Hey guys. Picked up an 88 Raider, 2.6 5 speed.Pretty much stock except the 31"s and Weber carb. Runs good. Wanting to do the 4.3 swap.
I've tried searching for a "how to" blog but can't find one.
Anyone have a link, map, know someone who knows someone who could direct me to said write up?
I have a 97 blazer 4.3 5 speed 4x4.
Is this a proper donor vehicle for this?
Any help would be mint.
Thanks in advance. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

That is a good doner vehicle. Only gotcha I see would be that you need to send the ECM off to be reprogrammed to run without the Body control module.

Do you have any specific questions?

Appreciate the reply.
Is there a link for any write ups? I've been searching but can't seem to locate one. I'm sure in time I'll figure out how to navigate this site.
I don't want to ask a million questions if most have already been answered.

Oh, and I'll have a 2.6 100k on it with the tranny for sale if anyone is interested after the swap. Comes with a Weber 32/36.
If anyone's in the New England area.

I don't think there's a step by step guide. You're just gonna have to search on it. We don't mind questions. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

-What's the minimal amount of body lift needed for stuffing the tranny?
-Are the front & rear diffs rugged enough stock? Suspension need upgrades?
I see most people use the 700R4, is that preference or....?
- Is there anything special I should know about the motor mounts( fabrication wise) tranny mounts/ cross members etc?
-Has anyone tallied the cost of this conversion or is it a " custom price tag"
As you can see I'm still in research mode.
Hope to get started as soon as I get a handle on it. I just hate surprises and "wish I would've" scenarios.
Any regrets, changes if you had to do it over?

I'd be interested in the 5 speed and the weber, ifyou're willing to ship those to WA state. PM me?

None needed I would'nt think. Mine has a 2 inch BL


Yes. Rear diff is stout. Front diff as well. I broke a front CV axle Stub, but it took 33X13.50 LTB swampers, a welded up front diff, and full throttle 4.3 action to do it. I don't think you could break an open front diff.


Just that is what comes on most 4.3's. They have excellent 1st gear ratio which helps a bunch, and also a decent OD ratio so you can still cruise on the interstate.


Nope. Standard stuff.


Nope. Reason being is that you can go from Mild to Wild.
If you could buy a doner rig for super cheap, and swap it all over DIY style then it will be tons cheaper than paying a shop to do it.



IF I had it to do over again, I would use a Gen2.5, and put in a LS1/NV4500 combo. for a Gen 1 a 4.3W code motor is wicked power. It will seriously light up a set of 31 inch tires on the street.

I'll shoot you a PM after the swap.
I have the next 30 days off so I plan on doing the swap sometime in that time frame.
I'd ship it. I also have pretty much the entire interior from another 88 All the gauges, switches etc if anyone is missing anything in that department.
I'm also getting ready to part out my 91 Montero LS. Frame & engine are toast.

I REALLY like the NV242 tcase option. Once there, you have aftermarket tcase support, including super lows and doublers. You get all the benies of active-trac, 2h, 4h, 4hlocked, 4lolocked in the 242, and it's also a touch stronger than a nv231.

Ditto the W motor, 200ish hp and loads of torque. Once you are into GM ecus there is a world of support for write on the fly fuel and spark and shift tables if you go 4l60e tranny, the electronic 700r4. The only more powerful 4.3 is the ty/sy 4.3T. Later model 700r4's are now tough and versatile. You can also tune the tranny shifting. I suggest a cable shifter and relocate.

You may need to fiddle up a speedo drive.

This is an elegant swap, almost the hp of a 2.6T, more torque down low, buy parts anywhere, and cheap. Landraider has a very good one for sale. You ought to think about buying instead of building, Betcha it's long term cheaper...