I finally got my new drivetrain bolted up this weekend <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I had to do a bit more work than expected to make everything fit, but it is turning out well so far. I still have linkages and plumbing to tackle, but the big pieces are in. As most of you know, the transmission is from behind a Chevy 2.8" v6, which has the bolt patern 60* that match the Isuzu 3.2L.

Here's what it took:

The main modifications were to the torque converter. I got a 2060 stall converter with my rebuilt transmission. I didn't do anything with the stock flex plate, and the stock chevy converter sat farther back in the bellhousing, so I had to add spacers. Bansil made these up for me on short notice <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />


These are 1/2" thick and worked out beautifully. They were the perfect size, but the hole in the feet were not centered, so they didn't line up as nice as I would have liked, but this should provide a nice solid mount.


The spacers allowed the torque converter about 1/16" of movement.

In this picture you can see the snout of the torque converter. I trimmed this down about 1/2", but in hindsight, with the converter spaced back like it was, it might have been unncessary.

Since there really isn't an easy way to adapt the Isuzu T-case to the 700R4, I went with a Dana 300, and used a stock adapter from a NP208. This particular one is well traveled in Isuzu circles, but it finally got a rebuild with a set of Tera 4:1 gears <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


Among a few other upgrades, I had to install a new 27 spline input shaft in the dana 300 to mate to the 700R4.

The clocking built into the adapter was giving me some clearance issues between the T-case and the body tunnel. Rather than pound, or cut out the offending part of the tunnel, I opted for a 3" body lift, which I finished up yesterday.

Once I got the T-case mounted today, I realized exactly what kind of clearance,ot lack there of, I had to the T-bar.


I got everything tightned down, and I can easily pull the T-case off the torsion bar. I'm thinking about pulling it off a bit, and placing the transmission mount to keep it in that position.



I'm waiting on the front output flange, which is actually from an Isuzu D44. I was hoping to use the stock front driveshaft, but is looks like it's coming up too long. With it flipped to put the slip yoke at the differential, it should clear the transmission with minimal trimming.

I still need to run new transmission lines, install a temp gauge, install the throtle valve cable, modify the shift linkage..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I'm sure I'm forgetting things, but it's getting closer to actual testing.

Thanks to Houlster, JLEMOND, Bigpoppax2, Bansil, Nazrat and everyone else who has helped me get this far <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

cool does it drive any better

Let's give him a chance to get the linkage and drivelines back in first!!

I'm sure it will drive better than the sick 4L30 that was in it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Congrats on getting it all bolted up. Lookin good.

Joe

Seeing this brings thoughts of future projects to mind... Isuzu 3.2/700R4/D300...

Every failure is an opportunity to upgrade <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I haven't totaled up the cost so far, but I'm pretty sure that I'll come in well below the typical $2500 rebuild cost for the 4L30E. This should be a serious upgrade vs. replacing or rebuilding the stock tranny.

Andre - I'm so pleased to see everything coming together, you have no idea! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />




<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />


<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Looks really good Andre. Im planning on the same swap a long way down the road (around the same time as my SAS) so Im glad to hear its working out for you. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
Hope ill get to see it in person soon. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
-J <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

your welcome <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />


and someone needs to work out the bugs for this swap,for others that kill their trans <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

ANDRE AND BANSIL WITH THE SPACER IN BETWEEN THE CONV, AND THE FLEX PLATE DOES THE SNOUT ON THE CCONV, GO INTO THE CRANK HUB , IT REALLY NEEDS TO GO IN A BIT TO HELP CENTER THE CONV, AND ALSO HELP SUPPORT IT,, OTHER THAN THAT MAN IT IS LOOKING GOOD JERRY