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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
I recently picked up a very straight and zero rust 1968 GMC SWB without an engine or transmission. The P.O. rattle canned flat black over the original smurf blue paint because he couldnt stand it, but the body and cab seem to be almost flawless. He did a lot of the little things that are a pain already, New heater core, dash pad, door locks, handles, all new rubber, nice glass, new brakes & shocks (even though they are drum all around, which will be changed), and rhino lined the bed, interior floor, and back of cab. He also put drop shackles in the back, and cut 1 coil off of the front, which Im not a fan of, but will figure out what Im going to do once I get some weight in the front with the engine. I also had him throw in the 6 lug mags with the 50 series tires, since he had the back spacing figured out and I like the older hot rod truck look. I am the 3rd owner, and this thing even still has the black california plates, with current tags until may 2012.
Here are some pics of it recently. the day we picked it up. ![]() ![]() Back in the shop and unloaded. You can see where the P.O. would rattle can the touch up spots. My body man is not going to be happy about that! ![]() ![]() Next we got the front grouping and bed off to get a good view of what we need to fix, and pressure wash it all really well so we can get the frame and firewall nice and clean. ![]() As you can see it is a manual steering box truck. I went to the pick n pull and found a power steering box and am going to make it work with the Power steering pump on the 5.3. I am also getting rid of the rag joint and putting a heim in there. The steering wheel is beat up pretty bad, and Im on the fence about replacing the column and steering wheel with a tilt column/wheel out of an early 90s truck. I also need to find a sway bar, this one is missing. Here it is outside and all pressure washed off. You can see where the P.O. accented the leafs and interior red with the black, Im not really a fan of it, but dont know if I want to dive that deep into this project and repaint the interior. I need to get some interior shots. The dash is really nice and all origninal gauges. He said they all workied when he pulled the engine and tranny out for another project, but dont they all work before someone sells you something?? I will have to figure out if I want to keep all original gauges with the cable x adapter and oil press/ water temp adapters for the 5.3. Also the seat is mangled up pretty bad, I need to figure out how I want to do that, either old bench, or newer seat from something else... ![]() Hey look what showed up on a truck! After meeting and talking to Dennis the menace, with his amazing truck build on here, I decided to call the guys he got his engine, tranny combo from. They were very helpful, and even delivered for free. ![]() All unwrapped. It is a 2001 GMC sierra 5.3, but It has DBW, which upon further investigation they came with?? Was really hoping it was a cable throttle body, but we can make this work. And Im not too worried about it being wore out with 80k miles on it ![]() Got the harness and a lot of the accessories stripped off so I can clean and paint it before going back together. ![]() Thats all I have got done so far. Now for an explanation of the title. I bought this truck so that I could clean it up and try to make some $$ to race the camaro you may see in the background of some of these pics. My dad has been building and racing asphalt stock cars here in sacramento for 20 years, and 3 years ago, he was diagnosed with both CLL and SLL leukemia, most likely from over exposure to the leaded race fuels he used to distribute. We built the camaro last winter for him, me and my little brother to team drive and have a good time. Nothing brings families together like horsepower, haha. Here are a few pics of what it started as and what we finished with. We painted it the same bright orange color as the leukemia bracelets we all wear. Heres what we started with, a 1978 camaro shell... ![]() Many many hours of cutting, welding and grinding... ![]() 2010 camaro nose onto the 78, lots of cursing, and getting the english wheel figured out on the fenders. ![]() And it all done and hitting the track ![]() ![]() ![]() My plans for the truck are to get it mechanically sound and working flawlessly, Disk brakes, get a few of the interior issues worked out (seat, steering wheel, etc) and get all of the body work done. The body is in amazing shape, the passenger side bed and front fender is the only place that shows dents, and a little on the tailgate, but not too bad. Cab corners, drip rails and rockers show no rust. Im not going to paint it, just get body work done so the next guy can do whatever color he wants. While we are on the sponsor hunt for next season, I figure this will be a safe investment to fall back on, plus Ive always wanted one of these SWB with a 5.3, and have been drooling on the builds on this site, awesome work. I really like this truck and wish I could keep it, but I like the camaro more, and the meaning behind it is much more than this truck. Thanks for checking it out, let me know what you think, or what direction I should go with. I am always open to suggestions. I will be posting more pics as I go. Now I just need to finish cleaning and painting the engine, get it mocked up in the truck, and tackle the harness. |
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#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: tulsa OK
Posts: 3,070
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
that engine looks more inline with being either a very early 01, or possibly 00-99. the intake cover is diffrent then a 99, so id guess it to be a 00. in 01 the waterpump had less casting releafs. the throttle body is a new one on me, it should be a cable driven one. look at the PCM, what colors are the connectors? they should be blue and red. if its a blue and green one, id be real curious as to what that come out of, and the year.
good luck on the swap, and you'll love the end result |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
I thought it should have been a cable throttle body too, but googling around I guess some GMC's and SUVs had the DBW this year. I will check the connector colors when I go by the shop after work. Im really excited to get it in and running tho, and thanks for the PM reply!
