New Project

[ghettocruiser]

I've been lurking around here for quite awhile and I think I have finally decided to embark upon my fullsize journey.

My first vehicle was an 82 silverado SWB that I wrecked, but I still have the cab and bed from it. Also, I have access to another 82 LWB farm truck that I can probably get for about $50 or just haul it off.

So my plan is to shorten the long bed frame and use the front end sheetmetal from the farm truck and use my cab and bed. The ultimate goal is a close to restored Silverado lowered about 2/4 and on 18s or 20s.

I am planning on using a 5.3 LSX and a 4L80E (which I already have)
1. My first questions are can the 5.3 computer run the transmission?
2. Does anyone know if the cruise control can be retained?
3. Have any of you used aftermarket power windows/locks?
4. In all of the LSX swaps here what is the most common radiator used?
5. Any suggestions on brakes? I'm not really looking for performance, just a good reliable setup, as this is destined to be my daily driver.
6. What would be the best way to attach the cab trim under the window? During the first round of "customizing" I cut all of the mounting tabs off. I also filled in all of the trim holes around the body, but I think I can drill those back out.

Thats all I can think of for now, but I'm sure there will be more later.
Thanks in advance for all of the help.
Carson

[BaddBusa2005]

I used my stock radiator and some new replacement hoses for the 2003 truck my 5.3 was removed.

[ghettocruiser]

You used the stock radiator from the new truck or from the old truck?

What kind of fans did you use?

Also, does anyone make a complete wire harness for these trucks? I know Painless makes a universal truck harness but is there a specific harness made anywhere?

[ghettocruiser]

No one has any input? Anything at all would be helpful.

Where is the cheapest place to buy trim? I don't care if its reproduction.

Sorry for all the questions but I just want to know ahead of time what I'm in for.

Carson

[streetstar]

you might do a search of some of the other threads on LWB to swb conversions. Its kind of a bi@#h on the 73-87's. So much so that its almost better to look for a short donor frame (the're out there- just takes some scrounging to get one cheap- but its not like they are 69 Z 28's or anything)

the 67-72's are relatively easy to cut, but not so much the newer ones

[ghettocruiser]

Yeah, I would do that if I didn't already have all the parts to do it the hard way. I'm trying to save money where I can on this project.