I have a question about a 4x4 setup. New to 4x4s

[Hazieview]

Hey guys I have found a truck I want to buy. I have no clue a bout 4x4s so I was wondering if this setup would be good for my application.

I will be driving at least 1000 miles round trip in this truck at highway speeds. Once I get to my destination I will need the 4 wheel drive to cruise through steep hills and mild terrain at speed lower than 30mph.

The truck will have..
-sb400 (500+ lbs of torque)
-700r4 (overdrive) wired with a "Painless wiring" tranmission kit to run without the electronic controls
-205 Transfer Case
-Dana 44 Front Axle w/disk brakes
-14BFF (14 bolt full floater) with DIY Disk Brake Conversion & Detroit locker.
-4:10 gears
-37" Goodyear MTRs on Allied Racing Beadlock Wheels
-Superlift 4" lift, all new shocks, dual steering stabilizer

What do you guys think? Is this a good setup or do you see something way wrong here?

Thanks guys! Rookie Alert!

[msgross]

wow, sounds like a pretty nice rig...

I'm no pro but it sounds like any basic rig can meet your needs.

1. 37" tires on a dana44 will be ok for average use but if you plan much more you could think about a dana60 front axle.
2. The 700R4 might not handle that much torque unless it's been built for it.
3. what size truck is this on?

[Hazieview]

It is in a crew cab shortbed K30.

I do have one question though.

He said the gears in the front were not installed but he has them bran new in a box...?

He also said the front driveshaft is not installed???


(It has a 454 in it right now. i'll be isntalling a the sb400 just didn't know if the setup would workout)

[Hazieview]

Oh and it is a 1973-87 model.

[msgross]

If it's a real K30 then it should have a dana60...

For the price you'll have getting the dana44 reay you might think dana60 instead... a set from a military CUCV will have 4.56 gears and cost you under $1500 for front and rear...

build it right the first time...

why replace the 454?

[Redcap]

A Dana 44 is marginal at best with 37"s. I also wouldn't downgrade the engine (454 to pretty much any smallblock is a downgrade...especially in a 4x4). Sounds like the frontend has the wrong gearset currently, which would account for the front driveshaft not being installed.

[Hazieview]

The 454 is used and he said it had a few problems.

My sb400 still has gobs of torque, is bran new, and already has about $6000 in it.

I plan on parting with the 2wd drive when I'm done and I dont want to part with my sb400 for sure.

[Hazieview]

I also figured the sb400 would be more practical for what I'm going to use the truck for.

If this truck was going to be used strictly as a toy to go 4 wheeling in it would be a different story.

However this is a truck I will have to use daily as needed to haul stuff, tow trailers, go camping in, as well as travel long distances.

454 just doesn't seem practical in my opinion.

[Chevy1TonFun]

I'd stick with the SBC. Have you bought the truck yet?

[Hazieview]

No I plan on getting it this weekend I just wanted to see what you guys thought about the setup the 4x4 would have on it with my sbc.

[msgross]

I'd trade/sell the 454 then and replace the front axle with a SRW (single rear wheel) dana60 and appropriate parts. Check the gears in the 14 bolt and run it...

should be fun for what you are using it for.

[Mr. 250r]

I ran 38.5s with my 10b front end i eventually broke an axle but that was under very extreme stress all through a stock 350tbi and 4l80e, 4.10s but then i bought a d60 really cheap got the death wobble and no longer drive the suburban but drove the 38s all over the highway/town/coal mine property where we mud and did fine

[1malo68]

Was this somebody's project truck? msgross is absolutely right about the 700r not being able to handle that type of torque unless it's built. The 700r4 never came stock with a 205 transfer case. They were usually mated to a 208. Do you know this guy? Is it a good price? You can probably figure about $2000.00 to get it the way you want it if the tranny is in good shape. You might as well add that to the price.

[chevymadness]

seems like a sweet bundle to me i would love to have all that under my chevy right about now.I offroad with my truck and take my atv out to the dunes.