5 Big-Block Pickups From When Trucks Were Really Muscle Cars
Back in the day, pickup trucks had a reputation for being practical, unlike muscle cars that attracted thrill seekers. However, trucks built by Ford, Dodge, and General Motors had enough high-performance potency to rival muscle cars. They could be ordered with factory performance options or were popular candidates for modification to increase their torque. Some of these trucks even borrowed engines from the most popular performance cars at the time, like the Dodge Charger R/T or Chevelle SS.
While high-performance cars were often stripped down to reduce weight and cost, these trucks typically had standard luxury appointments. Some were built to provide sedan-like comfort without sacrificing heavy-duty capabilities, offering robust and reliable options, while other pickups gained recognition for starting muscle truck wars.
5
1977–1978 Dodge Warlock 440
Torque: 330–360 LB-FT
Yes, the automaker was flirting with you when it ran its “Adult Toys from Dodge” marketing campaign. But that’s not the only reason the 1977–1978 Dodge Warlock 440 feels irresistible. It was designed to shift trucks away from their purely utilitarian reputation by promoting the model as a stylish street cruiser.
The engine was used to provide the ultimate street performance before regulations choked out its power. Only 74 models were made, so it’s extremely rare. Plenty of Mopar fans would love to get behind the wheel to enjoy its ability to fry tires on command.
It features bold Warlock styling with a Utiline step-side bed, oak wood side racks, gold pinstripes, chrome running boards, flared wheel arches, and gold-spoke wheels. The interior has a premium ‘tuff’ steering wheel, black bucket seats, gold accent piping, and plush Adventurer SE seat trims.
4
1990–1993 Chevy Silverado 454 SS
Torque: 385–405 LB-FT
The Chevy Silverado 454 SS is a muscle truck that is somewhat easier to find, as roughly 17,000 models were made. It’s a famous muscle truck that’s built on the GMT400 platform and got more power in 1991. This is also when the sport pickup gained a heavy-duty 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission and a 4.10 rear axle.
This truck accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds. It also has enhanced handling thanks to its heavy-duty sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks, heavy-duty front anti-roll bar, and a quick-ratio steering box. It was based on a regular-cab, short-box C1500 to ensure its performance as a lightweight, athletic option.
Plus, the Silverado 454 SS stands out with a distinct style. It wears ‘Onyx Black’ paint paired with a Garnet Red interior and rides on 15-inch styled steel wheels. The 454 SS decals complete its look. The interior also has a center console with built-in storage, a full-gauge cluster, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
3
1971–1972 GMC Sierra Grande 396
Torque: 400 LB-FT
While the GMC Sierra Grande 396 actually has a displacement of 402 cubic inches, it continued to be marketed as a 396 to let buyers know that it packed plenty of raw street power. This 396 engine became famous for its use in the Chevelle SS.
This truck is known for its substantial low-end torque for towing and rapid off-the-line acceleration, despite being somewhat heavy. The engine was mostly paired with a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The Sierra Grande also has a heavy-duty suspension, a 12-bolt rear axle, and front power disc brakes.
Plus, the Sierra Grande package delivers the ultimate luxury of the era with a wood-grain dash and door panel inserts, cut-pile carpeting, air conditioning, a full-gauge package, heavy-duty sound insulation, black-and-white Houndstooth upholstery, and factory-installed AM/FM radios. It’s pretty similar to the Chevrolet Cheyenne Super.
2
1973–1979 Ford F-100 Ranger 460
Torque: 350 to 485 LB-FT
You could get the Ford F-100 Ranger with the monstrous 460 straight from the factory. However, it was only available with two-wheel drive and required aftermarket swaps or specialized dealer orders to gain four-wheel drive. Power was reduced as emission standards increased.
Despite being heavy, it is quick off the line. Plus, it has a Twin-I-Beam front suspension and a wider stance for a smooth ride that delivers sedan-like comfort and better cornering. The truck has standard power front disc brakes with a low-mounted brake pedal to allow quick heel-toe shifts, improving the driving experience.
The Ranger package added luxury features to the basic F-100 model. It includes color-keyed vinyl-coated floor mats with heel pads, a cigarette lighter, and increased cab insulation. Plus, it has classic ‘dent-side’ bodylines, a bright grille, chrome front bumper, two-tone paint options, bright wheel arch moldings, and Ranger emblems.
1
1970–1975 Chevy El Camino SS 454
Torque: 500 LB-FT
Sure, the Chevy El Camino is technically a car-truck crossover, but it deserves to be on this list for combining a truck bed with immense power. The El Camino SS 454 is regarded as the ultimate muscle truck of the 1970s, with the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. It features heavy-duty towing capabilities and a stout racing performance.
Unfortunately, as emission regulations tightened, its power dwindled, and in 1973 it received a heavier body style, but it still retained the 454 engine under the hood. This pickup has a robust 12-bolt rear axle with a Positraction limited-slip differential to power both rear wheels. The engine was paired with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission or heavy-duty Turbo Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission.
To handle the weight of the big-block engine, the F41 suspension features specialized front and rear springs, heavy-duty shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars. Standard power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drums help bring this beast to a stop. Also, the SS package adds a blocked-out grille, sport striping, and SS 454 badges.
Source: Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Fastest Laps
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