LUVTruck.com

So I'm tooling down the road in the Astro van having thoughts about the LUV I'm building in my carport. One thing occurs to me: After I'm done, I have a 31 yo truck that is rebuilt, clean, gets attention, shows off a little skill and discipline and is a female dog to find parts for. Now I've read tons of these postings and one thing is clear: The LUV frame and the Trooper frame are the same. So the idea comes to me. What if I take my LUV body and bolt it to the frame of a 84-87 Trooper from a bone yard with the Trooper powertrain intact. Easy to find parts for, better brakes, better suspension, better motor, 5 speed ... . Are the attachment brackets the same? Is the wheel base the same? Which steering column would I use? Any thoughts?

YO it's about time somebody wants to try this swap all though it can done just make sure you don't get to for over your head. If you have the room to do it then go for it. First though go measure the trooper frame for width and if it is close then it can be done with work and sweat just don't get in a hurry.All you do the is set the two frames next to each other and make the wheel base and mounts on the trooper frame match the luv frame. And remember no matter how easy it looks Murffey's law applies.

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

This swap has been done, Luke Husker did I i believe, only he used a later Trooper (88-91) with came with the bigger FI engine, stronger front end, stonger rear end and better tranny.

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'80 Luv 4x4, 3" BL, 1.5" SL, 32/36, 2.25" exhaust...and fuzzy dice.
'95 Toyota 4Runner Limited 5-Speed.

yep luke did the swap. came out pretty damn good too.

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"but its that gut feeling of you're drawn to what feels right for yourself and what you're passionate about..."

Here is one thread on the swap he did

http://forums.luvtruck.com/viewtopic.php?p=59257&highlight=#59257

and a pic of the finshed truck



Personally if my '88 Trooper ever gets the body trashed on it and the frame and running gear are still good, this is what I would do.

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'80 Luv 4x4, 3" BL, 1.5" SL, 32/36, 2.25" exhaust...and fuzzy dice.
'95 Toyota 4Runner Limited 5-Speed.

Thanks for the feedback. That purple truck looks tight. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a rolled or otherwise body bad/ all else good Trooper.

Is this true for all Luvs and all troopers?

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LUV is...