Good afternoon all,

I've got a 2006 RCSB 4x4 that I'm in the early process of build planning. Ideally what I'm hoping to do is turbocharge the 5.3 and see where that takes me while I build up a more solid 6.0 longblock. It seems from reading here and elsewhere that 500+ HP is pretty attainable with the factory 5.3 and some solid modifications supporting a turbo setup.

My my question is what kind of driveline modifications do you foresee? Obviously a rebuilt 4L60 is in the works even at 500hp, can the 60 be made to reliably hold even more than that, say 750-800hp? Or am I looking at replacing it with a 4L80 right off the back to avoid spending twice?

What about the transfer case? Would something out of a 3/4 ton truck of the same year range fit here? Would it hold that kind of power? Other options?

Driveshafts are an easy swap to stronger units from any number of aftermarket suppliers.

Lastly what about the axles themselves? A fabricated 9" is an easy swap for the rear but I'd like to keep the 4x4 option, here again would a 3/4 ton front differential even come close to fitting? Other options here?

What I'm looking to do is make something like Parish's old blue pickup, he still retained his 4x4 setup even at his wild power levels. I thought I'd remembered reading something about how he swapped in a 3/4 ton truck transfer case and front axle, along with a 4L80.

Am I crazy for trying to keep the 4x4 option?

 

Swap to a 80e right off the bat and keep from spending the money twice. T-case, front, and rear diff can stay. Swap the input shaft on the t-case to the 32 spline for the 4l80e. Throw a trutrac in the rear end and roll with it.

 

Is your driveshaft steel or aluminum?

 

80e, dont shift into/out of 4wd under power, itll be fine.

Still amazed parish's truck is so well known 10 years later.

 

Parish was my inspiration that 4x4 trucks were still legit!

 

That sounds almost too good to be true, a simple transmission swap and transfer case input swap and this 1/2 ton truck's driveline can handle upwards of 700hp? I suppose it wouldn't be too difficult to try and locate a semi-floating 14 bolt for insurance when playing around in 2wd.

This little 7" front axle can handle all that torque if I was gonna throw a set of drag radials on it? Is it worth rebuilding it with a better set of gears, stronger CV axles? Anything? I'm not trying to simply spend money, but I also don't wanna have to drive around with a crab net attached to the rear bumper to catch parts. I've got a budget in mind but am willing to prioritize modifications for the sake of doing it once and doing it right, but once-cry once right?

 

Ive put 1000rwhp through factory front diff and CVs on radials and slicks. Keep them level and its fine. Also helps to have good shocks/suspension to not continuously unload the front. The front diff is 8.25".

 

That's great news, thank you all for your help.