One more time 72 k10 5.3 to th350

[Nitis]

So before I totally rule out a LS swap tell me more about what I would need to do to make this one happen?

Do I need a new crossmember?

Some have told me no. Could it be as simple as mounts sstb manifolds and maybe a different oil pan?

I know that mating the engine to tranny will require some sort of adapter depending on which year engine I use. And this trannynis basically brand new maybe 2k miles

Only other thing I can come up with in searches that poses a minor issue is a way to get the tranny to kick down. I must assume there's a simple fix and also there will be differences if I get a dbw or dbc

I will eventually want to use ac as well if that matters.

Again this is a 72 k10 lwb. All stock. Will probably do a 2" lift if for nothing else just to freshen up the 42 year old springs that lean one way.

And I have been trying to do my due diligence and search so try not to flamencos me too much.

I just want to make a decision if this is feasible for me or if I should look more traditional.

[smoky02]

You will not need a new cross member

[RocketChevy56]

worst case, you can use your factory crossmember, just cut the rivets out and scoot it in the rails.
As far as mating up transmissions.. The ranges of what fits and doesn't is mostly to do with the flexplate. 5.3L have dished flexplates and an adapter will need to be used (about $55 with bolts supplied from GM). 6.0L have flat flexplates and do not require the adapters. I don't know if certain years may have changed around but that should be the only mating issue you may run into. If you get a 4l60/80 with the motor, then your kickdown stuf will be controlled by the ecm and you shouldn't have to worry about it. If your going old school tranny (700R or th350) then check out Bowtieoverdrives.com and look at their cable kits. Thats where I got mine for my 700R4. and although I don't know if it works yet, that should rid you of the trans issues.

Truck manifolds and the stock pan will be fine. you shouldn't have any clearance issue with your front diff.

I prefer DBC personally but its all in preference and what motor you end up with and whats on it already. If you end up with one and want the other, then you will need to dig into the harness and change up the connectors for the TB. For what you want, just keep it simple and use whatever setup is on the motor you buy.

[RocketChevy56]

Hey Smokey, how did the TBSS Longtubes work for you? I want to try em but don't wanna pony up the dough and get stuck with them if I don't like the fitment. Any pics with them showing how close they are at the frame rails?

[Nitis]

Wow this is much more re assuring. Everything I was finding before led me to believe I need lots of fab.

What motor mount kit do you recommend?

Would it maybe make more sense to get a flywheel from a 6.0 and swap it in?

[RocketChevy56]

If there was lots of fab required, there wouldn't be so many people doing them. These swaps are cool because you can do as much or as little as possible and still have a reliable, powerful platform in your rig. Its more of making the choice and having the cojones to dive into it lol

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=517347
This one is a pretty cool thread, not a terrible amount of info, but he pretty much is just going over how to do it easier and cheaper and leaving the "normal" part of the swap to the reader. His mount ideas are cool if your looking to do it cheaper. Dirty Dingo (and others) make sliding adjustable mounts so you could move your motor forward/backwards to your liking. I have heard issue with the 4wd's using them but you can check out their site and see if they have something that will work. I have the CPP tubular perches and poly mounts. came as a kit and made it simple to have everything together like that.

I don't see why you coulnd't just swap the flexplate if you can find one cheap. Just make sure its flat and no dish in it.

[Bigdav160]

Have your checked out this thread?

There is information on putting the LS into a 4x4

[Nitis]

True point but most swaps I'm seeing are on 2wd rigs not near as many 4x4 which is why I'm so hesitant.

So maybe I'm fabbing my mown mounts? Dirty dingo makes a new crossmember specifically for the 67-72 4wd another reason I thought it may be needed.

I also thought ice read that the ac compressor may need to be relocated?

Thanks for the time and patience.

[RocketChevy56]

Very true, and mine is no exception. I did a 5.3/4l60 in a 93 k1500 with zero clearance issues. Although, I know its not the same, you shouldn't have but a couple subtle differences in your truck. I have heard mixed things about the compressor thing, and honestly don't know. I have spent lots of time deleting mine so thats out of my dept. There are other slider mounts. I believe ECE make them also, perhaps they have the clearance problems fixed. I just think that type of mount would do you the most good. There's lots of guys that fab their own mounts or re work others to make em work with good results. might do a quick search on ls mounts and see what pops up. Surely someone must have something to fit your needs or a means of making them

NO problem at all, happy to help!

[smoky02]

I'm in Saudi Arabia right now so getting pictures won't be so easy. But there is a guy on here that has a build thread that shows a few pictures of them installed...and I had to dimple one of the pipes a little but other than that they fit amazingly.

[Bigdav160]

Originally Posted by Nitis

True point but most swaps I'm seeing are on 2wd rigs not near as many 4x4 which is why I'm so hesitant.

So maybe I'm fabbing my own mounts? Dirty dingo makes a new crossmember specifically for the 67-72 4wd another reason I thought it may be needed.

This is a tiden motorsports crossmember. I have no affiliation. Like you, I've thought about the LS conversion but hesitate because of unknown clearance issues with the front axle.

If you're swapping an LSx motor into your '63-'72 GM truck, you probably see that the factory crossmember just doesn't fit. To ease your install we have a bolt in replacement piece we've developed.

[Nitis]

I guess going as deep as I'm going swapping the crossmember isn't that much more work but if I can do it without I would rather. We have the tools and space etc for a typical engine swap but never really dove into any frame work. But it looks very straight forward

The simpler I can keep it the more help dad will be to me.

[RocketChevy56]

seems to bolt right up. I was just on Pacific Fabrications website and saw that very cross member. not much more $$$ wise than a good swap mount kit. The biggest pita I think you may have is if your factory cross member is riveted on. Some of those factory rivets will happily fight you back.

Check their website out, might have other stuff you may want/need. They seem geared towards lsx 4x4's. That Tilden crossmember may be available elsewhere, and cheaper?

[KMC3420]

Here is a very detailed build of a K10. I think you will find some of your answers here, and there are plenty of detailed pictures. Post #86 on page 4 is where you might want to start.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=494599

[Nitis]

Well it sure looks like crossmember is a must

[KMC3420]

The crossmember above looks like money to me and pacific fabrication is a vendor on here. They could get you the crossmember. I wouldn't let some rivets hold you back as the crossmember appears to be bolt on so no welding. I'll let you do the reading though. I say go for it if you got the time and money.

[RocketChevy56]

x2

I don't think you'll regret doing it! Once you get in there, you'll see its not so bad. Hopefully your dad agrees though and lends a helping hand