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-   -   1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins! (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=806842)

Nick_R_23 06-18-2022 11:34 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Thanks! It’s been a real busy summer, and finally found some time to get back to it!

Finished up the last bit of wiring and cable routing, securing the O2 sensor lead, clutch bleed line, and speedo cable.

https://i.postimg.cc/g0MPMLrK/A07-A4...36-CF54-AE.jpg

Sourced a cleaner and straighter bumper for the rear!

https://i.postimg.cc/B6XfRZKf/0-F266...1-F35-DB30.jpg

Drivelines are being brought into town for either a rebuild or replacement.

https://i.postimg.cc/C1Xp0yGB/5-DDBA...D425-BF1-C.jpg

The biggest part, updated the tune to include PWM fan control logic! Anyone care to critique my setup? I watched projectgatago’s video, and set it up the best way I could think, seeing as I don’t have a speed sensor on this truck. My thought process is that the fan should be off at 195F (thermostat temp) and running progressively faster at speeds above 200F, and ramping up significantly above 220F. I did RPM based instead of speed, one, because I don’t have a speed sensor, two, because the fan should remain off while moving anyway due to airflow over the radiator, and three, it acts as a safeguard to kick the fan on regardless of speed or engine running if the temp is that excessive. I haven’t tested this out with the engine running yet, as I wanted some feedback in case I screwed up.

https://i.postimg.cc/G3T1Q2Rk/B724-D...50-AE080-F.jpg

I used Holley’s default Electric Fan #1 pin but repurposed it to PWM-

https://i.postimg.cc/SN0bthQH/6882-C...8-AA7-F946.jpg

This box pops up when I click ‘Where Used’. Does the port have to be actively functioning (fan on), or did I screw up?

https://i.postimg.cc/9FG56nr0/81-C5-...248-D51392.jpg

I set this to 190F just to ensure no need for the fan below that temp.

​​​​​​​https://i.postimg.cc/13BxtV0Z/C84-F5...-AC7-F9-CF.jpg

LT7A 06-19-2022 04:13 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
That's interesting to see. Sorry, I'm no help with it. The bumper looks good!

Honest Bob 06-22-2022 08:57 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Dont forget to tie up the knock sensor wiring. I failed to secure mine and it rubbed through on some metal (Im guessing the fuel rails) and was shorting out popping the 40amp fuse for the ecu.

Nick_R_23 07-30-2022 11:41 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Got into the suspension a bit since it’s been raining the last few weekends. New front springs, went to 8600lb GVWR since the rear was already done long ago.

https://i.postimg.cc/Hs0S3jh6/7-EEEA...1-A5-DC3-D.jpg

Out with the old!

https://i.postimg.cc/bwzm5pXp/3-A840...CC2-C45330.jpg

In with the new!

https://i.postimg.cc/fRB8npZX/AB3-C0...-E91-E1-B2.jpg

Passenger side

https://i.postimg.cc/W4zX28by/7-E082...CD58-C1174.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/g074rhx2/7-C2-C...B8-EEC2815.jpg

All installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/qRCwK7KX/4-C69-...6-F103-EC7.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/HnD29C4G/0-DF78...1932-CF971.jpg

layinrocker65 07-31-2022 12:24 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Keep it up. This is one of my favorite builds to follow.

Nick_R_23 08-12-2022 07:55 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Finally! Both driveshafts are finished. The rear was rebuilt, the front is nearly all new. It might actually drive!

https://i.postimg.cc/FH7dMtSn/35006-...AAE2-DD924.jpg

The front axle needs to be rebuilt before any serious movement happens. It’ll be getting new ball joints, new brakes, new axle seals, and new wheel bearings. I scored this OTC axle socket kit for $50 on FB!

https://i.postimg.cc/ht6zgCb4/3-EB0-...E907-BBE83.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/0NS6NpcY/AC6-D4...C8280-CD65.jpg

OutlawDrifter 08-12-2022 07:56 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Glad to see some more progress!

Nick_R_23 08-13-2022 07:18 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Driveshafts in!

https://i.postimg.cc/RV6B6f3h/D17-D3...6133327-AB.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/65kNd3R0/F94-DB...541-C6-F60.jpg

Nick_R_23 08-28-2022 01:03 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Down to buttoning up a lot of the little things now.

