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.

 

So I found these...



He also has 44s and 42s for less $$ all are in sets of 5 but they are all for 20 inch rims. Also they are 4.5 hours away from me...

 

Well. I guess those are not quite so whimpy as far as tires go.

 

Lol Christine I was waiting for you to comment!

 

Happy to oblige!

 

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.

 

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.

 

Not a fan of the angle of the shaft, but man I love those tires! Lol

 

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.

 

Thanks guys. I haven't committed to the tires yet lol.. still planning on 38-40s.