LUVTruck.com

phpBBV3 Message Board
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 5:00 am

All times are UTC - 6 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Upgrading my 1980 luv
PostPosted: Wed Nov 28, 2018 12:42 am 
Offline
Junior Member

Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2018 12:30 am
Posts: 5
I was given a 1980 luv as a project but quickly found out the engine was thrashed and the tranny was beginning to go so I decided to rip everything out and upgrade it a little. I already know I want to put in a 350 small block, A Howe radiator, and hooker headers, but I don’t know what transmission or axles to put in it as I want to straight axle the front lift it and add 33’s. I want a manual transmission and axles that aren’t going to stick out ridiculously far but can handle the power the 350 has any help is greatly appreciated!

Ps it is the 4x4 version


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Wed Nov 28, 2018 5:48 pm 
Offline
Addicted to LUV

Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2003 7:22 pm
Posts: 1357
Location: Auburn, CA
Here's a link to a post about putting in a V8. It goes into the fabrication to make it work.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=30657

_________________
1980 Luv 4x4 with a 5 speed tranny.

Image

"When all else fails, follow the directions".


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri Nov 30, 2018 10:52 am 
Offline
Junior Member

Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2018 12:30 am
Posts: 5
Thank you that helped so much did you ever find out if the 1500 axles would work with the luv?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Fri Nov 30, 2018 11:02 pm 
Offline
Addicted to LUV

Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2003 7:22 pm
Posts: 1357
Location: Auburn, CA
Benji23 wrote:
Thank you that helped so much did you ever find out if the 1500 axles would work with the luv?

Not sure. I'd create a new topic in the Drive Train part of forum. I'm sure the guys with V8's can give you advice on that.

_________________
1980 Luv 4x4 with a 5 speed tranny.

Image

"When all else fails, follow the directions".


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Sat Dec 01, 2018 8:59 pm 
Offline
Assimilated into LUVTruck.com

Joined: Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:07 pm
Posts: 906
Location: N W Arkansas
Benji23 wrote:
Thank you that helped so much did you ever find out if the 1500 axles would work with the luv?

Not if you don't want them to "stick out ridiculously far". Your stock LUV axles are 54" WMS to WMS, most full size pickups are in the 65" range. The closest 6-lug in width are Toyota pickup & some Landcruiser fronts that are 55-1/2" to 58" & the narrow track Jeep Wagoneer at 61". Any of the CJ5/CJ7 fronts are about the right width but 5-lug & are often Dana 30s, which are marginal strength for V8 power & big tires. Some IH Scouts have Dana 44s but are wider. There are several rears 61" or less in several lug patterns that would work, it's the fronts that are a problem, everyone went to IFS about the mid-'80s & the newer the vehicle the wider the wheel track.
The 33" tires you want will require quite a bit of lift & fender trimming & probably a body lift. The LUV tranny tunnel is not very big, so a body lift may be required to clear your tranny choice anyway.
A tip: locate the front axle about 2" forwards of the front fender centerline, there's not much fender to trim at the back but a lot at the front- LUVs have relatively small front fender openings, the rears usually aren't a problem.
See the attached pic of my truck, it has a lot of front fender trimming & only 31s & it still rubs at the back.


Attachments:
'78 LUV 004.jpg
'78 LUV 004.jpg [ 100.77 KiB | Viewed 7612 times ]

_________________
'78 Chevy LUV,1.9,4sp,headers,31's,SAS Dana 30,Dana 20,SOA rear w/Aussie Locker, rough body, bought new 12/4/78.
'87 Trooper,2.3,5sp,headers,31's,ball joint flip & spacer,Aussie Locker rear,Superwinch hubs,brush guard w/5.5K winch,more to come.
Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: Tue Dec 04, 2018 6:37 pm 
Offline
Junior Member

Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2018 12:30 am
Posts: 5
Ok thanks to everyone that’s responded


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 6 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 21 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group