Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

FirstGen · 08-10-2007, 12:07 PM

Hey guys, haven't been on here in a while! Glad to see the forum is doing well. I have a friend looking to put an LS1 in his Blazer and while I did it in my C10 pickup a few years back I'm not as familiar with the 4 wheel drive stuff.
I was hoping there was someone on here that could point me in the right direction.
I posted this in the Blazer section also but it doesn't look like there is much activity over there.
Couldn't find anything in the search...

Ackattack · 08-10-2007, 12:28 PM

Just find a 4L60E that has a transfer case attached. Should bolt right up to the LS1.

Or, add a t-case to the back of a 4L60E.

What would be easier, though, would to find a GenIII (4.8, 5.3, 6.0) engine out of a 4 wheel drive truck or SUV and get the engine/tranny/transfer case.

1969k10stepside · 08-10-2007, 12:33 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong as I dont use non of these fancy new transmissions and transfer cases

but wouldnt the transfer case that would come behind the 4l60e have the front output on the drivers side? If that's the case then you would need to put in a Ford axle for example.(Might be a good excuse to up to a high pinion Dana 60

)

68 short step · 08-10-2007, 12:47 PM

contact this guy
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/member.php?userid=53735

1969k10stepside · 08-10-2007, 12:55 PM

He's a member here as well
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/member.php?u=19601

TonyJohnson · 08-10-2007, 03:03 PM

4L60E is just a glorified 700R4. Could find one with a transfercase a lot easier and not have to worry about the electronic tranny stuff. That would allow you to use one of the cool aftermarket computer/harness setups for the swap... Just an option...

FirstGen · 08-10-2007, 03:11 PM

thanks guys, good info. Is the factory 4 wheel drive in the early trucks/blazers a separate transfer case assembly or is it bolted to the tail of the transmission like some of the newer vehicles?

1969k10stepside · 08-10-2007, 03:28 PM

I've heard but never confirmed or checked but the older 60-66s were suppose to have a divorced t-case (2wd tranny and small d-shaft between it and t-case.In the 67-72 trucks and blazers,burbs,etc the transmissions and t-cases were married (how cute.LOL )meaning the transmission and transfer case were bolted together,with an adapter between them of course..I dont know if GM has used a divorced t-case since the early 60s,or ever for that matter.

68K20 x Drill · 08-10-2007, 03:43 PM

http://www.high-impact.net/transmiss...e_adapters.htm

scroll down to 700R4/4L60, and you will see the adapter you need to run either your 205, or a bigger stronger one.

4L80 adapters seem more popular...
Only '91 205s come with a built in speed sensor.

FirstGen · 08-10-2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68K20 x Drill

http://www.high-impact.net/transmiss...e_adapters.htm

scroll down to 700R4/4L60, and you will see the adapter you need to run either your 205, or a bigger stronger one.

4L80 adapters seem more popular...
Only '91 205s come with a built in speed sensor.

Good info! Keep it coming!

boostat4500 · 08-13-2007, 11:01 AM

Hello. I've got a 6.0L LQ9, 4l80E, NP246 in my burb. What questions do you have specifically about the swap. Yes, I do have a Ford front axle in it now. Not sure if I'd recomend using the newer T-cases even though it's nice not having a stick in the floor. What I dont like is that you always have the front drive shaft spinning the same speed as the rear. Let me know what I can help with.

FirstGen · 08-13-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boostat4500

Hello. I've got a 6.0L LQ9, 4l80E, NP248 in my burb. What questions do you have specifically about the swap. Yes, I do have a Ford front axle in it now. Not sure if I'd recomend using the newer T-cases even though it's nice not having a stick in the floor. What I dont like is that you always have the front drive shaft spinning the same speed as the rear. Let me know what I can help with.

Cool, would love to see some pictures! He has a 73 K5 so it is different but just wondering how much room there is for the 4L80E? I'm not familiar with any of the transfer cases yet but is the NP248 a unit that came stock in the burb or a unit you sought out? I believe he has a fresh 205 in his K5, is that a decent unit?

What adapter plate did you use to mate the 4L80 and the 248? Are you running a stock converter?

