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Project Caddy - 03 Escalade Build

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I've managed to acquire the parts needed to put Penny's LB7 in with an Allison 5 speed. So, that's where I'll be going with the build. The LB7 is a trustworthy engine and the Allison stuff is usually pretty bulletproof. Should work fine!
 
I'd be happy to run the ZF6, but I'd need to find an 03+ manual transmission donor. The cost of purchasing one is cost prohibitive. They are rare to find in a 1/2 ton, forget a diesel and people know they are very valuable.
 
I assume that's to keep the ecm happy. Can't you just segment swap or something?
 
There's a guy local to me that has a duramax/zf6 donor for sale for $4000 for the complete truck. The zf6 trucks were really detuned because the transmissions are weak though, or the clutch setup, can't remember. I'd look into swapping in an nv5600 before that, maybe there's parts or there for that?
 
From what I have heard the ZF6 is one of the strongest manual transmissions out there. 2000-2004 had the same rating for a/t or m/t. 2005-2006 were detuned with m/t versus a/t.
 
GM only ever de tuned the diesel vans with 4l85e transmissions and the cab & chassis trucks. The ZF is very strong and can handle a lot of power, it was the dual mass flywheel that couldn't keep up. They crossed over the capabilities of the flywheel with the increase of power in the LBZ so they dropped the ZF in 07.

I would need an 03 up diesel manual instrument cluster, dash, pedals, master cylinder, center console wiring etc for the swap to manual. Manual trans tune is easy to find, but 03 up manual trans donors are not. A gas donor would work just as well.
 
Finally got the green light from Transport Canada and the Canadian Border Services to bring the Yukon home with me in just over a week from now as I travel home from King of the Hammers! I learned a lesson about trying to bring US based vehicles home with me when I was going to replace the engine in the Dante's Peak Suburban and was denied entry. I did tons of homework and have a lot of official emails to back me up for entry this time around. I don't expect I'll have any issues at the border this time.

I'll also pick up the parts for the LB7 swap on my way home as well. Hopefully get a start on this project sooner than later. I'd initially planned on running the 6.0L for a while, but I've got a number of parties interested in it and the transmission is showing signs of failing as well, so I'll just do the LB7 swap right away too.
 
Russell said:
Finally got the green light from Transport Canada and the Canadian Border Services to bring the Yukon home with me in just over a week from now as I travel home from King of the Hammers! I learned a lesson about trying to bring US based vehicles home with me when I was going to replace the engine in the Dante's Peak Suburban and was denied entry. I did tons of homework and have a lot of official emails to back me up for entry this time around. I don't expect I'll have any issues at the border this time.

I'll also pick up the parts for the LB7 swap on my way home as well. Hopefully get a start on this project sooner than later. I'd initially planned on running the 6.0L for a while, but I've got a number of parties interested in it and the transmission is showing signs of failing as well, so I'll just do the LB7 swap right away too.
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Well, that Escaladed quickly... :whistle:



:popcorn:
 
Russell said:
Finally got the green light from Transport Canada and the Canadian Border Services to bring the Yukon home with me in just over a week from now as I travel home from King of the Hammers! I learned a lesson about trying to bring US based vehicles home with me when I was going to replace the engine in the Dante's Peak Suburban and was denied entry. I did tons of homework and have a lot of official emails to back me up for entry this time around. I don't expect I'll have any issues at the border this time..
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You picking it up first ? If you need a place to store it to pick up on the way back I have space.
 
kgblazerfive said:
You picking it up first ? If you need a place to store it to pick up on the way back I have space.
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Thanks for the offer :) I've actually already got the Yukon on my trailer in Boise and my truck is already in California. I'll be flying down tomorrow and then driving back home. One of my good friends who was driving down anyways took my truck down for me.
 
I may wind up coming up the I-15 then cutting across to Boise. Sounds like the secondary highways are an absolute mess in the Northern states due to all the snow you guys have had. I'll likely be faster sticking to the interstate.
 
If you see a lowered white 1997 Chevy ext cab with jersey plates on it and a rooftop tent, tell him Brian said hi :pimp:
 
I was able to successfully import the Yukon chassis this past weekend! It is sitting down in Edmonton for the time being as I don't have the time or space here in Fort Mac to work on it for a while.

The LB7 parts I went to pick up wound up being for an LLY engine. So no joy on that. Gave Andrew the bad news and told me he either needs to buy me an LBZ donor truck or I'll be taking that 05 LLY back from him to do my swap with. I'd be happy with either or.

Things are moving forwards!
 
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