3 months ago I picked up a bone stock 99 Z71 from my brother for $500. It has a 5.3, auto, and 291,000 miles. It runs and drives great and everything works, even the A/C. For the price it is obiously worn out but to me it's the perfect place to start with a major build since I don't need to worry about voiding a warranty or destroying a $40,000 truck i'm still paying for.

For now it is a daily driver so I will start with bolt-ons, and body work. Long term includes a swap with an LS1. Pics up soon.....

 

Well I spoke too soon. The fuel pump quit on the way back to work from lunch. $260 later I'm back on the road.

 

nice truck! $500 ain't a bad deal!

 

$500 with those wheels??? Damn it man that is what I need to find! Get a 4L80E from a salvage yard also and put an HD2 shift kit in it and spring for the good Circle D convertor. Change the fluid in the diffs and make sure there isn't tons of trash in there.
Very interested to see where this goes.

 

Thanks guys. Yeah I think the 80E will be comingsooner than later. I'm starting to notice a shift flare going into 2nd. It's all good though. The trans was on the list anyway plus the purchase price on the truck was cheap enough. I will have more pics up soon.

 

Wish I could find a deal like that!

 

Its been a while since I have updated this. I haven't worked on the truck much since it has been so cold here. I did install a new 4WD switch though. No more "Service 4WD" light.

 

I haven't updated in a while but not much happened until recently. I was going to have a LQ4 in about a week or so but my rear diff. decided it couldn't hack it anymore.

After 297,000 miles it is to be expected. Needless to say the engine swap will have to wait. Obviously I have to fix the diff. first. It is 4wd. so I am between a 4.30 or 4.56 gear ratio. It will be getting 33's and will be driven daily. Any input would be appreciated.

 

Get whatever gear ratio that matches the front. Keep the costs as low as possible.

 

Well it drives again. I kept the original ratio and but changed the carrier. The spider gears were shot. I got bored and color matched the emblem in the grill also. It has a SES light I want to fix before I get into the engine so that is the next project.