Hello All, I have an 04 silverado lt1, 5.3. The kid who owned it before me liked to bash it, so the engine is burning some oil and the shifts out of the 4l60 is a little sad at times. I plan to swap it with a 4l80 and 6.0, but I have been yet to find anything on the front end.

With it being a 4wd model, will the front differential and drive train be able to hold this power. I do not intend to tow with this more than a small car rarely, but it will be driven hard. Everyone always mentions upgrading the transmission when doing the 6.0 swap, and I do not want another 4 gear transmission. But what about the differentials, axels, joints and what not?

I am very comfortable doing the work myself, and like this work. I would prefer to have a lighter truck than just switching to a 2500. But I have heard a full 8 lug swap is a bear. Thoughts?

 

Several of us on here have put 800+ through stock transfer cases and front differentials. As long as you keep the CVs flat and don't shift in and out of 4wd under power youll be fine. Might want to upgrade the driveshafts if you plan to driver over 100mph a lot.

 

With a little 6.0 youll be fine


Add alot of power and big heavy wheels/tires and youll find weak links....recently broke my front diff and axles

 

Awesome, thanks guys!