4x4 5.3l,6.0l, ls swap??

[Terryr85]

I guess I should clarify that I have a 73 C20 and I spliced the front end and front frame from a 89 V3500. I used the front driveshaft from the 89. I got a nv4500 and 208 case. I used the rear shaft from a 89 K3500....I got a Frankenstein truck so it takes a bit to remember it all

[Terryr85]

If you wanted to use a 6l80 then why not use a ford D60 and the stock T case from the 6l80?

[frotosride]

this is the kind of package I've been thinking through. I definately want to upgrade the axles but the engine swap is first and for most.

[MANCHU1-9IN]

I have not completed my swap yet, but since no one has posted pics yet, below are a few of my progress.
in regards to headers, my plan will be to purchase the cheapest set of f-body long tubes off of ebay and make them fit if need be. Shorty headers yield very little gains and in my opinion just aren't worth the effort of swapping out the cast manifolds. I have also heard that 5th gen Camaro headers will fit no problem, but I haven't been able to confirm this.

My engine is just sitting in the engine bay with the rear supported by a jack stand. I am not certain how far forward it will have to be moved until I complete the 4L80E/NP208 and bolt them in. Chris @ ORD stated that depending on which oil pan you are running there "Big Block" tubular cross member will clear. I am assuming he means we will need an F-body oil pan, but I am not certain.

These pics arent the best unfortunately, let me know if there is another angle you want to see.

[frotosride]

What are you doing to adapt the 4l80 to the np208? just a clocking ring or did the 4l80 come with a 4 bolt design?

[MANCHU1-9IN]

What are you doing to adapt the 4l80 to the np208? just a clocking ring or did the 4l80 come with a 4 bolt design?

I am using a 4l80 to np241(?) adapter to mate them up. My 208 needed a 32 spline input shaft swapped in, since it came with a 27 spline for the original 700r4.
To keep anyone from wasting money that's looking into doing a 4l80e swap, the TH400 t-case adapter will not work on the 80E. I originally thought they were the same, but the 400 adapter is thicker and the "ears" for the trans mount will hit the oil pan on the 80E.

[frotosride]

Where did you get the adapter? I have so much planning thats going to be coming together when i get back from deployment at the end of the year and I want to make it as painless as I can.

[frotosride]

Oh and does your np208 still have a slip yoke...I have considered eliminating it and it I have to break it open to put in a larger spline then I might as wel make it more reliable. I still haven't made up my mind about keeping the 700-r4 or stepping up to the 4l80 for more torque capability.

[MANCHU1-9IN]

Thank for your service froto!

Ya mine is still a slip yoke, I wont be taking it offroad so I didn't feel the need for an eliminator kit (that is the reason for eliminating it right? Flex?). Finding the adapter was not easy, the ones I did find were a good 200 bucks used and I felt that was a bit too much. I ended up calling a guy named Stu at LSX4U.com, they deal with used LSx and chevy truck parts, which is also where I got my engine and trans from. He had the right one and was only $99.95 to my door.

I made the switch to the 4l80 simply because I didn't want to worry about a 700r4/4l60e going out. I have heard far too many horror stories about the 60e's taking a dump with these heavy trucks. The heads I have on the 5.3 lowered the compression to 9:1, that paired with my altitude and cam specs brought my dynamic compression to 6.5:1, so it will certainly not be a torque monster but the peace of mind was worth the coin IMO.

[frotosride]

First off it's my pleasure, I've been doing this for 11 years and enjoy it with the exception of leaving my family.

The slip yoke eliminator is for flex but mainly so that the drive shaft doesn't pull out of the tranny at fulll flex leaving you with burn clutches and stuck on the trails. Mostly a lift issue when you exceed the travel of the slip yoke. I found that lsx4u sight a few yeasr or more ago when I started my research and actually decided this is better than finishing the 383. I didn't think of looking there for other miscellaneous parts but they are a sub company a salvage yard so maybe i will sorce a lot of parts from them. I don't plan on changing my compression much but I am going to put forget aluminum slugs in for future forced induction needs. I am curious of how well the powdered metal rods hold up over time. I have seen several floggs on dynos but that doesn't give you any idea of real world longevity.

[MANCHU1-9IN]

Ya I spent six years in the Army and that was about all I had in me lol

They are a great company and I have thrown a lot of money at them lol. I always talk to a guy named Stu, and he has always been incredibly helpful. If you order an engine through them you will also get to see a video of it running with oil psi before you buy it.

[tljacks86]

I'm doing the swap right now what did Yall do about the gas tank situation ?

[Captkaos]

What specifically do you mean as far as gas tank situation?

[tljacks86]

I did the swap in my 86 Chevy k10 went with the exhaust manifolds off 2010 camaro ss worked out great