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-What's the minimal amount of body lift needed for stuffing the tranny?

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

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-Are the front & rear diffs rugged enough stock? Suspension need upgrades?

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.

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I see most people use the 700R4, is that preference or....?

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.

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- Is there anything special I should know about the motor mounts( fabrication wise) tranny mounts/ cross members etc?

Nope. Standard stuff.

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-Has anyone tallied the cost of this conversion or is it a " custom price tag"

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.

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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?


IF I had it to do over again, I would use a Gen2.5, and put in a LS1/NV4500 combo. smile 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.

87 Raider 4D56td v5MT1
31's..Basically Stock