I figured I would start a build thread now since there hasn't been one in a while. I still have lots to buy but I've started on it and have lots of plans for it.

I pulled the engine and tranny last weekend. What a PITA! I couldn't get the tranny loose from the engine so it all came out together. Not to big of a problem until the engine lift hit the garage door and I still needed to go up another 6" to clear the tranny pan. Anyway we got it out.
Today I completely cleaned the engine bay. I even scrubed it with a coarse brush. It looks like new now. I also ditched a lot of stuff that I won't be using to get as much room as possible in the bay. I'm in the process of tearing out the old harness and getting it ready for it's new heart...err...engine and tranny. The engine harness is pretty much stand alone but the stupid tranny harness is mixed in with the rest of the electrical harness. It is really starting to agrivate me. I want to get it all seperated but I don't think it's gonna happen.

Here is list of plans for it:

'97-current 4.3L Vortec
Tranny/tcase is undecided
Chevy Front Dana44 5-6" forward, either cut down or full width, haven't decided yet.
35's with very little lift, maybe 3"
I'll probably move the rears up front and put some f150's out back thats about all the lift I want. Of coarse I'll be cutting some fenders.
Truck bedding the back
Raising the gas tank into the bed
Some rough body work
And a lot of little things here and there.

The biggest hurttle I am running into is my wife is trying to lay claim to it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> She wants it as a daily driver and I have explianed to her numerous times that is not why I got it. She is really against cutting off the back. I may have to send her on a little vacation that weekend <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Do you think she would notice when she got home <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Anyway just a couple of pics. I am finshing up my EMT-basic this week and then take the national board exam. After that I've got all summer before Paramedic school starts. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

LINK1
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EDIT by Mod: Resize those pictures. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Nice motor choice, I'll be watching with enthusiasm.

Sorry about those pics mlclark, I use PhotoBucket and usually don't have a problem with pic size. I'll do better next time sir <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Sorry about those pics mlclark

No apologies needed. The wide pictures just make it hard to read when you have to scroll right for the last half inch of every line. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Michael

Made a few calls today about a engine and now I am on the fence as to which engine to go with. 91-94 vortec or 96-current vortec. The up side to the later model is 10 more hp. more upgrade options and more plentyful. I found one for $600 with harness and computer. The upside to the CPI Vortec is that it is simpler to hook up ie: I can run a non-electronic tranny without the computer needing reflashed. I found one for $400.

I have also decided to go ahead and cut down the dana axle I'm using and keep the rear 12 bolt for now. That way I only have to regear the front. Randy's R&P said the 4.56's should keep the 4.3 happy with 35's.

Now, as far as the tranny goes I would like to go with a 5spd but for simplicity and cost I'll probably go with an auto. So th350 or 700r4(4l60). Will I notice that much difference. I will be driving this thing to all the trails so I would like to get better than 10mpg's. I even thought about trying to possibly make my own adapter plate for the 2.6 auto that was in it but I don't know if it is up to the abuse.

I'm definately going to follow this one. Sounds like a great plan.

Depending on how the 4.3 sits in there, you may have a difficult time keeping it that low while finding enough room for you drag link and some suspension uptravel. believe me, it can get tight in there. I think it can be done, don't get me wrong, just be prepared for some headache and try to keep your plans open to change where necessary along the way.

Good luck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Has anyone researched cost/savings of doing a propane conversion? I am really thinking about it as gas prices continue to rise. I'm going to look into it cause now is a good time to decide before I buy my engine.

If someone would buy the Trooper tranny I have for sale I would have enough to buy a motor. Someone out there must need a good auto tranny <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I'll be troching off the IFS junk sometime in the next few days. I picked up a 4ft o2 bottle from a guy at work for $75 and it still has 700lbs of o2 in it, Score! My buddy has an acetyline bottle and is gonna buy the o2 off of me for $150, still a savings of $75 for him, and i'll be able to use the torch when ever I need it.
He also has a good tig machine so I'll be tig-ing most of my welds <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> and save my mig for the less critical and less seen welds since the tig is so much better looking and stronger.

I promise I will get some good stuff up here soon and quit talking so much <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Propane prices will follow gas prices and from what I have read, you go through lots of propane.

Generally propane conversion is not done for cost savings.

Hey 4XToy, I'm just starting a build just like you. Looks like you have some great ideas.
I bought a rolled '91 S15 with a 4.3 TBI today, and will be following this build close. I expect you to be the guinea pig, and work out all the problems, so that I don't have to. My project involves an '89 Trooper, Wagoneer Dana 44, probably a T350, and a NP 241 t-case, with 4 in lift, and 35s or 36s. Good luck on yours, I know I'll need it on mine. Tim.

Cool, I am assuming you are going to use an early 241 from a 88-91 blazer/suburban? The reason I say that is those are the only 241's that have the passenger side drop like you need for the waggy axle. I thought about the 241 since they are slightly better than the 208 but I can get a 208 for $50 from my uncle.