Introduction and thoughts on my upcoming project

[aris_unlimited]

Howdy guys, figured I would stop into this forum for my intro as I didn't see a forum specifically for that and I will be spending most of my time in here anyways.

I have a 72 GMC 2500 that will become my project vehicle after I finish up with my current one. Have a rough plan in the works and figured it couldn't hurt to spit ball a little bit.

Currently the GMC is a 350 with a 4 speed (think it's a sm465 iirc) Dana 60 rear and a Dana 44 front 4x4 (obviously with 2 axles lol). Plans are to build up a big block for it with towing in mind goal is 500-650 lbs tq. Considered a diesel build but I honestly know nothing about working on or maintaining diesel motors. And it will be converted to a dually. That being said I'm not entirely sure the sm465 could handle that kind of stress. I will be using it for hunting, towing, and off-roading. I know the sm465 is a good Trans but I'm not sure it's quite up to that kind of work. With the plans for a dually conversion I was thinking a 14 bolt rear and a Dana 60 front. Not sure on what I will do for a transfer case or even if I will bother to change it.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome. And I'm looking forward to getting started on this thing (kind of brainstorming for now). Got a bit of work left on my Satellite so the GMC won't be getting underway any time soon. Just like getting my thoughts and plans together ahead of time.

[RenoKeene]

Welcome aboard from Central Florida!
One of the reasons the factory didn't offer a big block in the 4x4's is the stock front driveline could not handle the torque. There was a thread about this I read a couple of days ago. You might want to do some research about that on here. I'm sure you can work your way around that, lots of very smart people in here.

[RenoKeene]

Here is a current BB swap link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=642186

[kcsa75]

Welcome to the forum. You're among friends when you're here.

But for Pete's sake where are the pictures?

[aris_unlimited]

Suppose I can throw up some pictures tomorrow. Ain't much to look at right now, but what the hell right lol

[MARKDTN]

Why do you want a Big Block? I would think a Tuned Port 350 would be OK for most towing and offroad. I have an '83 K20 and when I went from the stock 350 to a Corvette (yes-actually from a Corvette with aluminum heads) TPI it was like night and day. Used to be when I was towing I was always on the gas, but now it is smooth and easy. Mileage went from 14 to 17. Definitely a win-win for me.

[aris_unlimited]

My goal with this truck is to make it capable of doing anything I will ever need it to. That could include heavy towing, hence the dually conversion and the need for a larger amount of torque then small blocks are typically capable of. Should I get a boat or large camping trailer I want to make sure I am ready for it.

[aris_unlimited]

Here is the GMC


My current project.

[Nitis]

IF I had the time know how and cash it would get a 6.0 LSx swap for sure! NV 4500 or 5600 if I had to have a handshaker. Only draw back is the crossmember swap but that's not that big of a deal anymore.

Dually? not sure about that myself but to each their own

[aris_unlimited]

Originally Posted by Nitis

IF I had the time know how and cash it would get a 6.0 LSx swap for sure! NV 4500 or 5600 if I had to have a handshaker. Only draw back is the crossmember swap but that's not that big of a deal anymore.

Dually? not sure about that myself but to each their own

I am definitely sticking with a dually idea. I love the look of them, and can't argue the better durability and capability as a towing application. Of course it will be a bit before I get the project started, who knows I might change my mind. As for the LSX 6.0, I never even considered it to be honest. But looking up the specs and the capabilities combined with what will obviously be a lot better mpg over a big block I am considering it. A couple I have seen are around the 450 tq line and the SM456 4 speed can handle that. Might consider switching out for more gears but the tranny could handle it. Maybe I was a little overzealous in my needs before, having realized that a 24 foot camping trailer weighs less than 6500 lbs. And the type of boats I can afford I doubt would weigh more than that lol. Also for pulling other cars, still couldn't weight that much. Honestly I may just go with a 6.0, I'm glad you brought that up.

[undertaker72]

welcome to the board , nice truck , im just over the hill from you to the south , if you need any help give a shout glad to help out if im avalible

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by undertaker72

welcome to the board , nice truck , im just over the hill from you to the south , if you need any help give a shout glad to help out if im avalible

Seem to be seeing a lot more Utahns on the board as of recent.

Wanted to drop you a line, I am up in WVC and Mike and Mike are in the valley as well.

[aris_unlimited]

Cool, always nice to know there are some locals about!

[R.L.]

I love to see someone build a truck to be used, welcome. Sounds like a great project.

[68shortwide]

Ls...ls...ls... welcome from the gateway to the west!

[aris_unlimited]

Originally Posted by 68shortwide

Ls...ls...ls... welcome from the gateway to the west!

Honestly after having some time to think about it, I am not so sure I will go the LS route. I want my torque to be lower down in the rpm range than those traditionally are.

[68shortwide]

Originally Posted by aris_unlimited

Honestly after having some time to think about it, I am not so sure I will go the LS route. I want my torque to be lower down in the rpm range than those traditionally are.

understandable, bbc's are the way to go for towing. Plus you have the added cool factor of a bbc under the hood