I've seen some cool pictures of Chevy Luvs. But are they worth it? I was thinking of building a DD 4x4 Chevy Luv for light trails, utility and fuel economy. The frames look like toothpicks. Ehh... What you guys think?
CK5
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Should I buy a Chevy Luv?
- Thread starter 2INSANE
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badmix
1/2 ton status
As long as you do this...................
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I put many miles on a 79 I believe that dad bought new, but it was two wheel drive. He has a few of them in fact my nephew just got one of the 4x4's running for his first car.
Pretty reliable units in stock form till they hit 80,000 or so then we usually had to re do the valves. Had a few throw out bearings we had to replace also.
Pretty reliable units in stock form till they hit 80,000 or so then we usually had to re do the valves. Had a few throw out bearings we had to replace also.
wasted wages
1 ton status
I built a 74 luv with a small block in it...thing was way fast....
Hooker headers made a complete kit with the headers and mounts..
I used a modified cross flow radiator,,,it never ran hot..used a turbo350 trans.
It was one of the easiest builds I ever did...and with quiet exhaust it was a hell of a sleeper..I ran a narrowed ford 9" and tubbed the bed for wide tires..
Didn't ever make a 4x4 out of it,,,but it was cheap and easy and fun to build..
Hooker headers made a complete kit with the headers and mounts..
I used a modified cross flow radiator,,,it never ran hot..used a turbo350 trans.
It was one of the easiest builds I ever did...and with quiet exhaust it was a hell of a sleeper..I ran a narrowed ford 9" and tubbed the bed for wide tires..
Didn't ever make a 4x4 out of it,,,but it was cheap and easy and fun to build..
meanboyjr
1/2 ton status
I think the real challenge would be actually finding a 4x4 Luv that is still a workable project.
Just my 2 copper, but it might be easier/quicker/cheaper just to start off with a 1st gen S-10 if you're looking for a DD/light trail use rig.
Just my 2 copper, but it might be easier/quicker/cheaper just to start off with a 1st gen S-10 if you're looking for a DD/light trail use rig.
79rustyk10
3/4 ton status
That first one is pretty sweet. Ive been wanting to build a late 80's early 90's TBI S-10 with J**P axles, which is along the same lines as the Luv. What I would do If I ever execute my S-10 plan is start with a 2wd and upgrade to 4wd with better stuff. I remember hearing somewhere the stock luv 4wd stuff sucks, but dont quote me on that.
Me and a good friend had a long talk about building a chevy luv. We both agreed that Toyota solid axles would be bomb proof. Not sure about motor or trans/Tcase.
There are diesel model luvs, but they are hard to find.
There are diesel model luvs, but they are hard to find.
I think a LUV would be sweet, the only ones I ever see around here are the pro streeted ones or straight up drag trucks.
I think it was in the PAD a day thread in the lounge someone posted a pic of a sweet 4wd one.
Toyota axles and a 4.3l or even the right 3.8l would be cool if you wanted to stay GM with the drivetrain.
I think it was in the PAD a day thread in the lounge someone posted a pic of a sweet 4wd one.
Toyota axles and a 4.3l or even the right 3.8l would be cool if you wanted to stay GM with the drivetrain.
79rustyk10
3/4 ton status
Thats part of my S-10 daydream build would start out as a TBI truck, that way I can just swap computers when I drop in my spare TBI 350.
I really think you should build this!
I really think you should build this!
I have a problem... Addiction? Desire for more? I fear if I build a LUV, I will Love it too much and scrap my blazer I just built. Lol!
a lot of guys over on ls1tech are doing ls motor swaps for 2wd fun toy's 
a lot of guys over on ls1tech are doing ls motor swaps for 2wd fun toy's
Yea a motor swap would be first priority me thinks. But can the stock frame handle it?
I'm think about this LUV
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=13301084&nid=917&car=11544750&page=1&make=73&model=580898
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=13301084&nid=917&car=11544750&page=1&make=73&model=580898
There was one on local CL a couple months ago, if I had the money, I would of picked it up. Went cheep also.