I guess I need to do some reading on the different transfer cases.

boostat4500 · 08-13-2007, 09:12 PM

Check my new post " the burbs new look " for some pics. The motor, tranny and t-case are all out of an 01' 2500HD. The t-case is a NP246, not 248 as stated previous, oops.

earl87gta · 08-14-2007, 03:46 AM

205 case is the best stock case you can get. but you will need a late modle for the 4L80e or you have to buy an expensive adaptor. but if you figure in the cost of changing to the ford axle and the T-case from the new truck it probly evens out or comes out cheeper. a K5 is short so you have to use a married case. On my burb Im using a devorced 205 with a 2wd NV4500 alot cheaper set up but the k5 doesnt have the room for it.

4x4Bowhunter · 08-14-2007, 01:30 PM

One thing to keep in mind when adding this is the fact that the tranny is longer than what came from Chevy. Meaning, the driveshafts will have to be lengthened/shortened as well. Or, move the motor mount crossmember forward to compensate.
I put a LT1/700R/NP203 in a 72 and to compensate for the extra length of the 700R, I moved the motor forward. The main reason was the location of the shift lever for the t-case didnt have to move.

Just FYI from the 'skool of hard knocks'

FirstGen · 08-14-2007, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4Bowhunter

One thing to keep in mind when adding this is the fact that the tranny is longer than what came from Chevy. Meaning, the driveshafts will have to be lengthened/shortened as well. Or, move the motor mount crossmember forward to compensate.
I put a LT1/700R/NP203 in a 72 and to compensate for the extra length of the 700R, I moved the motor forward. The main reason was the location of the shift lever for the t-case didnt have to move.

Just FYI from the 'skool of hard knocks'

I wouldn't expect any less!

baja1000 · 10-24-2008, 03:13 AM

Iam building a 1970 K5 4X4 and Iam installing a LS-1 350ci motor in it, After research the best way to do the 4X4 install is to get a 4L80E transmission and then get a Advance Adadpter kit to mate a NP205 to the 4L80E transmission, That way your drive line will be on the correct side, The adapter is not cheap its around $600.00 but its the strong and right way to do it, i will start the build next week and i will start a thread on this build, the chassis will be powder coated, The LS1 and 4L80E and a NP 205 will be used, I will have the AC working, And I will smooth the firewall and paint it inside and out Hugger Orange, New black interior, Iam not sure anout the tires and wheels, It should take me about 5 weeks to build it, I hope

08-10-2007, 12:07 PM	#1
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? Hey guys, haven't been on here in a while! Glad to see the forum is doing well. I have a friend looking to put an LS1 in his Blazer and while I did it in my C10 pickup a few years back I'm not as familiar with the 4 wheel drive stuff. I was hoping there was someone on here that could point me in the right direction. I posted this in the Blazer section also but it doesn't look like there is much activity over there. Couldn't find anything in the search... __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

08-10-2007, 12:28 PM	#2
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? Just find a 4L60E that has a transfer case attached. Should bolt right up to the LS1. Or, add a t-case to the back of a 4L60E. What would be easier, though, would to find a GenIII (4.8, 5.3, 6.0) engine out of a 4 wheel drive truck or SUV and get the engine/tranny/transfer case. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

08-10-2007, 12:33 PM	#3
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? Correct me if I'm wrong as I dont use non of these fancy new transmissions and transfer cases but wouldnt the transfer case that would come behind the 4l60e have the front output on the drivers side? If that's the case then you would need to put in a Ford axle for example.(Might be a good excuse to up to a high pinion Dana 60 ) Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 08-10-2007 at 12:34 PM.

08-10-2007, 12:47 PM	#4
68 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: tulsa OK Posts: 3,070	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? contact this guy http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/member.php?userid=53735 Last edited by 68 short step; 08-10-2007 at 03:20 PM.

08-10-2007, 12:55 PM	#5
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? He's a member here as well http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/member.php?u=19601

08-10-2007, 03:03 PM	#6
TonyJohnson Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cheboygan, MI Posts: 998	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? 4L60E is just a glorified 700R4. Could find one with a transfercase a lot easier and not have to worry about the electronic tranny stuff. That would allow you to use one of the cool aftermarket computer/harness setups for the swap... Just an option... __________________ Tony Johnson -- '71 Blazer w/L-31 Vortec 350, SM465, NP205, performer intake, edelbrock 1406, HEI, 4" lift, Boyd EFI tank, Vintage A/C My Blazer --

