LS swap with frame

[BigBird05]

Has anybody that has done an LS swap used the whole frame so they could keep the abs brakes, traction control, ETC. Just installed the truck body on the Suburban frame.

[ls1nova71]

I've seen it done with varying degrees of success. One of the better ones was a guy on here that built a 72 crewcab and put it on a Quadrasteer frame, it turned out really nice, can't remember his username though.

[kipps]

You'll be trading a couple well-documented challenges for a whole grab-bag full of new challenges.

You won't have any driveshaft concerns, your fuel system will be simpler, and the exhaust can stay put, but that's about all you'd be saving.

You'll need to mount the brake components from the donor onto the classic cab. The radiator will have to be remounted onto the classic radiator support, so you'll have all the typical fitment problems there. If you're intending to keep all the ABS, traction control, etc, you'll have days of wiring to do, to interface it all with the classic dash. The body mounts will have to be completely fabricated from scratch.

It can be done, and I'm sure it has for whatever classic you're working with. But you do have a tougher road to hoe by going this route, though.

[mongocanfly]

Eric,,,Was it drewskiren?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=QUADRASTEER

[BigBird05]

Kipps, I worked in engineering at GM for 30 years, most of it in electrical. So that won't be any problem. I just wanted to keep the other safety items. The hardest part for me will be finding a speed sensor that will run the computer and the cable speedo in the 72.

[kipps]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

Kipps, I worked in engineering at GM for 30 years, most of it in electrical. So that won't be any problem. I just wanted to keep the other safety items. The hardest part for me will be finding a speed sensor that will run the computer and the cable speedo in the 72.

The computer won't be an issue. The internal transmission speed sensors will tell the computer all it needs to know.

There are some VSS-to-cable conversion boxes available. They take a VSS signal, and use that to run a motor, which drives a short speedo cable.

You can pull a VSS signal off all of the common GM ECM's, and use that to drive an electronic speedometer or the aforementioned conversion box.

Personally, I would suggest modifying your original cluster, and install a newer stepper motor instead of the mechanical speedo drive. If you have the background in electrical engineering, it shouldn't be a problem.

[BigBird05]

Originally Posted by kipps

The computer won't be an issue. The internal transmission speed sensors will tell the computer all it needs to know.

There are some VSS-to-cable conversion boxes available. They take a VSS signal, and use that to run a motor, which drives a short speedo cable.

You can pull a VSS signal off all of the common GM ECM's, and use that to drive an electronic speedometer or the aforementioned conversion box.

Personally, I would suggest modifying your original cluster, and install a newer stepper motor instead of the mechanical speedo drive. If you have the background in electrical engineering, it shouldn't be a problem.

I looked at the Dakota digital dash and the cost of that made me take a deep breath. I like your idea of a stepper motor. I have been out of the "busyness" since 2002 and have a lot of catching up to do.

[mongocanfly]

I'm running Dakota digital ecd-100 boxes on 2 of my swaps..not cheap for sure..but the cost of those is just a blip in the expense column ...and it's cheaper than the other converter box..
I know dd upgraded the box to a newer style with bigger price tag since I bought mine..

[mongocanfly]

What I used isnt a cluster...its a convetor box that takes the pulse signal and turns it to a cable drive..then the original speedometer can be used...

[BigBird05]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

What I used isnt a cluster...its a convetor box that takes the vss signal and turns it to a cable drive..then the original speedometer can be used...

First I have heard about a converter box. I like that idea. I'm just getting started and collecting all available data before jumping in. I am reading Drewskiren thread about his Young Frankenstein truck right now. It will probably take me 2 or 3 nights to get through it.

[mongocanfly]

What I used was the ecd-100..im pretty sure it's been upgraded to the 200..and the cost went up with it..
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/dak-ecd-100-2
I used this on my C30 and IH..

This is the 200.. https://www.dakotadigital.com/index....rod/prd886.htm
Theres another company that makes a similar unit that coats even more...

Yeah, he did a great job on Frankenstein

[BigBird05]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

I'm running Dakota digital ecd-100 boxes on 2 of my swaps..not cheap for sure..but the cost of those is just a blip in the expense column ...and it's cheaper than the other converter box..
I know dd upgraded the box to a newer style with bigger price tag since I bought mine..

New digital cluster is $1100 or $1200 plus extras goes up to $1500. I'll be staying with my original Cluster.