it has a whole rear subframe from a s14 nissan, a Ford 8.8” solid axle, and a Automatic transmission from a LS400 lexus.