Are there differences in... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shippman · 05-08-2014, 11:41 AM

Hopefully this question doesn't get me run off this forum

. I am parting out a 73 C10 and a friend of mine has a 78 RV based on the one ton van chassis. He is interested in the engine and trans combo only if it is pretty much a bolt-in swap including drive shaft. The RV is currently a 400 SB with TH400... Mine is a 454 BB with a 700R4.

Anybody out there with the RV chassis knowledge?

Thanks,

Mike

Keith Seymore · 05-08-2014, 12:01 PM

The swap from small block to big block is going to keep it from being a slam dunk. Different frame stands (motor mounts) are going to be required and I'm pretty sure the length of a 700R4 vs a TH400 is different.

Prop shaft length - I assume the recreational vehicle was based on a cab chassis which is a different wheelbase than your pickup, so no way is the driveshaft going to be the right length.

To be honest I've never understood that requirement anyway. If you are going to spend all the time, effort and money to do a driveline swap just man up and plan on having a new shaft made.

My $0.01.

K

shippman · 05-08-2014, 12:38 PM

Thanks, Keith! I was hoping you would chime in.. I value your experience.

Keith Seymore · 05-08-2014, 02:40 PM

You are welcome.

I hope I'm right....

K

RandyP · 05-08-2014, 04:08 PM

A new drive shaft is cheap. Had a new one piece put in mine when I had my trans rebuilt so I could get away from the 2 piece. Was like $120.

05-08-2014, 11:41 AM	#1
shippman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Roanoke, TX Posts: 39	Are there differences in... Hopefully this question doesn't get me run off this forum . I am parting out a 73 C10 and a friend of mine has a 78 RV based on the one ton van chassis. He is interested in the engine and trans combo only if it is pretty much a bolt-in swap including drive shaft. The RV is currently a 400 SB with TH400... Mine is a 454 BB with a 700R4. Anybody out there with the RV chassis knowledge? Thanks, Mike

05-08-2014, 12:01 PM	#2
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,177	Re: Are there differences in... The swap from small block to big block is going to keep it from being a slam dunk. Different frame stands (motor mounts) are going to be required and I'm pretty sure the length of a 700R4 vs a TH400 is different. Prop shaft length - I assume the recreational vehicle was based on a cab chassis which is a different wheelbase than your pickup, so no way is the driveshaft going to be the right length. To be honest I've never understood that requirement anyway. If you are going to spend all the time, effort and money to do a driveline swap just man up and plan on having a new shaft made. My $0.01. K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

05-08-2014, 12:38 PM	#3
shippman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Roanoke, TX Posts: 39	Re: Are there differences in... Thanks, Keith! I was hoping you would chime in.. I value your experience.

05-08-2014, 02:40 PM	#4
Keith Seymore Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Motor City Posts: 9,177	Re: Are there differences in... You are welcome. I hope I'm right.... K __________________ Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/

05-08-2014, 04:08 PM	#5
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: Are there differences in... A new drive shaft is cheap. Had a new one piece put in mine when I had my trans rebuilt so I could get away from the 2 piece. Was like $120. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.



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