1988 Crew Cab Build

[JPalmer81]

I also picked up some really nice 3+3 badges off ebay, was gonna have them made, but was told by a company that specializes in this stuff to "go on the internet and get them if you want them", I guess they didnt want my business, so i took their advice! But after a nice polish and paint, these babies should look like new.



that brings the total up to $3407.00 + $40.18 for both badges and shipping to a grand total of $3447.18! Still alot cheaper than a new truck!

[my4by2]

Well, will say that Steve does stay SUPER busy.... I'm a repeat customer & it still takes quite a while to get badges made! Sorry that he couldn't help you though - maybe it's just that you wanted a reproduction or something rather than something custom.

The badges you bought though will clean up nice once you get 'em painted.

[JPalmer81]

I kinda had my hopes up for some nice shiny new looking ones, but these will look very nice once i put a little time in them. Plus it saves me some money too. So it is not a bad thing. Like i said, i think Steve has done some really nice work for you, and he might of shied away from this cause it was reproduction and not custom, oh well, it is what it is now.

[JPalmer81]

Okay guys, got a question for ya. What all is involved with installing a NV4500 into a Crew with a 6.2L diesel? Can i use my T-Case? Do i need a new bellousing? Do i have to make a new crossmember for the mount? Do i have to get my drive shaft lengthened or shortened? Anyone on here done this? And what is a good price for one with 125,000 miles on it with all the accessories i.e. pedals and linkages? One came up on CL up here and was wondering what all it would take if i were to buy it.

[JPalmer81]

No comments on the NV4500 swap??? Well, these last few days i have been doing some research, and am thinking a sm465 will do better for me, plus, i like they are pretty simple to rebuild, they are very cheap, they are bullet proof. The final drive gear is a 1.00:1, same as the TH400 in my truck. If i put the NV4500, i wouldnt be able to use the overdirve while i am towing anyways, so dont think it would be worth all the work to swap it in. I have read some threads on here about the 465, and sounds like everyone likes it. Any comments on this? Is it hard converting these to the 32 spline? Do the driveshafts stay the same? Any tips from anyone that has worked with this setup or done this very swap?

[manimal]

It may be easier to find a 4wd SM465 to mate to your TC.

[JPalmer81]

Think I just made a good buy today, landed a sm465, pedal assembly, linkages, steering column delivered to my doorstep for $300!! Think thats not too bad! Cannot wait to get home to start working on this thing! That brings the total up $3707, not too bad. I will have a perfectly good TH400 in the near future for those interested.

[my4by2]

That's a KILLER deal man!!! Can't wait to see some pics of the install! Wish you could'a caught me way back at the start of my build - we sold my SM465 & all those same parts since I went with a NV4500 & hydraulic clutch set-up....

[JPalmer81]

Originally Posted by my4by2

That's a KILLER deal man!!! Can't wait to see some pics of the install! Wish you could'a caught me way back at the start of my build - we sold my SM465 & all those same parts since I went with a NV4500 & hydraulic clutch set-up....

Thanks man, I was looking into the NV4500, but went with the 465 just because it is a direct bolt on with just a few modifications, and the NV4500
4th gear is the same as the sm465 4th gear, and they are tough as nails and easy and cheap to rebuild, and considerably less than the 4500. I am debating on rebuilding it this winter while i am rebuilding the axles, we shall see.

[my4by2]

Get with WFO man, they can get you all the rebuild parts you need for that & more!!!

www.wfoconcepts.com - (530)268-9494 talk to Trevor or Del

[JPalmer81]

Thanks alot man, i will definately check them out.

[joe231]

we missed out!!

http://www.govliquidation.com/auctio...tionId=5191038

[JPalmer81]

Originally Posted by joe231

we missed out!!

http://www.govliquidation.com/auctio...tionId=5191038

So did i read that right, whoever won the bid got the engine for $601?!?!? That is a heck of a deal. Oh well, maybe something like will go on again when i get out of the sand box! I scored on a set of wheels off CL, they are the 16x8 OEM steelies, and i got them for $100, i dont think they know how much it cost to get wheels widened, but oh well, better for me. I'm still good on the trade with you though, i wanna have an extra set...

