My 1st Build

[72_Chevy_Cos]

I got a 72 c10 that I'm looking to make fast. My plan is to rip out the I6 and transmission and throw in an LS motor with a TH400 auto. it needs a lot of body work but the frame is solid. Questions:

1. Recommended fuel cell type (poly, aluminum) and size?
2. What all would be needed as far as front end work aside from a new steering column?
3. Work required for underbody as far as getting new equipment to bolt up goes?
4. Vehicles I could buy as a donor that have said transmission and engine that i could pull the rear end out of and still be close?

This is the first project vehicle that I've bought and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I've done extensive engine and body work, a little transmission work. I have the know-how to do it all but getting the right parts is becoming kind of a sh** show. Not looking for anyone to do the build for me, I just need pointed in the correct starting direction.

[bowtieguy79]

The best thing you can do is search here, and read other build threads.

I strongly suggest if you get a parts vehicle that you use the overdrive trans that comes with it over the 400, you can have it tuned for improved shifting and the extra gear will get you some mpg's.
Is this a 2wd?

[72_Chevy_Cos]

It is 2wd. I would need a whole new rear end for the new transmission wouldn't I?

[bowtieguy79]

Originally Posted by 72_Chevy_Cos

It is 2wd. I would need a whole new rear end for the new transmission wouldn't I?

no, you just would need to adapt your drive shaft length and yoke to fit the newer transmission.

There really is no "need" for a fuel cell either. You could use the tank from behind the seat, or even a tank for a 73-87 Suburban and mount it in the rear of the truck.

[72_Chevy_Cos]

If I get a donor truck that has the engine I want and a 700R4 transmission but it's 4x4, what would I have to do to keep it 2wd?

[bowtieguy79]

What is the truck you are looking at? GM didn't put a 700R4 behind a LS based engine, but did use the 4L60E.

If you get a 4x4 transmission, there really is no cheap way to make it a 2wd.

[68shortwide]

I second the od trans. I'm doin ls too, and I also thought a th400 would be good, but since I was going with a efi motor with a computer I realized its just stupid not to go with a 4l80e or the like. And as far as a donor vehicle, it depends on the kind of ls, many came with them. The fbody Camaro n firebirds, along with the vetted of the same era came with the 5.7 ls1s and then Chevy n GMC trucks and suvs.started using ls based 4.8 5.3 and 6.0 motors. You could buy a wrecked 03-9 wrecked Chevy 2500 truck and pull the motor,trans and rear end and have a driveshaft made. You'd most likely have to narrow the rear end though, but you'd have rear discs. Other donor cars would be the 04-06 gtos and 2010 and up v8 camaros. And vettes of all the years through this, along with assorted cts and escalades. Other members will chime in with helpful answers and correct me where I'm wrong. And welcome to the board from STL

[bowtieguy79]

72_Chevy_Cos post up some pics of your truck, lets see what you have to work with here

and as 68shortwide said, welcome to the site!

[72_Chevy_Cos]

Thanks a ton guys, soon as I get home I'll put up some pics! I'm really looking for a vehicle that has an ls motor and a 4l80 trans for somewhat cheap.

[bowtieguy79]

you live in the rust belt like me! You are going to want to look for a 2wd 2500HD or a 2500 Van as a donor. You can find these trucks with a few miles on them for $800-3500 depending on options.

You may also check some local yards, might find a descent price on a complete pull out, engine/trans/harness/ecm/accessories.

[68shortwide]

Check Craigslist too, found some on there, just never had the upfront cash to do it at the times. Never even noticed you two are fairly close. If you find some cheap parts and you guys pass, share the love and lemme know lol these 2500 trucks are expensive down here in the city. Most are 180k single cab longbeds and they still want 8-12k for em

[72_Chevy_Cos]

Alright ladies and gentlemen, here are pics of my 72 C10

[72_Chevy_Cos]

And a couple more

[bowtieguy79]

Looks like a complete good starting point for you.

[68shortwide]

Yup, agreed. Is there any rust in the cab corners or rockers?

[bs46488]

I've seen worse starting points.

Just out of curiosity...why start with an LS motor?

Another option for the motor is the Express van 2500. I believe technically it has a LQ9 engine, but that will save a little coin in your wallet.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by 72_Chevy_Cos

If I get a donor truck that has the engine I want and a 700R4 transmission but it's 4x4, what would I have to do to keep it 2wd?

A non-computer 700R4 can be converted to 2WD by replacing the output shaft and deleting the output shaft housing.

However in this case, it would be a 4L60E and the computer system would be different I think 4WD to 2WD.

Get a donor 2WD weather it be car or truck but preferably truck.

[mechanicalman]

That bed looks twisted. Optical illusion?

[72_Chevy_Cos]

Lol nope, just a twisted bed. The bed itself rusted through and the people who owned it before me layed down sheet steel and did a horrible job welding it on so now it sits on the frame crooked

[Tinkermc]

Welcome to the Forum, looks like a very nice starting place.

[ole dollor]

another welcome to the best forum on the inter net. have fun with your new truck...

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Oh, my neck!!!!

Aaaaahhhh.....