ZHunter

Alright guys...

I haven't been on this site in years and I am finally getting back to a project. Looking to build a Crewcab Long bed, It will be budget minded but not a shoestring budget. My trucks of interest are Chevy/GMC either the K3500 GMT 400s or building a nice crewcab K30

I just sold my 6.0 F350 and have some money to build a truck that will be a weekend warrior and functional hauler for hay and livestock from time to time.

Objectives:
1. Reliability
2. Torque
3. retain 4x4 functionality
4. Cool factor

Current considerations
1. a stock 97 Crew cab Dually with a factory 454 Vortec
*cam it
*4L80E shiftkit
*Exhaust
Exterior and interior maintenance

2. 98 thats already LS swapped but needs minor finishing..but has a 5.3
*Do I cam it or swap it for a 6.0 chevy block?
*Drive it untill it blows up and address?
3. 81 K30 Crew cab
stock with np205 and SM465
*LQ4 swap and probably a th400 or if I can make it work, a complete 6l80/newer transfer case


I'm looking for thought and feedback of the pros/ those that have completed similar projects.

I want something that's reliable enough to take most anywhere, can tow a trailer, and if I want to take her offroading, its capable.


Thanks in advance for your feedback.

DC

arthursc2

iTrader: (5)

The 6L80 can be made to work, there are stand alone controllers on the market. The output is 32 spline, and the same bolt pattern as all Chevy cases, so that your pick as to what you wanna put behind it. If its 32 spline, it'll bolt up.

I vote option 3, but with a 4L80 or 6L80. The 6L80 is not terribly strong OEM. ~500whp is what I hear as the limit. Look up their GVWR as well.

ZHunter

Thanks for the feedback

If I went that route what would you think is a likely parts list for the K30?



I've done the research on the gmt400 swaps, but cant find as much on the K30's

All advice and input is helpful

arthursc2

iTrader: (5)

Square body LS swaps are not a new thing. Everything you need is made already. Dirty Dingo comes to mind, but I know there are plenty of other companies making parts for the swap.

You will for sure need:

Clean K30 3+3 Donor
Engine
Harness/PCM
Transmission (if going 6L80 is a serious endeavor, look for Gen4 complete pull outs)
Transfer Case (passenger drop for your K Series, or swap to a driver drop diff and cross over steering)
Transmission Cross Member (Im pretty sure)
Engine Cradle (Im pretty sure)
TVS1900 or 2300
6" lift
35s

ZHunter

Im intrigued by the 81, but budget may be a concern.

What all will i have to do to make the 4l80e and all the necessary sensors work in an older pickup? Am I understanding you right that the NP205 will mount to the 4l80e, or will I need a newer style transfer case, and if so; how do I engage it(push button?)

arthursc2

iTrader: (5)