Purple Jimmy
#231
Christine, what made it easy was no front diff or cross member in the way! Plus a 3" body lift helps! Lol that and I've now pulled and installed a few engines in these rigs. But yes the v8 is the basically the same as a 4.3 only about 4.5 inches longer. I built my own mounts and have lots of tools and equipment at my disposal. I'm going with a carburetor for now because thats what I have. Everything on this version of the build I either already had or built. Im into this swap exactly $0 so far.
#233
#236
Slow progress being made. Life is always getting in the way of my project. Today I gathered up most of the parts to get the engine running and a few other parts. I did throw the front driveline in to check it for length and to check the angle. Length is pretty close, I may have to shorten it just a bit. Its not bolted to the transfer case in the pic, its about a half inch from the flange still. The angle is steeper than I'd like. Im thinking if I pull one spring out of the front packs and drop my trans/transfer down an inch or so I'll be happy with the angle and it won't eat u joints.
#237
Got a few more things done on the purple mini moster today. Dropped the transfer case about 2 inches and came to the conclusion that I will need to shorten the front driveline and also I will be pulling a spring from the front packs. The rear driveline fits so far and should still work even if I raise the rear another couple inches. I did manage to snap a ujoint strap bolt off on the rear yoke. I started bolting accessories on the 350 but ran into a hold ups. Nothing that can't be sorted out though.
#239
I'm getting tire envy, lol. I feel your pain on the driveshaft angle. That's why I ended up using a divorced transfer case. Even with that, it's pretty steep at the transfer case.
Looking good, though. Can't wait to see it driving.
Looking good, though. Can't wait to see it driving.