Will everything hook up????

[71blksuper4x4]

Hey guys, we are looking into buying a 1988 chevy to make into a jacked up ride. My question is that we are going to convert a 1980 swb 4x4 frame to fit under the body. We have a the motor, trans, transfer out of a 1984 scottsdale. I know 88 got all computerized... I was wondering if guages and everything would work properly and hook up to the 84 stuff??? Any help before we try this.... if not.. I guess it's back to the drawing board. thanks Trevor

[Palf70Step]

Far as the body goes, there will be lots of mods. The frames are way different. You'll have to do mods to the cab and cab mounts I'm sure. Far as I know you have to have the computer to work the factory guage/dash panel in the 88. Could you make it work with the 84 driveline, yes. But it'll take a lot of figuring.

Rememeber as "piston heads" we are all a little redneck. Meaning ANYTHING can be made to fit. You have to decide if the work that goes in is worth what you'll get out. I think the wiring adaption will problaby be the easier of the adaptions, I think you'll have a whole lot more to deal with the matchup of the body and frame.

[bigbluthng]

why not just convert the front end to a straight axle setup? off road unlimited in burbank ca has a kit.

[b454rat]

I put the ORU kit in my 89, ok kit but lots of money when you can do it yourself. Hopefully soon I can put a solid axle in my 97. There are two ways to do it. One, get a Ford axle, that way you can keep your transfer case. The best years to get are 77.5 to 79 3/4 and 1 tons. There are Dana 60s, so be prepared to pay for them. A dana 44 is the cheaper route, they came in the same years, just light 3/4 tons and 1/2 ton super cabs, they run leaves iinstead of coils. The other route is a Gm axle, but then you need to switch transfer cases. You will need an 87 to 91 case out of a blazer or suburban.