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#4 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Posts: 1,855
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Looks like a solid truck to start with. That's awesome that you guys built that car to have fun as a family. I used to live out in California and my grandpa used to race all over the state back in the day. Riverside, Altamont, Sears Point, Shasta, Ukiah, you name it. My dad moved our entire family out to Mooresville, NC to pursue his dream of working on race cars for a living. Now he builds super late models and rents them out to upcoming drivers. I guess there's a connection between racing and these trucks
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ANDREW 1972 Chevy SWB Cheyenne Super JANE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=462072 1972 GMC Jimmy PENNY http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=735827 1968 GMC patina swb PEARL http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=731315 1972 Chevy K20 BRUCE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805788 |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
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#6 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Posts: 1,855
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Quote:
__________________
ANDREW 1972 Chevy SWB Cheyenne Super JANE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=462072 1972 GMC Jimmy PENNY http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=735827 1968 GMC patina swb PEARL http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=731315 1972 Chevy K20 BRUCE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805788 |
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#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
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#8 |
Has more rust than truck...
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ivanhoe, MN
Posts: 2,421
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Yep, Tahoes, burbs and a few GMCs got the DBW early. IIRC it may have had something to go with CA emissions, could be wrong though. Nice build!
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#9 |
Still Learning
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Central Oklahoma
Posts: 10,108
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Very nice project. Love you CA guys rust free trucks. Subscribing.
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Ive got a few progress pics. I got my adapter plates in, and I didnt have to trim the tunnel lip to get everything to fit. I am on the fence about trying to fab a full engine cover out of aluminum, or just using the stock cover and having the coils showing, Im going to have to look at it some more. I also cleaned up my harness with directions from LT1swap.com. It was really pretty simple once I got all of the old tape and wiring loom off.
![]() ![]() I still need to put new loom on the harness and figure out where I am going to mount everything. I am using the stock fusebox from the donor truck, so Im sure I will just mount it near its original location. I picked up a cluster from a 02 camaro, because I have seen on here that a few guys tried to make them work with their swaps, and I figured it would be worth the 75$ to try to make it work, as opposed to 400$+ for new gauges, or trying to get adapters to make the old ones work. My little brother did this whole conversion while I was at work, so I have to give him credit on how well this turned out.... Heres what I started with.... ![]() Got an old gauge cover from a friend that was pretty thrashed. Cut it out to get the new cluster to fit in. Theres a bracing piece around the backside of the gauge cover, so we figured thats where we would cut to, to keep it strong. ![]() sheetmetal template to figure out what parts of the faceplate will show thru and what will be blacked out. ![]() We made it out of 1 piece of lexan, taped off what we wanted to show thru, and painted the rest from the backside, so its all one smooth piece, and the black will never get scratched off. This is how we do our lexan racing windshields. The gauges are set in a little bit to make it look natural, and we made L brackets to hold it nice and rigid. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() I am very happy with the way it turned out, nice and clean, and doesnt look too out of place. What do you guys think?? Next on the agenda is get the fuel system rounded up, PCM flashed, finish wiring, get a cruise control switch from an early 90s truck/van, and get a 1 piece driveline to replace the 2 piece. Then its time to figure out what I want to do for a seat, either recover the original( has a bunch of broken springs) or get something else, find a 6 lug disk brake kit for the front, and figure out if I want to lower it some more. |
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#11 |
Still Learning
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Central Oklahoma
Posts: 10,108
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
WOW! that instrument cluster looks great! Have you had a chance to look at it from the driver seat in driving position? Are you going to be able to view all the gauges? I really like this conversion, great enginuity!
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
I havent had a chance to see it from the drivers seat. We took the column out to repaint it and replace the worn out bearing inside, and havent put the steering wheel back on. It is the huge bus wheel, and is pretty messed up, so were trying to figure out what to replace it with. I assume that the gauges will be visible from the seat, they are higher than the originals, but I dont know, I never drove this truck before. The seat is really thrashed, and with all the broken springs in it, I dont want to plop my 6'5, 290lb butt on it. Not the kind of surprise Im looking for in this truck!! haha. I do know my brother angled the gauges a little bit so that they angled toward the driver.
I hooked the gauges up to power on the bench, and got the illumination, blinkers, high beam indicator, and voltage to show, so thats a good sign. I really like how much brighter this illumination compared to other older dashes. I do have one concern though. I know I wire the tach and speedo directly to the pcm, the fuel level sending unit direct to gas gauge, and the oil pressure gauge to the oil pressure sending unit, which I am replacing with a camaro one that matches the cluster year, but have some concerns about the water temp and check engine light. All diagrams I have show water temp coming from serial data cable coming from pcm, into a spliter that splits the signals for cluster and diagnostic port. I am hoping that I can wire the serial data cable directly to the 02 camaro cluster serial data cable input and have the water temp work?? Im not 100% sure they are compatible. Also, I know the pcm puts out a check engine light wire, that supplies ground to turn light on, but with this gauge cluster having the information box in upper right corner, will it also be pulling info from the serial data?? I just want to make sure I get everything working correctly. Im glad you like it!! I figure it would be a nice alternative to having to buy expensive electric gauges, and adds a custom look to the dash, without going too extreme. I just hope I can get my water temp to read... |
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#13 |
6>8 Plugless........