Installed the hood back on, and aligned!

https://i.postimg.cc/NfKFPBcK/A31-D1...000-B31675.jpg

The glove box door was broken off at the hinge, so it’s getting a new one.

https://i.postimg.cc/Qxvt2w80/8237-C...CD540605-B.jpg

New part in!

https://i.postimg.cc/8zW5N4sD/6-FC59...310-F3-A11.jpg

Utilizing one of the cutouts for the Holley USB cable.

https://i.postimg.cc/q7T7RKCK/8-BC73...8-BF1840-F.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/wBQjsBhG/DED6-C...7-A0-F7389.jpg

And with the final touch of the original Owner’s Manual, it’s done!

https://i.postimg.cc/j2Lx9QBp/46-D39...FD118-E832.jpg

Installed the floor mounted high beam switch.

https://i.postimg.cc/wjh6SBbj/9-B618...7786-F6-C9.jpg

Ran the wires for the speakers and dome light.

https://i.postimg.cc/9fCWVjvt/E6-F85...-F54-E7-B5.jpg

Mounting the new rear speakers in their housings.

https://i.postimg.cc/vmhGZNyR/CFC6-C...04-F359-E7.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/85CNJmk7/5-F7-A...5-F6-C5-B9.jpg

Left and right rear speakers installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/qqhrQB30/387-FA...-E7541-ED9.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/fTdZ9Lsf/905-DC...774533-FBE.jpg

Nick_R_23 10-10-2022 04:15 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Getting even closer here!

New front bumper brackets showed up from LMC. Very good fit and quality!

https://i.postimg.cc/qq4Yf0PF/A2-F4-...CEC3-D84-C.jpg

Picked up some stainless carriage bolts and hardware and mounted the bumper.

https://i.postimg.cc/KvLNPCCk/871-C2...3792093-F8.jpg

The hood is looking pretty ratty with the rusted out front section, but we’re going to make it look slightly better in the meantime before I replace it.

https://i.postimg.cc/s2tx4Hkx/29-BE8...5-F2-EE2-A.jpg

Desecrating some old valve covers.

https://i.postimg.cc/fbXDDzPW/7-F7-A...-D0-AB9-C1.jpg

One side in!

https://i.postimg.cc/L4Q7Qdyx/D3-C5-...87-B164-C7.jpg

Also ordered a front axle seal install tool. For $31, it wasn’t worth screwing around without it.

https://i.postimg.cc/7hKKpzMC/6-AC80...-F32-E71-C.jpg

Nick_R_23 10-17-2022 12:49 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
I totally forgot about these heat shields. Cleaned them up and bought some stainless hardware to install them!

https://i.postimg.cc/X76Rsyc7/A0-FE1...6-C9-FA407.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/7Y1pdYm1/450404...-D0-DCEA73.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/t4XLjQMK/97-EAD...7-EC2-A506.jpg

Getting very close to being done under the hood!

https://i.postimg.cc/vZ3C82Rc/C7-A66...6-DF57-AFE.jpg

I picked up a different rear bumper in chrome instead of painted. Also installed stainless hardware on the mounts. Ordered new license plate lights as this takes a different style.

https://i.postimg.cc/8Cc97dDw/9-E7-F...A848793-FA.jpg

The shop is currently a disaster, but the truck is coming together!

https://i.postimg.cc/25tJhqSY/EEA185...-F7543-D96.jpg

OutlawDrifter 10-17-2022 08:56 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Engine compartment looks very "stockish"...I like it!

Nick_R_23 10-30-2022 01:26 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Thanks!

Back to smaller updates! I bought some replacement license plate lights for the new rear bumper.

Old ones removed

https://i.postimg.cc/Vv7FPKW1/3332-D...366-BB2657.jpg

New ones installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/CMJ78KTt/6-BD9-...E7-BFD8-F3.jpg

Nick_R_23 02-10-2023 01:28 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
I picked up a new wiper motor because the old one quit working.

https://i.postimg.cc/ncKWXtvK/868-F5...80-BC795-E.jpg

Turns out the new motor didn’t solve the issue, nor did a new switch. After a day of troubleshooting, it turns out the blue wires were swapped in the new harness!

https://i.postimg.cc/ncnkw9D7/9-C789...D9-BD20320.jpg

New wiper motor in and all wires where they are supposed to be!

https://i.postimg.cc/ncTk8V4W/D72-B5...478664-FE1.jpg

Installed all new wiper washer lines and filled the tank!

https://i.postimg.cc/NjMxQhbj/7-E8-F...25-C7040-A.jpg

Next up, finally rebuilding the front axle!

https://i.postimg.cc/sgVNS0ck/27-B83...2-A93-D3-F.jpg

Hub and rotor removed

https://i.postimg.cc/t42mztvY/607906...-E24-B4-CC.jpg

Rotor and bearings are well worn due to improper hub nut adjustments.

https://i.postimg.cc/fbyqqt15/CF6-B3...4-D97-D448.jpg

The calipers are showing their age also

https://i.postimg.cc/XvPHRNbW/3466-E...1-A22-D026.jpg

Drivers side!

