Electronically controlled engine swaps

[funkscott1969]

I have an '85 Chevy Blazer I recently converted to 4.8L Vortec. I had an entire donor vehicle so I elected to use to whole powertrain package. The truck runs fine (with some minor quirks, but what 20 year-old truck doesnt have quirks). The problem is my 4wd is now obsolete because the transfer-case drop is on the wrong side. I am considering several options but I'm looking for the one that's the simplest and involves changing the least amount of hard components on the truck. I would like to change the front axle for one from a ford or dodge but I'm not sure which years to look for to get the leaf springs and whether or not I'll even be able to locate one with the correct gear ratio. ANY suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[jonrpick]

I have an '85 Chevy Blazer I recently converted to 4.8L Vortec. I had an entire donor vehicle so I elected to use to whole powertrain package. The truck runs fine (with some minor quirks, but what 20 year-old truck doesnt have quirks). The problem is my 4wd is now obsolete because the transfer-case drop is on the wrong side. I am considering several options but I'm looking for the one that's the simplest and involves changing the least amount of hard components on the truck. I would like to change the front axle for one from a ford or dodge but I'm not sure which years to look for to get the leaf springs and whether or not I'll even be able to locate one with the correct gear ratio. ANY suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

If it were me, I'll look for a new front axle that fits, then move the perches and regear as needed. Otherwise it could take forever to find *exactly* what you're looking for.

 

[southernspeed]

I have an '85 Chevy Blazer I recently converted to 4.8L Vortec. I had an entire donor vehicle so I elected to use to whole powertrain package. The truck runs fine (with some minor quirks, but what 20 year-old truck doesnt have quirks). The problem is my 4wd is now obsolete because the transfer-case drop is on the wrong side. I am considering several options but I'm looking for the one that's the simplest and involves changing the least amount of hard components on the truck. I would like to change the front axle for one from a ford or dodge but I'm not sure which years to look for to get the leaf springs and whether or not I'll even be able to locate one with the correct gear ratio. ANY suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I'm not familiar with the t/case used with that motor but is it not possible to swap in a 241 or similar?

 

[beachblaze]

I put a 5.3/4L60E in my 87 Blazer about 6 years ago. I used the original 87 4wd transfer case. I found the adapter piece I needed on ebay and my transmission guy did the rest. I have had no problems since installation.