I have a 1999 reg cab 2wd silverado with a 4.8l and 5 speed manual. I'm planning on doing an lq9 swap sometime in the near future and had a couple of questions about the rest of my drivetrain. I plan on doing a few mods to the lq9 and eventually getting up to about 450hp. Will the stock transmission, drive shaft, and rear end handle this? The truck has 148,000 miles so I figure I will need to swap this stuff out eventually anyway but what would be the most likely to fail first? Any input on what would be the easiest swap would be greatly appreciated. I have some other questions involving the actual engine swap but those will come in another thread.

 

To answer your question in bold, NO

Most likely the rear end depending on how you drive it but if you push it hard enough you could just as easily break the trans.

 

thanks for the info. I want to stay with a manual transmission. A t56 would be ideal but i dont know if I want to put up the money for that. Any suggestions on anything a little cheaper that will handle the power? I'm looking for the easiest swap possible for the drive shaft and rear end due to my mechanical knowledge being limited. Any suggestions there? I'm trying to stay under about $5000 for the whole swap. It's not going to be my daily driver so I have time to scour the junk yards for parts if need be.

 

I have an Eaton posi in mine and it has held up forever.

 

sounds like eaton is pretty popular with either the truetrac or posi. Are they pretty easy to install?

 

Trutrac is the way to go IMO. I've had a few, and they work great. Install isn't hard, but you need to know how to set lash etc. I have a pro do it, not worth the headache of pissing around with it imo. Not as big of the fan of the eaton posi as it has clutches that will wear out. Tru tracs have a pretty stout track record

The NVM trannys are actually pretty tough. Alot of guys end up bending the Fork because they try shifting them WAY to fast. They are strong trannys, but they do not shift quickly, and dont like to be forced. I would have no worries swapping a lq9 behind one, even when you go with more HP it still wont be a problem.

Whgere the problem will lie is it has 148xxxmiles and if it hasnt been serviced or maintained then its at a risk. I would suggest doing a new clutch while the motors out tho

 

I actually just got the clutch replaced so I'm good there. Looks like I've got my answers for the tranny and the rear end. Now I just need to solve the driveshaft part...

 

Driveshafts are easily modified. This looks local to you.

Drive Shaft Repair Norcross GA, Spring Parts and Service, Differential Repair, Driveshaft Shop, Driveline Service, Leaf Spring Parts and Service - Drive Line Service of Atlanta Inc

 

Thanks for the info! Sounds like they'll be able to take care of my driveshaft and my rear end as well.