Ive begun more work on my 5.3 swap and decided I would create a new thread to avoid having people getting lost in pages of rambling. After I finish, I plan on doing a write up with part numbers and years I used for everything.

Basically pictures of stripping the engine bay down today.
Old pictures



Last two days progress, removed the trans, the exhaust, all fuel lines, heat shields, and everything else in the engine bay I felt needed to be ousted for the respray after I cut the firewall.



Last night I wanted to test fit to see where and what needs cut, and the trans tunnel needs to get cut by 2-3 inches wider for a few inches. Also doing a body lift here soon, so will cut after thats installed.




Also, I decided on the NP205 transfer case from a 78 Bronco would be my choice for the project. Strong, gear driven, and plentiful. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Too bad all the pics are gone from the thread that 777 had so many years ago. He also redid the trans tunnel, but for the NV4500. Lots to move around. Are your measurements indicating relocation of heater core and other things inside?

777 thread for 6.0L

The body lift should prevent too much hacking of the trans tunnel. I plan to make some minor and major changes along the way. The 5.3 is 300 hp, and the np205 will be twin sticked for sure so it will be an original build. I am ordering a body lift and a can of POR and a few rolls of thermotec suppressor mat. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Keep us posted with plenty of pictures and details. I'm very interested in this. I've been contemplating a 5.0L swap from an Explorer. If this isn't too bad I may lean towards this direction.

If I had been doing this In the 4 door I would use a shorter 2wd manual trans and a divorced transfer case and avoid the extra 1k in adapters. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Why the Ford part instead of an NP231 or NV241?

The ford np205 has a drivers side drop, is gear driven (no chains to stretch or break), and costs $100 each at local yards. So even if I somehow broke the cast iron case, I can just go buy another one pretty easily. Also, they come fixed yoke front and rears so no slip yoke eliminator kits like with the other mentioned cases. I just get my custom shafts made and am in business. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
Also, the np205 has the ability to be twin sticked.

I remembered this video this morning figured i'd share this is a 5.7 but i hope yours comes out just as mean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82qKhlku0qA

Ive seen that video before, I plan on keeping my Raider a very on road creature. More like a steroided up Raider. I plan to chop the 4 body mounts under the doors and raising them to match the front and rear body lift blocks, and then run the exhaust outside the frame, and build rock sliders to protect it from damage, exiting before the rear tires. I hope it sounds nice and not annoyingly loud, but we will see...

There are enough different types of mufflers out nowadays you should have no problem finding one that will keep that v8 quiet.