73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: Shorty84 on February 17, 2019, 08:05:45 pm
-
I have always wanted a square body growing up. Found this gem a little over a year ago. Drove 8 hours and took her home.
-
Some more pics after I got her home.
-
I decided I needed to do something about the suspension components and put her a little closer to the ground. Installed all new Belltech Street Performance shocks. Replaced all ball joints, bushings, inner & outer tie rods. Western Chassis flip kit and Mcgauphy's 2 1/2" drop spindles and 2 " drop springs. For some reason the PO has 4.11 gears, this was a nightmare driving with a th350 tranny. Installed 3.42 gears with new timken bearings and seals.
-
Stance after the drop.
-
Although the rally's looked good. These Riddler 695's look even better, 18/20's.
-
Although this 350 was good to me, it's time for a LS swap. With the engine pulled I decided to use some Por-15 and clean up the engine compartment and frame.
-
Picked up the new motor and tranny for the swap. 120K mile LM7 5.3 and 4l60.
-
On the stand and ready to start tearing it down.
-
Got the motor tore down and was surprised. All the cam, main and rod bearings looked good. Taking to the machine shop to have the cylinders honed and hot tanked. They are going to look at the crank to see if it needs to be balanced and polished. Also see if the block needs to be decked.
-
Good news, the block looked good and didn't need to be decked. They installed new cam bearings, plugs and polished the crank. Figured I might as well make it look nice with some paint.
-
Had some goodies show up for the build. It's true what they say about LS swaps...double what ever amount you think the build will cost you. I keep telling myself it will be worth it in the long run.
-
More parts came in for the heads, LS6 .560 lift springs, Chromoly push rods, LS7 lifters and valve seats. Decided to do the Truniun upgrade, I would hate for these needle bearings to get loose in my engine.
-
Started assembling it all back together. Checked all main caps and rod journals for clearance with plasti gauge, it all looked pretty good.
-
Starting to look more like an engine.
-
Turned out pretty good for some rattle cans if I do say so myself.
-
YOU Sir-
Are having TOO Much Fun!!
Nice Truck, and nice work.
I'm going through a 1980 C-10, will post progress.
-
YOU Sir-
Are having TOO Much Fun!!
Nice Truck, and nice work.
I'm going through a 1980 C-10, will post progress.
I agree, if you can’t have fun while you do it then what’s the point.
-
that's some amazing work keep it up.
-
120K mileage on an LS is actually considered low mileage. You shouldn't have seen much wear.
-
YO man! This is such an awesome build. And your delivery is also on point! keep up the good content!
Thanks,
Michael Pallos
-
So on your axle flip, you didn't have to notch the frame.
I guess that at some year/point GM changed the clearance?
I have a '80 that I'm considering doing that to, but have only seen where they notch the frame.
-
So on your axle flip, you didn't have to notch the frame.
I guess that at some year/point GM changed the clearance?
I have a '80 that I'm considering doing that to, but have only seen where they notch the frame.
No need to notch, I have a lot of clearance with the bumpstop brackets removed.
-
120K mileage on an LS is actually considered low mileage. You shouldn't have seen much wear.
You are right, their wasn’t much wear but I wanted to do what I could with my budget. I wanted to visually see everything for myself. I would have been pissed if I put it all in and found out after it’s all done that I had a spun main bearing, etc.
-
I have been at a stand still waiting on my converter to attach the tranny to the motor. I ordered a 3K stall Circle D. It should do nicely with my upgrades and any future mods I do down the road. Only a few more key pieces and I will be done. ;D
-
looking forward to more pictures and updates. I have a 84 that needs drive train, suspension and brakes.
-
great looking truck. your going to enjoy the drive ability of this combo.