https://i.postimg.cc/W3JWTRNk/6-CA63...EB7-B8-C75.jpg

Even the spindles are damaged beyond repair from the loose bearings

https://i.postimg.cc/cCyDJDC5/84-ABB...6882-C8-DB.jpg

U-joints are completely shot

https://i.postimg.cc/prfs5DnV/0826-D...D533-E8951.jpg

Everything all apart!

https://i.postimg.cc/bwNmdSY8/BB7337...6305474089.jpg

Time for some new parts! Rotors and bearings

https://i.postimg.cc/8kMKYVn8/CD1-D1...D1564-D7-B.jpg

New calipers and pads

https://i.postimg.cc/15SChYL8/2-C909...A4-F9-FCD6.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/ZKLfTxSV/42-B2-...D0-DA41-E3.jpg

Removed the carrier and old axle seals, cleaned the housing.

https://i.postimg.cc/R02dPP7V/2189-A...458-BEC7-B.jpg

New axle seals!

https://i.postimg.cc/W3rnxM8m/A62-FB...D42-B10214.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/SRhr4J1B/D393-E...14-BFBCB19.jpg

Pressing the new seals in! This tool was worth every penny

https://i.postimg.cc/kGvygqkB/0-E10-...5329-EBCE4.jpg

Carrier reinstalled

https://i.postimg.cc/66rc0fyt/A09360...5848541-E6.jpg

New spindles

https://i.postimg.cc/ht51jC3b/139090...754945-E50.jpg

New hub nut kit

https://i.postimg.cc/hGQb79kF/8017-B...003-C08214.jpg

New U-joints installed in the axle shafts

https://i.postimg.cc/pTNQQmvm/40-C83...C468-B8773.jpg

New ball joints installed in the knuckle

https://i.postimg.cc/Y916dt2b/FF2-B4...9-A5-B6-D2.jpg

New rotor and caliper installed

https://i.postimg.cc/VvmjT2d1/FF9-DA...399721-C40.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/8c4hVw6v/C6-BF1...C9014460-C.jpg

Hub installed

https://i.postimg.cc/KcD7LcHY/5-AF21...-BAF51-FD1.jpg

Ball joints installed in passenger side knuckle

https://i.postimg.cc/hP4L0Fk1/1-CEA9...EC6-E8-EBD.jpg

Knuckle installed to axle housing

https://i.postimg.cc/yYfFQQB4/06-E2-...B777-C65-F.jpg

Axle shaft and new spindle installed

https://i.postimg.cc/RZNwj7V3/EB4-DB...78-B5-D3-E.jpg

Backing plate, rotor, and caliper installed.

https://i.postimg.cc/52T81X6s/6332-A...8-F4-D2-E9.jpg

Also installed the new trailer brake controller under the dash.

https://i.postimg.cc/5tzLtfzb/BA93-D...AD8-F95808.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/C1VDB9CD/AC5-BB...-DCB3791-F.jpg

layinrocker65 02-11-2023 01:50 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Any concerns about the TermX being in the engine bay and it not being sealed?

Corts60 02-11-2023 06:19 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Nice progress buddy! Lots of work!

Nick_R_23 02-20-2023 07:07 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
No concerns about the ECU in the engine bay. Holley states that it’s okay to mount it there, and it's not something thats going to see a lot of moisture anyway.

Nick_R_23 03-15-2023 04:52 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
More new parts! I decided to ditch the original hubs because they were missing some small parts. Upgraded to the premium Warn set!

https://i.postimg.cc/j5n0XtPS/FFBF00...F77-E22043.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/4ypDDP8C/6-D0-B...B0-C7-CF15.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/QN5ZKNj6/17430-...33-FF3-BA9.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/dVsbf8rX/C4486-...1-D1211722.jpg

Also bought a new drag link set

https://i.postimg.cc/Gp9ZLdMx/F7-F2-...37-E3887-B.jpg

And tie rod

https://i.postimg.cc/rpb7z33X/25-AA5...-F4-E522-B.jpg

The tires I ordered also showed up! BFGoodrich All Terrain in 305/70R16, or the closest metric equivalent to the current 33x12.50’s.

https://i.postimg.cc/1tq2FM1g/9-AF6-...8-B65-C3-B.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/J0Cg5JRp/330-BF...-E08707-DF.jpg

Nick_R_23 03-17-2023 08:22 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
A few more parts showed up also!

