‘53 3100, s-10, ls, tr6060

[layinrocker65]

I refuse to cut the rear section of the floor so I pulled everything apart and raised the body mounts 1/2”. Which puts them at 4.5” total for the front mount. Then I threw the body back on and checked to make sure everything was good. Now I have just barely enough clearance for the back of the trans for it to not hit the floor. Pulled it all back a part and welded the mounts in for good.

Going to order some stuff for the mounts today. Probably have those ready by next Monday.

[layinrocker65]

Squared off the front rails, boxed them off and added a crossmember. Painted all the new brackets and threw the cab back on. Cut the transmission cover for the tranny as well.

[mongocanfly]

are you gonna use a shifter relocater for the tr6060?

[layinrocker65]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

are you gonna use a shifter relocater for the tr6060?

Going to use a core shifter. Puts it right on top where the blue tape is. One of the things I have to have is a bench seat so I have no other options.

And for info, that’s the 5th gen trans. The cts-v trans won’t work with a forward shifter.

[joedoh]

looking good, I used a core shifter on my 65, we had some fun back and forth on why I needed a short shifter and 16" hurst bench seat shifter for an NV1500 (4 cyl s10) trans. "I can build it but I think its going to hit your dash". "Its not going to hit my dash". high quality stuff!

probably the right move, raising the truck a half inch! motor looks right

[BLAC]

Originally Posted by joedoh

looking good, I used a core shifter on my 65, we had some fun back and forth on why I needed a short shifter and 16" hurst bench seat shifter for an NV1500 (4 cyl s10) trans. "I can build it but I think its going to hit your dash". "Its not going to hit my dash". high quality stuff!

probably the right move, raising the truck a half inch! motor looks right

You to? ha I have never had a more frustraiting or difficult time buying something than when I tried to order my Core shifter. It's all done and installed now. great quality parts but a PITA to buy ha

[layinrocker65]

Originally Posted by BLAC

You to? ha I have never had a more frustraiting or difficult time buying something than when I tried to order my Core shifter. It's all done and installed now. great quality parts but a PITA to buy ha

The problem for me is that the Cadillac TR6060 doesn’t have provisions for a forward shifter. I have a camaro tr6060 but to run that, I’d have to buy a pretty expensive clutch to run it behind the LSA. I already have all the Cadillac LSA clutch stuff but had to run the Cadillac tranny.

So it was either spend a bunch of money on a clutch and a forward mount shift or run the LSA stuff and make a shifter. I picked the cheaper version that takes more work.

[BLAC]

Originally Posted by layinrocker65

The problem for me is that the Cadillac TR6060 doesn’t have provisions for a forward shifter. I have a camaro tr6060 but to run that, I’d have to buy a pretty expensive clutch to run it behind the LSA. I already have all the Cadillac LSA clutch stuff but had to run the Cadillac tranny.

So it was either spend a bunch of money on a clutch and a forward mount shift or run the LSA stuff and make a shifter. I picked the cheaper version that takes more work.

Ya I hear ya. I was referring to the 'buying experience' with Core

[layinrocker65]

Thanks joedoh. Seems to be working out really good. I’m going to run ~27.5” tire so I’ll have plenty of options to go lower with suspension mods if I want.

I put the bench back in the truck and sat in it for the first time. I don’t know why but the I feel much closer to the dash than my COE. It’s not even close to being comfortable for me(I’m 6’6”). So I’ll be trying to find a new bench seat to swap in and try to gain a couple of inches. If I can go back 2-3” and maybe down a bit, I’d be happy.

[nvrdone]

I used a 3rd row bench out of an Astro van. Moved me back about 2.5". and I dropped it 1" ( im 6'3) I have plenty of leg room and the 4 spd shifter falls right into place.

[joedoh]

yeah with the stock bench you are really steering with your gut, keeps your hands free for sandwiches I guess.

[mongocanfly]

my LS3/TR6060 came from a 2013 Camaro...ive got several forward mounted shifters ive looked at saved on a computer at home..just not sure which I like best....some are very pricey

[layinrocker65]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

my LS3/TR6060 came from a 2013 Camaro...ive got several forward mounted shifters ive looked at saved on a computer at home..just not sure which I like best....some are very pricey

The core one is the only one I could find where you can get a tall mount to run a long handle on it.

[layinrocker65]

Getting the bed and steps mocked up. Once I figure out there positioning, I’ll start making mounts. I got the core support cut and welded a new bottom to it. Need to figure out how I want to mount it now.

[joedoh]

looks just right!

[layinrocker65]

Got the motor mounts knocked out today and notched the frame for a low mount drivers side alternator. Pretty sure I’m done cutting both the inner fenders but no pics of that. I feel spoiled with how much room there is to work around these trucks.

Still haven’t figured out the pictures. I’m always forgetting to take them in landscape

[joedoh]

looking good man!

[mongocanfly]

I like it..!!!! just as is

[NorCalGal]

That looks like the sweet spot.

[layinrocker65]

Guess I’ll update this. Got the steering done with a shortened stock steering column. Made the pedal assembly and got it mounted. It’s a hydroboost and Wilwood clutch master mounted under the frame on a custom mount setup I did. It all bolts on with 3 bolts were the original tranny crossmember was and 4 bolts to the side of the body mount.

Got the tank mounted. It’s a blazer tank. The fill will be in the bed floor.

As always, sorry about the pics. Don’t know how to rotate them on my phone.

[layinrocker65]

Got the brakes pretty close to done. 2” drop spindles, S10 rotors machined into hubs, CTS-V 6 piston brakes with the 2 piece rotors opened up in the center.

[layinrocker65]

I am opting to use the TR6060 from the LSA setup to save some money. Because of that, I had to make my own remote mount shift since the aftermarket doesn’t support the Cadillac TR6060. The linkage is just mock up until I can determine the height of the shifter in the truck. Then I’ll make a new linkage and shift handle.

[layinrocker65]

Made a subframe to stiffen things up. 1.75 tubing with a knock out tranny crossmember. The exhaust will be able to run under the subframe and be above the bottom of the floorboards.

[NorCalGal]

Dang that’s a nice looking truck

[joedoh]

that is a metric butt ton of cool work!