08-10-2007, 03:11 PM	#7
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? thanks guys, good info. Is the factory 4 wheel drive in the early trucks/blazers a separate transfer case assembly or is it bolted to the tail of the transmission like some of the newer vehicles? __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

08-10-2007, 03:28 PM	#8
1969k10stepside Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: USA Posts: 21,019	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? I've heard but never confirmed or checked but the older 60-66s were suppose to have a divorced t-case (2wd tranny and small d-shaft between it and t-case.In the 67-72 trucks and blazers,burbs,etc the transmissions and t-cases were married (how cute.LOL )meaning the transmission and transfer case were bolted together,with an adapter between them of course..I dont know if GM has used a divorced t-case since the early 60s,or ever for that matter. Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 08-10-2007 at 03:29 PM.

08-10-2007, 03:43 PM	#9
68K20 x Drill Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Freedom CA Posts: 488	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? http://www.high-impact.net/transmiss...e_adapters.htm scroll down to 700R4/4L60, and you will see the adapter you need to run either your 205, or a bigger stronger one. 4L80 adapters seem more popular... Only '91 205s come with a built in speed sensor. __________________ 68 Chevrolet k20 Longbed 350 SM465/205, Dana 44, 14bolt, Power steering, Power Disk Brakes, 35" BFGs. 84 Chevrolet Suburban K20 6.2 Banks turbo TH400/NP208 Now with G80 68 GMC C20 Parts? Truck And a few cars

08-13-2007, 11:01 AM	#11
boostat4500 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 346	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? Hello. I've got a 6.0L LQ9, 4l80E, NP246 in my burb. What questions do you have specifically about the swap. Yes, I do have a Ford front axle in it now. Not sure if I'd recomend using the newer T-cases even though it's nice not having a stick in the floor. What I dont like is that you always have the front drive shaft spinning the same speed as the rear. Let me know what I can help with. __________________ 1971 Suburban 4x4, LQ4 6.0L, 4L80E, etc. Last edited by boostat4500; 08-14-2007 at 12:59 AM.

08-13-2007, 09:12 PM	#13
boostat4500 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 346	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? Check my new post " the burbs new look " for some pics. The motor, tranny and t-case are all out of an 01' 2500HD. The t-case is a NP246, not 248 as stated previous, oops. __________________ 1971 Suburban 4x4, LQ4 6.0L, 4L80E, etc. Last edited by boostat4500; 08-14-2007 at 01:00 AM.

08-14-2007, 03:46 AM	#14
earl87gta Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kingsport TN Posts: 4,641	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? 205 case is the best stock case you can get. but you will need a late modle for the 4L80e or you have to buy an expensive adaptor. but if you figure in the cost of changing to the ford axle and the T-case from the new truck it probly evens out or comes out cheeper. a K5 is short so you have to use a married case. On my burb Im using a devorced 205 with a 2wd NV4500 alot cheaper set up but the k5 doesnt have the room for it. __________________ Earl 68 2500 4x4 GMC Burb Last edited by earl87gta; 08-14-2007 at 03:50 AM.

08-14-2007, 01:30 PM	#15
4x4Bowhunter Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 110	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? One thing to keep in mind when adding this is the fact that the tranny is longer than what came from Chevy. Meaning, the driveshafts will have to be lengthened/shortened as well. Or, move the motor mount crossmember forward to compensate. I put a LT1/700R/NP203 in a 72 and to compensate for the extra length of the 700R, I moved the motor forward. The main reason was the location of the shift lever for the t-case didnt have to move. Just FYI from the 'skool of hard knocks'

10-24-2008, 03:13 AM	#17
baja1000 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 49	Re: Looking for info on LS1 based 4 wheel drive conversions? Iam building a 1970 K5 4X4 and Iam installing a LS-1 350ci motor in it, After research the best way to do the 4X4 install is to get a 4L80E transmission and then get a Advance Adadpter kit to mate a NP205 to the 4L80E transmission, That way your drive line will be on the correct side, The adapter is not cheap its around $600.00 but its the strong and right way to do it, i will start the build next week and i will start a thread on this build, the chassis will be powder coated, The LS1 and 4L80E and a NP 205 will be used, I will have the AC working, And I will smooth the firewall and paint it inside and out Hugger Orange, New black interior, Iam not sure anout the tires and wheels, It should take me about 5 weeks to build it, I hope



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