Before and after pics

[JPsChevy]

So far in the last couple weeks I've gotten a good jump on the project. I got my 4.8 cleaned up and stripped, gave it a fresh coat of paint and some new gaskets. I also got my new oil pan installed last weekend.
I have almost everything except exhaust and the harness at this point.
Sunday I began removal of the current drivetrain. I haven't liked that 700r4 since I got the truck and removing it just topped off my displeasure for it. With my transmission jack it wouldn't clear the frame so trying to be gentle I tilted it enough to clear and wouldn't you know it fell off. (yes i probably should've drained it before hand).
I'm hoping to set the 4.8 in by Saturday evening, but we'll see how it goes.
Please excuse my mess as my shop looks like a C10 bomb went off.....

[CaliLivn]

I gotta follow an see this nice truck get a lil nicer. ����

[Mike C]

Truck looks great! I think your 4.8/5 speed combo a great idea. Will be watching for updates.

[JPsChevy]

I test fit the engine this weekend and it fit real well. I ended up having to install v8 mounts as the 6 cyl mounts put me to close to the firewall.
I spent 4 days trying to locate a correct flywheel (that's another story). That left me with no progress on the drivetrain, so I started on the drop spindles.
With it being 49 years old I figured I may as well install some new ball joints and a-arm pivots while apart. Everything could use a little attention from the pressure washer also.

[JPsChevy]

I finally got the drop spindles finished up yesterday, so I could get the wheels back on. I also got the engine and trans mated together and installed. I decided to install them together which worked but can't say I'll do that ever again as it barely squeezes in there. I now have some modifications to do to the floor since the shifter doesn't line up with the old 700r4 hole. It was nice to get that far yesterday, I would've never got the engine lined up right if I didn't have such good help.

[JPsChevy]

You can definitely see the drop now with the engine set on the springs.

[northern 85]

Very nice truck and work! You didnt like the buddy buckets?

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by northern 85

Very nice truck and work! You didnt like the buddy buckets?

Honestly I didn't like how they sat, the foam was a little harder than I anticipated. Was looking for the feel of 72 bucket seat foam and I'm a short guy and didn't like sitting that low in the truck.

[72 tigger]

Good job! Looks really nice- must be fun to finally get to drive it

[Orange67]

Very nice ride, love everything you've done with it. Very tasteful.

[70 shorty]

I LOVE that truck! I think a 4.8 5 speed combo would be great for my short/step as well. I'm guessing you used just a stock 5 speed. I've also considered just adding a 5 speed behind my 6 cylinder.

[JPsChevy]

Thanks for the compliments.

Yes I used a stock nv3500 from a 2006 v6 truck.

[70 shorty]

Originally Posted by JPsChevy

Thanks for the compliments.

Yes I used a stock nv3500 from a 2006 v6 truck.

Is that the stock shifter for the NV3500?

[ShortCST]

Beautiful truck. I've considered that very combo myself, only using an aluminum block for the weight savings, and later adding a turbo if I wanted more power.

Just dreams right now, though.

Def going to add an overdrive trans soon-ish.

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by 70 shorty

Is that the stock shifter for the NV3500?

No, that is a hurst repalcement from core shifters i beleive. pattern is super tight.

[Greg58]

Very nice.

Greg

[hewittca]

Great lookin' truck! Nice work.

[saxart]

Really sharp truck there! What size wheels and tires do you have on it?

[JPsChevy]

Originally Posted by saxart

Really sharp truck there! What size wheels and tires do you have on it?

Thanks 15x8 CUCV blazer wheels and 275/60r15

[Dieselwrencher]

Very nice truck and nice work on it! I really like your shop set up too.