LUVTruck.com

Hey all:

I kind of introduced myself previously while asking questions. 800XL did a great job answering those questions and although I only took part of his advice, it was good advice none the less.

So my story is that I'm going to try and put the body of a '75 on the chassis of an '82. Why do you ask? I love the first generation body style and I love the idea of running on vegetable oil. Since they didn't make a first generation luv with a diesel in it (right?? Don't tell me if they did since I've already started down this road) I'm going to try to get the best of both worlds.

Along these lines, I have just put up my website to chronicle this swap. It's called http://www.luvswap.com. I can see that the first thing I'll have to do is figure out a different layout for the site since the free advertising is kind of annoying but hey, it's free, right?

Check out my plan and if there are other concerns that I haven't thought of I'd love the feedback.

That's all for now,
Eric Q.

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'75 body with '82 diesel running gear
My build thread.

About the only thing that comes to my mind is that the fuel tank will need to be moved on the frame to the other side, or a hole cut on the passenger side of the bed for the filler. The rest should fairly simple, maybe a couple of body mounts to switch around but nothing jumps to mind.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

I would think that the 75 and 82 frames would be very similar, maybe if not the same when considering each is the same bed length. But I'm no expert on the older 72-80 body style and know 81+ trucks a lot better. Are both the 75 and 82 shortbed trucks? If so the frames should be very similar and I can tell you the diesel engine bolts right in onto a 79 frame because my uncle did a conversion on a older gas LUV. But that may not be any knowledge you need to consider given you're just taking the 75 body and putting it onto the already factory diesel chassis. Glad to see you are tackling this project and seems like it should be very interesting to follow. Oh and feel free to post in the Diesel forum if you need any diesel related help. Plenty of members there to give you advice and help. Good luck!

Salvy

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1982 Chevy LUV diesel
2.25" stainless exhaust
w/ MagnaFlow performance muffler

I don't think that's quite right. I've heard that the I-Mark diesel (4FB1) bolts right on, but not the P'up diesel (C223). If using the 4FB1, you'd also have to use the 79 transmission, because it's a bolt-up fit with the I-mark motor.

If you use the C223, you'll have to use the '81 transmission (or at least the '81 bellhousing).

Jack

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'83 Isuzu P'up Diesel LS - Original Owner
JoeIsuzu@IsuzuPup.com
IsuzuPup.com

Jack, I can truly believe the smaller 4FB1 diesel will bolt in on a 79 truck frame while using the truck's factory manual transmission. But, I can tell you for a fact the C223 is a bolt in deal. My uncle did the conversion back in the day on a 79 LUV 2WD. What you have to understand is the truck came with the factory 1.8 G180 gas engine, which is what the 81-82 LUV was powered with when you bought a gas powered truck. So essentially if the 81-82 had the 1.8 engine option and 2.2 diesel engine option, it tells you the older LUVs will accept the diesel given they had the same 1.8 engine option. You also have to look at the LUV pickup being more suitable with the C223 engine too, given it's more of a truck style engine then the 4FB1 (which powered the I-Mark and Chevy Chevette in the 80's). Given my uncle did it, my dad and him stripping plenty of factory diesel LUVs and PUPs over the years, I have to say it's almost 100% confirmed. And chances are the 81 and 82 5-speed diesel transmission will bolt right in place on the crossmember of the gasser's 4-speed location (but I can't guarantee that). And I'm sure the diesel will bolt right in on the gas engine mounts.

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1982 Chevy LUV diesel
2.25" stainless exhaust
w/ MagnaFlow performance muffler

Thanks for the tips and the invite to ask more diesel questions. I will definately take you up on that as I progress through this swap.

I'm glad you guys are so confident about my swap over being straight forward. The one thing that has me questioning is the wheelbase is 1.8" longer on the '82 (according to the specs posted on this site). They are both standard boxes so I have to figure out where the extra length is at.

Eric Q.

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'75 body with '82 diesel running gear
My build thread.

You could lose a little of that space between the cab and bed, and if you can set the cab back a bit that would give you a bit more space for larger tires in the front if that is a goal. I also think centering the rear tire in the fender hole is probably more important visually than the front. The tire a little forward in the front would not look nearly as odd as the tire not being centered in the rear.

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95 Isuzu Trooper Daily Driver
86 Isuzu Trooper reliable backup
77 LUV 2wd stock beltway blaster (resting)
79 4x4 LUV project: 2.6L, 5spd, 31s (eventually)

MEPR: Man, my 4x4 makes all other LUVs look good

I Agree!

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