LUVTruck.com

I know there is a guide around here somewhere, but I am just curious, how tough is a v8 swap to do. Using either a 283 or a stock 350, is it just engine, tranny and rear axle? Or is there cutting, welding and reinforcing that needs to be done? I've talked to a few people around here, and they have said it won't even move for lack of any weight in the bed. Thanks.

http://www.luvtruck.com/pdf/engswap.pdf

Here you go

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

That is pretty hard to answer on an individual level, all depends on mechanical ability and knowledge.
My V-6 conversion (not a whole lot easier than a V8 ) I thought was pretty easy, the hardest parts was getting up the $$$ to do it. I was 22 at the time and had NO INTERNET for help.

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RIP R.J.B.

That won't move for lack of weight in the bed comment is WAAYY off...

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FIAA!

SFPP!

Well, I had thought about doing a swap of some sort, where the v8 seems like the most fun, i'm not sure how feasible that would be with a 4x4. Would I be better of with a 350, or maybe a newer vortec v6 out of an s10 like my brother buys, or just getting the original 4cylinder prettied up?

Well, its your choice, but I always kick myself like the commericial said "I could of had a V8!"

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RIP R.J.B.

I would have to agree with this. I don't have any problem and some of my bed floor has been cut out for weight. But I also have 14.5" wide tires also.

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Life is a DRAG RACE!!!
I like my Luv WILD!!!

Sometimes too much to drink isn't enough!!
Kinky is using a feather. Perverted is using the whole chicken.
http://www.wildluvracing.com

My 76 (Bens old truck) hooked up very well with no frame narrowing, also Hotrod 80 has no problem lifting his tires with a stock wheel well.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

I WEIGHTED MINE YESTERDAY,IT IS 2540LBS. 1410LBS ON THE FRONT AND 1130LBS. ON THE REAR. IT HOOKS JUST FINE WITHOUT TRACTION BARS.

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Does the fact it is a 4x4 make any difference? Again, I have heard it both ways that a v8 would be awesome, and that it wouldn't fit or run well.

4x4 will be awesome but a little more work. The body has to be lifted a couple inches for the late model transfer case from what i have seen and heard.

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Too much to do and not enough time or money!
Courage is the other side of fear!
Pain is the weakness leaving the body!

What about something like a newer vortec v6 like my brother's got in his s10? Would that be preferable to a v8 in a 4x4, or does it make any difference?

I would think there wouldn't be much difference since they are basically the same size except with 2 less cylinders. I think the biggest problem is the tranny and transfer case.'
With the right tools, parts and knowhow anything is possible and attainable.

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Too much to do and not enough time or money!
Courage is the other side of fear!
Pain is the weakness leaving the body!

Regarding the installation of a sbc V8 in your 4 X 4 LUV.
Back in the 70s many shops were doing this by installing a
Jeep tansfer case and front end, this made the swap quite easy but today it would be very difficult because of the availability or lack of of cheap parts.
And it is not adviseable to put excess power to the stock transfer case and front axle. Plus the transfer case and transmission are all one unit making it almost impossible to adapt anything to either.
Installing the V8 or a V6 is pretty straightforward, you have to
remove everything off the firewall, including the heater controls and the e-brake pulleys then set the engine in and make up the motor mounts.
I currently own both a 78 stepside and a former diesel powered 81 LUV, both of which are now sbc powered. Other than a traction problem under full power they are very tractable and enjoyable to drive.
If you want pictures, pls contact me.

The V6/Auto trans would be a good swap in a stock geared luv all it would need is the 4X4 oil pan and a swap to an earlier like a 208 transfer case.I thought of doing this with the 2.4 auto as the luv is so much lighter it would be a good power combo with out being over powering to the drive train and still get good fuel mileage.

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

Thanks for the information, do you recommend a T-400 or another a/t between the 305 transfer case and the engine?

I think this would be a lot easier and better than trying to
adapt an entire Jeep front end into a LUV!

Thanks and Happy Holidays,

dusty

there is a v-6 4x4 s-10 blazer for sale on craigslist for $300 and it's in grants pass. Perfect donor rig for a swap

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72 luv v-8 owned since 16!
240" rear engine dragster
traded the circle track cars for a blown 496 chevy
[color=#FF8000]
29 dodge 4 dr sedan (project)
84 ranger 2wd "tuff truck" with 350 sbc

I have an 93 S10 blazer that I bought for parts for my blazer that I would sell or part out.

_________________
Life is a DRAG RACE!!!
I like my Luv WILD!!!

Sometimes too much to drink isn't enough!!
Kinky is using a feather. Perverted is using the whole chicken.
http://www.wildluvracing.com