[joe231]

Originally Posted by JPalmer81

So did i read that right, whoever won the bid got the engine for $601?!?!? That is a heck of a deal. Oh well, maybe something like will go on again when i get out of the sand box! I scored on a set of wheels off CL, they are the 16x8 OEM steelies, and i got them for $100, i dont think they know how much it cost to get wheels widened, but oh well, better for me. I'm still good on the trade with you though, i wanna have an extra set...

Yep
$601 plus whatever fees

Sounds good
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[manimal]

You're gonna have one sweet truck there JPalmer.

[cmax87v3500]

geeze i cant believe i didnt realize that lol, and actually, the guy who owned it, 86454k30, that replied to your question isnt my dad, at the bottom, MAXMAN is, and he built it, and the red one 86454k30 has now. i love both of those trucks! and pretty much any 4x4 1 ton from the 80's!

[MrBeast]

Sounds like you have a project. Personally id go the Cummins route but this is only because I have owned 3 GM diesels, and that was about 4 too many...

[JPalmer81]

i may one day, but for now i am going to use the 6.2L, and gonna squeeze every bit of power i can out of it. I know its not gonna compare to the sooped up cummins, but i think it will do for now. Down the road, if i can find the right deal on a cummins i will def jump on it. and im going with a a OEM Plus theme on my truck for now, so need the GM motor for that. But i can say that it is very tempting and would be nice to have one in my truck, but after i get done with mine it should have more HP and tourque than a stock 89-91 cummins, hopefully......

[MrBeast]

Originally Posted by JPalmer81

i may one day, but for now i am going to use the 6.2L, and gonna squeeze every bit of power i can out of it. I know its not gonna compare to the sooped up cummins, but i think it will do for now. Down the road, if i can find the right deal on a cummins i will def jump on it. and im going with a a OEM Plus theme on my truck for now, so need the GM motor for that. But i can say that it is very tempting and would be nice to have one in my truck, but after i get done with mine it should have more HP and tourque than a stock 89-91 cummins, hopefully......

I will be watching. I am working a deal to get myself into another 79 square right now. it is a 4x4 dually regular cab. I am thinking I am going to go with a big block though, so much easier to install, even if it is still a gas motor.

[JPalmer81]

After looking through all these other builds on here, i have been throwing around, in my mind about going to a 73-74 front clip, think they look sweet and mean. But that would really make this a project, right now its a pretty simple build....see how long it stays that way

[my4by2]

I've always been more fond of the 73-78 front ends - just look more "muscular" than the later models to me. And too many people upgrade to the Suburban or late model front end that it's getting harder to find nice trucks with the older look... Either way though - if it makes you happy, then roll with it!

[nekkidhillbilly]

Originally Posted by my4by2

I've always been more fond of the 73-78 front ends - just look more "muscular" than the later models to me. And too many people upgrade to the Suburban or late model front end that it's getting harder to find nice trucks with the older look... Either way though - if it makes you happy, then roll with it!

thats me i like the 73-80 fronts

[joe231]

73-74 is my favorite grill followed closely by the 89-91 deluxe grill, but the 89-91 work truck grill is growing on me lol

IMO, you can't go wrong with any square grill....
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[nekkidhillbilly]

Originally Posted by joe231

73-74 is my favorite grill followed closely by the 89-91 deluxe grill, but the 89-91 work truck grill is growing on me lol

IMO, you can't go wrong with any square grill....
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i like the later wt grill too prob cause it looks like a square headlight version of the 73-80 fronts...........i know i know 80s had the square lights optional

[JPalmer81]

Well, we will see, the body is going to be the last thing i worry about on this baby, got alot lined up on it. Got all the parts for a front and rear axle rebuild, got a new to me sm465 sitting in my garage as of today, and i have the over haul kit for the tranny, so between tearing the axles down and redoing them and rebuilding the tranny, which, i have never done, i ordered 2 books and a cd-rom for this!!, I should have it driveable before next spring with everything from the tires to the tranny all new. Then i will start on the engine mods, which with the 6.2L wont be very much, we shall see though. Oh and i think i changed my mind on the tire size from 265's to 285's, not much of a change but a little one. Cant wait to get home and get started and post some pics for ya'll!