ls6454

iTrader: (1)

I have been lurking a while now. I decided it is time to post a picture.
The project is not making good time at all. I am a great project starter.....
2002 GMC RCSB 2wd with a 4.8 / 4l60e. Very clean for a truck here. 167,000 miles.
I thought it needed more power and a fresh trans with a upgraded 10 bolt.
Technically I am on track.... but things are way out of control.
Have no idea how to do this picture posting.
One picture as a test..... Thanks.....


The fresh 10 bolt is looking like a Chassisworks FAB9 now.
Still in the fitting process, but I am pretty happy so far.
I did not want to spend $$$ on the 10 bolt and then do this later if I find some more power.

Rdeptula

ls6454

iTrader: (1)

The FAB9 housing was fairly expensive. Other than that the upgrade was not much more than doing the 10 bolt. I was buying all new internals either way.
Well that is what I told myself anyway! Like everything else I used that excuse for, I was wrong.....

ls6454

iTrader: (1)

The Power problem.. old, slow 4.8...
Bought a running LQ4 to remedy that. Maybe some pistons and a cam to liven things up.
The only part from the LQ4 on the motor in the truck now is the block.
It now has
Molnar 4" Crank
Molnar 6.125 Rods
Manley Pistons (4.005")
Advanced Induction Cam
Morel Lifters
Chevrolet CNC ported LS9 Heads
BTR LS9 Spring Kit with TI Retainers
Bronze Bushed Rockers
L92 Intake Manifold
ID1050X Injectors
Holley 95mm Throttle Body
Kooks 1-7/8 headers
All ARP Studs
Atomic set me up with a start up tune to get it running.
Its a really fresh LQ4 now.

ls6454

iTrader: (1)

Before I decided to take it apart.

Jeff71

Nice project, clean truck and thanks for sharing.

One question, the u-bolts around the housing going up, what's that about? Just holding the housing at ride height or ???

ls6454

iTrader: (1)

The ride height simulator tool.
A piece of 3x3 square tubing and some long 3" u-bolts.
Pulled it right down to ride height.
Needed it to measure for driveshaft length.
It has been helpful for many other things.
It has allthread shocks holding it down now.
Used it to measure for the real and dummy shocks.
With the rear at ride height we can build the exhaust, plumb fuel and brake lines easier.
Getting ready to use it to pull it back apart for final welding and housing paint.
Maybe something will be done!

ls6454

iTrader: (1)

This is where the project moved to the dark side....
The new motor and trans were in the truck.
Fitting the FAB9.
I could not put the clean shiny part on the 167000 mile frame.
I just could not do it.
We talked about how no one will ever look under the truck, Its just a driver.
The only way it would ever be seen was if the truck was upside down in a ditch,
Who cares at that point.
And then came the comment that turned my world dark....
There are only FOUR bolts holding the cab on.....
i wish i could remember who said it!
A couple of hours later the bare frame was waiting to go to sandblasting....

Reckless

iTrader: (7)

I plan on a FAB9 as well with 4-link, but I am going to keep the Ridetech air shocks in the back. I will also narrow mine to run a 20 x 14 rim in the rear with zero offset. Seven inch dish should look nice

Great start and nice work!

ls6454

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for looking at my post!
Mine is stock width.
Now I wish I had taken out 1 inch per side.
Dutchman axles has the housing end that I used.
I think they call it the Tahoe end. It made the whole deal work for me.
I was able to retain all my stock GM brakes..... Including the e-brake..
i am running the Strange Big Ball Bearings with the O-Ring st the wheel.
They can do it so you can run the Tapered Roller Bearing Set too.
I have stock Silverado bolt pattern Dutchman axles (35 Spline)
Strange Pro Iron Nodular third member (3.25" Bore) with a Eaton Truetrac carrier.
The plan is to never see the inside of it ever again.
I am starting with a 4.56 rear gear. I have a 30" tall tire.

That is a beautiful black truck..... i wish we had nice roads...