Major swap in my future

[Dale_Brown]

This weekend I am taking delivery of a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban with 95K miles. It’s a 4X4, 3/4ton (disk/drum), 4 speed manual, big block.

The current DRIVE TRAIN in my 72 SWB K10 is a 350, TH350, 203 transfer, and six lug bolt pattern on the axels.

Going to swap the motor, tranmission, rears, transfer case.

My questions for the board are:

•Will the rears fit without moving the springs?

•Will the 454 fit in a 4X4 engine compartment?
Read the BB motor needs to be moved but can’t find the thread

•Will the shifter come through the floor at a useable position?

•Has anyone had a drive shaft balanced?
Does it really make a difference?

Any and all lessons learned would be appricated.

Dale_Brown

[johnnyclack]

Sorry, I am bit confused

Thread says drive line; perhaps you meant drive train ?

[coops714x4]

to answer your questions
if you are just going to put the rear axle in and leave the 1/2 ton springs yes it will work
if you are running a HEI dizz move the crossmember forward 1-1 1/2" to allow clearance
I am not sure on the transfer case shifter, what transfer case? I think that 88 has the shifter on the drivers side?? again not sure.
YES balancing a drive shaft is DEFINATELY worth the money. Coop

[Chevymaniac]

Spring spacing is 40.5" for 67-72's
spring spacing is 42.5" for 73-87 1/2 and 3/4trucks, til 91 for blazers and subarbans
Spring spacing is 40.5" for 73-89 1 ton trucks

[mcmlxix]

Stock transfer case for a 72 would be the NP205, not the NP203. Not sure if you actualy have the NP203 or not, just making an observation...

[Dale_Brown]

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

Stock transfer case for a 72 would be the NP205, not the NP203. Not sure if you actualy have the NP203 or not, just making an observation...

PO changed it to a 203. Not real happy with the 203 or automatic thus the reason for the swap.

Thanks all for your input. Between your post and what I can find on the board it should be painless.

Keep the information comming!

[DirtyLarry]

Is the donor Suburban really a Big block? Big blocks did not appear in 4x4 Suburban’s until the next body style in 1992. Maybe the PO swapped it in?

[Dale_Brown]

Originally Posted by DirtyLarry

Is the donor Suburban really a Big block? Big blocks did not appear in 4x4 Suburban’s until the next body style in 1992. Maybe the PO swapped it in?

Its in a junk yard near my house. Its a BB for sure. Obvisouly I have no idea of this trucks past. But for 550.00 total drivetrain, I could not pass it up. Air cleaner says 454 and there is no mistaking those vlave covers or enourmous headers.

Ill root around an see if I can get a casting number. Did not take delivery as the weather $ucks here. COME ON SPRING