LUVTruck.com

I wanted to ask this to members of the site with diesel LUVs or anybody that would know this right off the bat: I wanted to ask what is the top speed of a 1981 or 1982 Chevy LUV 4x4 diesel? When my dad bought his 1981 LUV 4x4 diesel and tried to see how fast it would go, he couldn't get it to go past 45 mph. We are debating whether the truck is stuck in 4WD or is in 2WD. A green light comes on for the 4x4 activation light in the instrument panel when you put it in 4WD low or high. The light is off because we have it set in 2WD high. Even on 2WD that is the top speed right now. In addition to that, the truck does need an oil change, oil filter and air filter. Hopefully after that the truck will put out a faster top speed. I appreciate any help and thanks.

it should do atleast 55-65

Unless the gearing is very different on the diesel 45MPH should sound like the motor is coming apart if it is stuck in 4LO. 4HI or 2HI should be able to hit 65 easy and not be winding out as much as 45MP in LO.

I have a 1981 diesel 4x4 2.2L Non-Turbo with the 4 speed, Mine will do every bit of 85/90mph.

The 1985 S-10 that I have with the 2.2L diesel Non-Turbo with the 5 speed will bury the speedo and still climb (speedo top speed 85mph)

If your fuel filter is clogged or restricting fuel it could slow down the truck
When I bought the LUV I drove it back from KC to Cleveland it would only go 50mph top speed, I bought a new fuel filter and has ran fine since.

Also note that diesel fuel can grow bacteria and do other weird things with fuel filters, I aways buy my fuel from the same stations, this way I know i am not getting old fuel, or water in the fuel.

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1981 Chevy LUV 4x4 2.2L Diesel 4 Speed Selling out moving over to VW TDIs.

sounds like your stuck in low range. The truck should at least hit 60mph. I know the 1.8L luvs will burry the needle at 85mph given about a mile and a half.

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1980 LUV 4x4, going under re-construction...

there's something wrong . i've ran mine 90 miles at 90 the whole way. never had a problem too

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1980 luv sport 4x4 Just a memory now
Frame rusted from the inside. Truck stripped and now looking for a new donor in southern ohio

Just trust me, Change the fuel filter.
It will be the best $15.00 you will spend.

Besides it is the cheapist and easist thing to rule out.

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1981 Chevy LUV 4x4 2.2L Diesel 4 Speed Selling out moving over to VW TDIs.

Mine used to do the same thing... It wouldn't go over 45. Replaced the fuel filter, and cleared right up.

My top speed was a whopping 75.

Cool, sounds like all my dad and I have to do is get a new fuel filter for his truck and it will go over 65. Not only that, but he also needs an oil change, oil filter, and air filter. Changing all four elements should get the truck running real nice. Thanks for all the help from everyone.