![]() Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,140
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Awesome project, and great job on your cluster! That looks sweet!
__________________
Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project Tired of spark plugs? Check this out. |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Syracuse, Utah
Posts: 1,934
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Very cool...
![]() I really like the instrument cluster as well and would love to see an in-depth write up on this when you get it sorted out. I have seen this done before but didn't turn out as nice as yours. Both my 68 GMC (Sold ![]() Very similar build to my 72. Looking forward to following your progress with this truck. Subscribed!! ![]()
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Brett ![]() 67 Camaro SS Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=751594 72 Cheyenne/10 Super 115" Fleetside (Waiting it's turn.) 72 Cheyenne/K30 Super 133" DRW SOLD Build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=645614 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@6dee7-7dee2 |
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#15 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
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#16 |
Still plays with trucks
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Spokane, WA
Posts: 3,556
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
The cluster turned out really clean. It will look great in there.
__________________
miSSed opportunity - ground up creation of an AWD 1994 454 SS that never was http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=795577 69 C10 shortbed stepside 400 small block - built like what a super sport truck could have been 69 K20 lwb TBI 350 4L60E NP208 14-bolt Dana-44 w/disc 68 Camaro SS / RS 500hp 439 inch roller cam big block 4L80E 79 Malibu TPI 350 4L60 w/ Z28 steering & sway bars |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Splendora Texas
Posts: 87
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Awesome build love the gauges subscribed
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Im glad you guys like the gauges. Not a whole lot going on right now as far as updates. Taking the plunge today and making a good sized order on mail order parts, so should be getting a lot done after next week when everything shows up.
Im going to finish up the wiring this weekend with loom, hard wire the gauges and all power wires into existing harness, get the power steering plumbed, and finish the fuel lines. Im running #6 braided as a feed and blue #6 fuel line as a return, along with braided power steering lines. My fuel pump and fittings will be showing up today so I can get it wrapped up. I welded a bung to the bottom of the stock tank, and got a walbro external pump, and using the stock pickup for the return line. I cut the stock pickup down though so it wouldnt cavitate at the new pickup. Going to pull the engine out to drill out 2 broken exhaust manifold bolts, and do some detail work on the frame/firewall so when the engine goes in it looks nice and clean. also will be fabricating the DBW pedal so it looks and feels stock on the floor. And tracking down a 1 piece driveline, or having one made. My laundry list of parts being ordered today include.... -6 lug disk brake kit for fronts with lowered spindles -carpet kit -headliner with trim ring -steering wheel -new headlight bezels -either rear bumper or roll pan, on the fence still -hood hinges and some other random stuff. I have been looking all over for low back 40/20/40 seats to put in here. Ive found a few places online that have some nice ones, but was wondering if any of you guys knew where I could get some?? I would like to put new black seats in this so the whole interior looks new and plush. |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,859
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Love the gauge cluster!
Just a thought, since the steering column is out, you are replacing the rag joint, adding power steering, you might consider shortening the column and sinking it into the fire wall a few inchs. At 6'4", any size steering wheel is going to be really close to you with column at factory length. I'm only 5'6" and I think I need a tilt wheel just to get in and out. subscribing.
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'70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60 |
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#20 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,859
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Putter has an FAQ thread on here somewhere. Hey there it is. Hope it helps.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=191143
__________________
'70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60 |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Wharton, Tx
Posts: 31
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Love the gauge cluster. Now you have me wondering if I could do something like that with my '76 C-10. Hmmm, I have a'99 Z28, a '91 RS, and a 76 c-10....
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 112
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Thank you! I got the gauges all wired up, and tested the power for the blinkers, dimmer, illumination, and bright switch. They all seemed to work, but I am a little stumped on the fuel gauge wiring. From research Ive done, It seems the fuel level comes from the OBDII wire from the PCM, not directly from the fuel level sender, but I already pulled the pin for the fuel sender into the PCM, so I need to figure out what I need to re-pin to get it to work, if it will even work. Also, I see in my notes that the PCM has an input from the tank fuel sender, and a ground that I assume in with the harness grounds. I removed both of these from the directions on LT1swap.com, so I need to figure out if I can put them back in and get the fuel gauge to work.
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Arden NC
Posts: 185
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
Hey man, love what you have done to your truck. I especially like the gauges. I would like to do the 5.3 swap in 68 stepside someday put have found junkyard prices all over the place. If you don't mind I would like to find out where you got your engine trans set from.
Thanks-Mika |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Cleveland Texas
Posts: 38
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Re: Project racing $$$. 1968 GMC SWB 5.3/4l60E Build
I'm a mechanic for a trucking co.we had a truck that was stolen and recovered. My company was gonna scrap the truck, so I bought the entire truck for scrap price ($500). It'll be hard to find a deal like that. On Craigslist, I've seen engines and tyranny for about $1500-$2500. Mine is the 4.8 and you can pick up those pretty cheap. It has plenty of power for me driving it everyday.
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