Big Block in a 72 4x4???

[vrugger]

I just got a BB for my 1972 chevy pickup and heard there has to be modifications to make it fit. Please tell me what needs to happen to make this work??

[Livrat]

First, Welcome to the board!!
The biggest issue with a big block in a 4X4 is the valve covers will usually hit the firewall..
So there are a number of ways to solve,
Beat the firewall in with a big hammer.. (not the most desirable option)
Put on a body lift..
Or move everything forward 2.5" - 3" inches.. which means a new rear drive line, a shortened front drive line and drilling new holes for the crossmembers,
To me the most desirable way is to also at the same time convert the trans to a 700R4 which is longer than a T350, that means the trans/transfer case and drive lines all stay the same, all thats needed to move is the engine crossmember a few inches forward.