Ive been going through all the normal wear items, new tires 31” good year authorities, tune up, oil change, belts all new fluids, thermostat, and brakes. Tie rods ends, birfs, and a ome 2” is next on the list. I want to get it mechanically to a almost new state and make this a reliable truck for weekend camping trips, mild off roading and travels within Washington state.
The problem I have with it is the transmission feels like the 90’s got the better part of it, which opens up a ton of options to deal with. The engine runs great and definitely feels like it has lots of life left. It seems as though the H55f is a popular upgrade in these rigs and I’m open to doing the swap. If I were to make the switch would I notice any better performance out of the 3fe? I understand these things aren’t race cars and just going the speed limit and keeping up in traffic should be something to be happy with. Although not opposed too, power isn’t really my main goal with this project, I would be just as happy with the 3fe granted the trans is doing it justice. Long term reliability and parts availablity is the main concern here. I have a few options I’ve played out I’m just not sure which is the best to go with. As with any build cost is being kept in mind, as well as if going through the headaches of a ls swap is really worth it if I’m not really chasing v8 power. I currently live in a apartment and wouldn’t have space to do anything beyond a oil change or brake job for about another year-two. It’s probably important to note that I’m fairly mechanically inclined, the idea of a engine swap isn’t overwhelming to me.
Option 1: Run it as is until funds are there & have my own space to do the ls swap with a 4l60e transmission
Option 2: Do the H55f swap behind the 3fe, run it for a few years, then do the ls swap using the H55f
Option 3: Do the H55f swap, run it for a few years, then have the engine rebuilt a few years down the road.
I understand option 2&3 is kinda like comparing apples and oranges with option 1(manual vs auto) but a 4l60e is $1500 rebuilt and wouldn’t need engine to trans adapters vs finding a already more expensive H55f, adapters, exct, exct... I’ve otherwise talked myself into ls swap having a ton of pros and only cons being cost and convenience, I just need someone to convince me to keep the old 3fe