6.0 swap cooling system

[skyhigh4by]

I just picked up a complete 03 2500HD for my 6.0/4l80e swap. Since I have a complete driving truck I want to use as many of the factory 2500HD parts possible. Basically I want to pull everything complete and just make it work in my 85 body. Has anyone ever used the 2500HD radiator and all the associated coolers/lines? I know things would need to be massaged a little to make it all fit but it just seems cheaper and easier to me that way. Thinking I could use all the existing lines, hoses, and the overflow tank out of the 03...

 

[Babaganoosh]

I used 02 radiator hoses for my ls swap. As far as the trans lines I don't think they are going to match your 85 radiator. For my oil cooler we used the factory ls cooler lines but cut and re flared it.

 

[skyhigh4by]

I used 02 radiator hoses for my ls swap. As far as the trans lines I don't think they are going to match your 85 radiator. For my oil cooler we used the factory ls cooler lines but cut and re flared it.

I would like to use everything from the 2003. The radiator, secondary cooler, coolant reservoir, all of the coolant hoses and cooler lines. Has anyone tried to fit that stuff in to a 73-87?

 

[skyhigh4by]

Also the 03 has hydroboost but I want to leave my brakes vacuum powered. Can I still use the power steering pump that's on the 6.0 even though it's hydroboost?

 

[Babaganoosh]

Not sure haven't seen anyone transfer everything over like that.

For the hydro boost pump I wonder if you could create a Y ?

 

[dyeager535]

I just picked up a complete 03 2500HD for my 6.0/4l80e swap. Since I have a complete driving truck I want to use as many of the factory 2500HD parts possible. Basically I want to pull everything complete and just make it work in my 85 body. Has anyone ever used the 2500HD radiator and all the associated coolers/lines? I know things would need to be massaged a little to make it all fit but it just seems cheaper and easier to me that way. Thinking I could use all the existing lines, hoses, and the overflow tank out of the 03...

How tall is the '03 radiator? From what I've seen of the later trucks, the radiator appears to be quite a bit taller than the "tall" 73-87 radiators, which would be a near-insurmountable problem without a ton of work.

 

[skyhigh4by]

How tall is the '03 radiator? From what I've seen of the later trucks, the radiator appears to be quite a bit taller than the "tall" 73-87 radiators, which would be a near-insurmountable problem without a ton of work.

I can't remember the exact height but it's actually a bit shorter than the rad I'm currently using with my 350. It's about 6"-8" wider because of the plastic tanks iirc looks like it should fit

 

[dyeager535]

Not sure which radiator you are using now, but the '85 core support should have the additional wider mount locations for the diesel tank, which gives you some idea of what will fit easily.

 

[skyhigh4by]

Not sure which radiator you are using now, but the '85 core support should have the additional wider mount locations for the diesel tank, which gives you some idea of what will fit easily.

Just from a couple quick measurements and eyeballing it looks like I should be able to use it. That way I can retain factory oil, and tranny cooler.

What about power steering pump? I have vacuum brakes and the donor truck is hydroboost. Can I still use the PS pump that's on the donor? Would I just block the extra lines to the brakes?

 

[dyeager535]

Hopefully someone else can chime in that knows these motors, I don't know the answer for you.

 

[skyhigh4by]

Side note.. In the square body now is a 465/208. I measure the 4l80 w/261 adapter to be only 1.5" longer than the 465 w/208 adapter and the mounting points the same respectively. I am going to run an np241 and I know that will bolt to the 261 adapter so it seems like I should just be able to use forward mounting plates with my diy4x sbc mounts that I already have to line everything up in the same location the 350/465/208 is right now. No trans crossmember moving or driveshaft changing. The only thing in unsure of is engine crossmember clearance with the 6.0 sitting 1.5" forward?? Possibly need to mod/rework that member??