POLL, which engine and trans to use in this 4x4

[Twin Turbo Skylark]

This is my daily driver, 05 GMC 1500 and I just got a new project truck a 1990 GMC 1500 also black.

Before:



With 6.5" BDS lift and 35" tall 12" wide BFG AT:











This 1990 gmc came with independent suspension but for real off road abuse you want some solid axles... Tons of work went into this and it's really well done.



Pulled it up onto the flat deck for safe keeping, love that PTO winch:







I got the truck as a roller, no engine or trans but I have these 2 trucks to choose from for donors. the 01 GMC 2500 or the 1988 Chevy with 5 speed manual and TBI 350. Obviously the TBI would be an easier swap but the 6.0 would be much better.

Which would you do? The easy TBI swap or the 6.0 swap?

[b454rat]

how is the steering hooked up on that? i'd go with TBI, already there, already have all the pieces, have it done in a day...

[Twin Turbo Skylark]

Originally Posted by b454rat

how is the steering hooked up on that? i'd go with TBI, already there, already have all the pieces, have it done in a day...

Thanks for the input, it sure would be an easy swap! All the TBI wiring and computer is in the truck... Then no computer controlled trans and you could row through the gears... It would make it unique to be a manual shifted truck. Here are pics of the steering:

[91short]

Go with a 5.3 or 6.0 I know you can use that trans with the 5.3, don't know how it would hold up to the 6.0. The suspension has been upgraded, may as well update the engine since the old one is already out.

[Twin Turbo Skylark]

Originally Posted by 91short

Go with a 5.3 or 6.0 I know you can use that trans with the 5.3, don't know how it would hold up to the 6.0. The suspension has been upgraded, may as well update the engine since the old one is already out.

Yes I would use the 6.0,4L80E and t case out of this 2001 crew cab complete with the wiring harness, computer etc. I do have the mounts to convert the Sbc to LS engine mounts so it would be an easy swap. I guess the only downside to doing that is that I would have to part out what is a pretty good truck... I do have some spare 5.3 engines kicking around but rigging up a trans would be a pain... Maybe that's actually a good 3rd option. Use a 5.3 with the manual NV4500 out of the 88 Chevy and then I could sell the 2001 as it is still complete and runs well. The only reason I considered parting it out is because I only paid $900 for it.... Wow life gets complicated when you have 13 vehicles lol!

[b454rat]

Before you drive that truck, you need to fix the steering. That is NOT the way it's supposed to be. You need crossover steering on these trucks, no way around it.

[Twin Turbo Skylark]

Thanks for noticing that I will look into options for fixing the steering. I have no idea what kit the Solid axle swap is I got the truck like this for $500. Well worth the $ to me.

[shovelbill]

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Dana44crossover.htm

[Twin Turbo Skylark]

Thanks for the link that is awesome!

[shovelbill]

Originally Posted by Twin Turbo Skylark

Thanks for the link that is awesome!

ORD is a great company......i've used their products in the past.

before deciding to leave my new to me '98 RCSB at stockish height i was considering a SAS conversion with 33's and 4.10s....

i have Chevy Performance drivetrain.....an HT383E backed by a 4L70E in mine.

[b454rat]

ORD has some good stuff.....check pass side knuckle to see if it's the right one, if not need to get a flat top....shouldn't be too hard to find, then mill/drill/tap and get studs n steering arm.....

[61_FL_Apache]

I'd go with the later model stuff. There are people out there to make engine harnesses to adapt to it. That should make for an easier swap.

[Tom]

You had me at manual transmission.