Project Grandpa's pickup

[bradshawtech]

Well I am starting to gather parts to change a 2 wheel drive pickup into a 4X4. I got the 2wd from my Grandpa after he passed away last October.

What I am starting with is a 94 swb Silverado pickup with the 4.3 V-6.

I have purchased a rolling chassis from a 93 1/2 ton that already has a 3" lift on it. It came with driveshafts but no transfer case.

Since then I purchased another rolling chassis from an 88 light duty 3/4 ton pickup, I got the 241 transfer case and rear axle but no front differential.

The rolling chassis' were both extra cab short bed trucks so I will be cutting and shortening the frame so I can use Grandpa's cab and bed with his 4.3 engine.

I am in need of a 4L60 from a 4X4 or I need to change the output shaft and tailhousing on my existing one.

Pics of what I am doing will be coming soon.

What do you all think.... I think the 4.3 swb truck should be ok. I am told that I will have 3:73 gears in the 93 chassis that I plan to use. I am told the 88 will be 4:10 gears in the 14 bolt rear. I will check both this week to verify.

Obviously it will feel like it is more powerful with the 4:10 gears and the strength of the 14 bolt 6 lug is a selling point as well but with the 4.3 I think the 10 bolt would be fine.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Why not go with the 14SF and 4.10 gears? Build it once and throw some 285's on it.

 

[dhcomp]

Sounds like a TON of work to put together this truck, to end up with a 4x4 1/2 ton with a v6.

Is there really enough sentimental attachment to this cab/engine to make it worth your while?

I personally would swap the cab on a like 4x4 truck with a V8 and be done with it, IF i was super attached to the cab. But really, if you totally mod the truck, is it the same truck grandpa had? Not really.

Are you gaining anything buy not going out and buying a 4x4 with a v8?

I'd suggest a little more thought on what you want out of this before you start doing all this swapping and building to end up with a truck you can go buy for cheap....

Personally, i'd keep grandpa's truck as is, and go get a 4x4.

Just my .02.

 

[bradshawtech]

I appreciate the .02 dhcomp. The sentimental attatchment is not the only reason for the project.

I have a bunch of trucks in my possesion that each have a story and a background as to why I have them. This project is a challenge for me as I get to shorten a frame and do a body changeover, both are projects that I have always wanted to do.

As of now I think that I have about 90% of the parts that I will need to complete the job and I only have invested $500.00. I want to keep the cost down to a minimum.

I probably go ahead and use the 14 bolt as it will add to the uniqueness of the truck. I have a fresh roller cam 350 ready to go in if I decide to go that way.