I ordered a Borgeson Street/Performance steering box with a modern 12.7:1 ratio, and 3 turns lock to lock. This should feel MUCH better than the old floaty box!

https://i.postimg.cc/3w8fgJ1m/2-F23-...6140-E90-D.jpg

Also ordered a new matching rag joint.

https://i.postimg.cc/5ts7pdKG/B3-A09...C31-D2-D77.jpg

Bought a pair of Rancho shocks for the front!

https://i.postimg.cc/263HKcP5/E7-B5-...7572626627.jpg

And a new dome light lens.

https://i.postimg.cc/d1XWPRYj/CCCC6-...1-DD6-E2-A.jpg

Started off this weekend by installing the dome light and new lens.

https://i.postimg.cc/T1D5FfkP/8-A035...D88-D36-F4.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/6Tx4NgSf/0-E0-F...-AC662-D27.jpg

Removed the old steering box since it had play down at the pitman arm. I also deleted the cooler since it was leaking.

https://i.postimg.cc/VsdTGv8F/396651...-D452-D092.jpg

New box has metric O-ring fittings so the CPP adapters are no longer needed!

https://i.postimg.cc/WpCyQVpc/9-E686...14226-C2-A.jpg

New rag joint installed on the new box!

https://i.postimg.cc/c43zWz6g/7-B7-C...A97-B82939.jpg

Painted the old pitman arm and installed it along with the new box!

https://i.postimg.cc/kgdpgytj/C1-DED...-AA613-C52.jpg

New drag link installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/Sx7t2z6m/50252-...-D31-E0069.jpg

evan 03-22-2023 10:12 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
I need that steering box.

OutlawDrifter 03-23-2023 07:46 AM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Glad to see you still plugging away! I just put a new Borgeson box on my Z28. Very good product!

Nick_R_23 03-28-2023 01:46 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
I’m glad to hear that, I’m hoping it will be a worthwhile upgrade even on a 3/4 ton truck!


I got the tires mounted on the rims and balanced last night! New wheels are going to really make it stand out! I’m still disappointed that I can’t find 16.5’s anymore, but I’ll save the old wheels to maybe go back on in the future.

https://i.postimg.cc/bwcTFsYK/45-EC1...583-CB59-D.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/W1GnRTht/19-B9-...-A5512-EC4.jpg

Nick_R_23 03-31-2023 09:07 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
More parts!

New sway bar bushings!

https://i.postimg.cc/DfdQh0K4/569973...1-EB3-B057.jpg

New steering stabilizer!

https://i.postimg.cc/65Md7Pq9/D23821...-AA047-AB9.jpg

New RH rear bed corner since it was rusty to the point of nearly falling off.

https://i.postimg.cc/dVDGG9ZG/BC196-...339-CFDD43.jpg

Finished deleting the power steering cooler and connected the lines to the new steering box.

https://i.postimg.cc/QdP1mWcw/F5-E02...-BED8-A4-E.jpg

Tie rod installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/q73n5MLR/5-EF5-...-F2-E0-A20.jpg

Steering stabilizer installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/B6fD99YC/CCF915...DD71-D0-C4.jpg

Sway bar bushings installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/Qtg7j4vZ/72795-...7692286187.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/L5H15kMY/B29911...2-FE3-A653.jpg

Front shocks installed!

https://i.postimg.cc/hPtmq0rN/F7-C8-...0002-D50-C.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/7Yt2PTth/77-DCA...250-D7-BB0.jpg

Front steering and suspension completed!

https://i.postimg.cc/QdBWFxvb/BFED6-...-E0-A9-ACD.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/dVzZrcYK/EA673-...133-AB0-EC.jpg

Nick_R_23 04-21-2023 08:01 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Getting close to the last of the needed parts! Pretty much down to rear brakes and shocks at this point!

https://i.postimg.cc/265RL3G6/E4-F9-...-D9-E2-FD1.jpg

New rear drums!

https://i.postimg.cc/DZYVrFpc/E57572...2-A7130-AD.jpg

New rear shoes!

https://i.postimg.cc/d37bnXzc/916666...CED3359054.jpg

New rear hose and hardware kits!

https://i.postimg.cc/Fz226p4d/50514-...1-BC76-F66.jpg

New wheel bearings and wheel cylinders!

https://i.postimg.cc/SQ3FjSMS/C71-EE...F09-A55494.jpg

New axle gaskets!

https://i.postimg.cc/KvTXM6Pn/795674...15097884-B.jpg

Drums painted!

https://i.postimg.cc/7ZrFMK9j/94-EB5...DA31-AB356.jpg

OutlawDrifter 04-21-2023 09:35 PM

Re: 1978 Chevy K20 longbed with nearly 500,000 miles! LS Swap begins!
 
Looks good! Always nice to go back with new parts.


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