LUVTruck.com

Hello All

I just aquired my first Luv Project.
And looking for any and all advise offered.
I picked up a 79 Luv (without motor) I am looking to buy a good motor that will do good in the hills. Have been getting a lot of adivise at work. but no one ownes a LUV.
V6?
V8?
What will Drop in the easiest?
New to this. Father and I built one when I was a kid. And I have always wanted to do it again.
Hit me up with personal opinions I want a good off roader.

My dad's '80 4x4 stock when new could go just about anywhere in montana. I remeber once on the ranch hunting deer and grandpa thought he was crazy on some of the hills we climbed. Just my opinion.

I've watched this forum for a long time and never seen a good answer to your question.

The Luv's 4x4 arrangement doesn't lend itself to a convenient engine swap.

I've seen people go 2 ways:

1) Use a bolt-in-compatible Isuzu motor and hop it up. There's lots of threads here for electronic ignition, weber carb, offy manifold, cam re-grind, etc. This stuff can take a Luv from unacceptably slow to just slow.

Of course, you don't need fast for wheeling, it's all in the gearing.

2) Replace the independent front suspension (IFS) with a solid axle and replace the engine/transmission/transfer case. This is, obviously, a lot more extensive. It results in a truck that's better for wheeling, but not as nice on-road.

I've asked before if anyone out there has put a V6 or V8 into a 4x4 Luv without changing the front suspension. So far, no one has said 'yes'.

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You went there in that?!?!

solid axle swap and a v6 will get you pretty much anywhere you need to go

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No luv right now =(

There's been talk of putting a slightly larger engine in from a newer car. I think the thread is titled "engine swap" the 4X4 section. maybe that'll help.
-ret

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1980 4X4 LUV daily driver, as stock as can be.

solid axle swap, 1 tons, 5:13 gears, detroit lockers front and rear and a V8

Find a trooper for the 5spd then use the 2.3 or go to the 2.6 trooper motor there are differences in the years but check this site deeper and you will find what year has what parts you need.

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

Everyones always complaining about how slow stock Luvs are, you guys just havent driven a stock samurai yet!

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If its got tires, tracks, or t..s, its going to cost you money!

I have an 80 4X4 with a 4.3L and the only thing I did to the front suspension install bigger torsion bars.

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The only way to truely know your vehicle is to take it apart and rebuild it from the ground up!!!!!
80 LUV 4X4 Mods(Holley fuel injected 4.3 700R4/ 208 Transfer Case)
79 LUV 4X4 Mods (350 Project)

Just a stock truck will go anywhere you want. Mine is proof of that.

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1980 LUV Mikado 4X4
2003 Chevy S10
http://www.luvtruck.com/Gallery/ChrisGo ... index.html

http://www.myspace.com/luvmikado