Finally stepped in to the LS world. Picked up this 03 silverado 1500 last week for $5000. It has 209,000 miles but overall is in good shape. Driver seat had a tear but previous owner sewed it up. Other than that, the interior is spotless.

Also, it needs a good cut and buff since someone inexperienced decided to buff it.

Here it was in stock form.



On my drive home, I stopped at Napa and picked up all new rotors and pads for it and switched them out. Also bled the brakes and flushed the power steering.

The next morning I went and got wheels and tires, 20" KMC slides with 285/50/20 tires. Removed all the door trim, bed rails and fender flares.



I have some decent plans for the truck but nothing outrageous. Basically do some mild work to the top end, a cam and a turbo kit. My goals are between 500-550hp.

My first task is to ditch the 4l60E. Looked on my local classifieds and found a good used 4l80e for $300, so I snagged it.



I've been reading up on the 4x4 swap thread in the stickies section and have since ordered every part I'll need for the swap.

The 4l80e will be staying stock except for a transgo HD2 shift kit and a Circle D HP 3200 stall converter that I also ordered this afternoon.

Looks as if the stock front drive shaft from a duramax powered truck is a direct swap, so I called the local wrecking yard and picked one up for $50. Once I get the swap finished, I'll measure for the new rear shaft and have one built locally.



So far, I am $1200 into this swap, minus the rear drive shaft and tuning.

I have also ordered 2" drop shackles for the rear and a roll pan that should be here this week. I plan to drop the torsion bars to keep CV angles happy for 4x4 launches. Once I install the shackles, I'll play with the torsion bars to get them where I like.

I'll try and keep this updated for anyone who is interested!

 

Drop shackles installed, torsion bars dropped, paint buffed and waxed and roll pan installed. Not bad for a 210,000 mile truck.