62 4.8 Swap for Wheeling Rig

[FamilyCamper]

Planning my first swap and there's a local 5.3 /460le with everything included from a 2004 suburban for really cheap. It's in the truck so I can start it up. I've read a lot of the swap threads and I know the consensus is find the lowest mileage engine you can afford but am I crazy to just use this one as a starting point? My optimistic thought is even if it only runs for a year or 2 then I can upgrade after I have learned the process and have all the other bits and pieces for the swap ?? Let me know opinions and they don't have to be scientific

 

[cruisermatt]

Don't put a 4.8 in it. That's too small for a land cruiser. I wouldn't put anything smaller than a 5.3 in a land cruiser.

Having driven a 4.8-swapped 60 i would disagree with this.

It would also only take a few hours to swap in a Gen 3 5.3/6.0 later once the 4.8 is swapped in and running if it isn’t enough power for him.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

I think the 4.8 will be fine in a 60 or 62 .

 

[FamilyCamper]

Not mine but was at my place. Is it missing the dash / fuel tank and has an aftermarket sunroof?

It is indeed!

 

[FamilyCamper]

Having driven a 4.8-swapped 60 i would disagree with this.

It would also only take a few hours to swap in a Gen 3 5.3/6.0 later once the 4.8 is swapped in and running if it isn’t enough power for him.

This is what I'm thinking. Price was too good on the 4.8. Im only 650 into the engine/trans currently and hoping to make a couple more hundred on the rest of the truck. Matt I called the other day when I had a minute but I'll try and call tomorrow again and leave a message.

 

[FamilyCamper]

Changed the name of this thread so I can keep posting here throughout the build. This will be a long project. Continuing to research and working on pulling the motors. Rough plan is stock springs or 63s in the back stock up front, low SOA, 35s to start, 4:1 gears in the TC, lockers, diy armor for protection.

 

[cruisermatt]

Having done the swap and suspension at the same time, other then the tailpipe potentially having to get changed they are pretty much independent projects - I’d recommend starting with one or the other so you don’t end up with the rig torn apart for too long.

 

[FamilyCamper]

Having done the swap and suspension at the same time, other then the tailpipe potentially having to get changed they are pretty much independent projects - I’d recommend starting with one or the other so you don’t end up with the rig torn apart for too long.

Thank you that's the plan. Engine swap and get the truck driving first, work on some of the interior, and then suspension!

 

[cruisermatt]

Good plan.

 

[FamilyCamper]

4.8 is very close to being ready to pull. Got cross members disconnected, driveshaft removed, shifter linkage disconnected and exhaust piping sans headers removed for more space. Rounded the trans drain bolt as it was over tightened previously so I'll have to replace pan or try and weld a nut on.
Need to disconnect motor mounts and remove intake and it should be ready to yank.

 

[matzell]

4.8 with a cam , new valve springs and a good tune can easily push 350 hp. Nothing wrong with that engine at all. It will be a huge upgrade over the 3FE, by easily 100 hp. I think it is rated at 265 hp stock. Truck already has 4:11 gears, so with 35's it should be fine. I had a 99 1500 with a 4.8. drove fine and even towed a trailer with no issues. Charles, you will be fine with it. I can not wait to see what you do. Whatever, you have to keep those old school wheels!

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Have you figured out what your gonna do about the missing dash and fuel tank?

 

[FamilyCamper]

Have you figured out what your gonna do about the missing dash and fuel tank?

I've got almost all of the dash parts gathered ready to work back together and the fuel tank came with the truck w all components. It's a bit rusty so I'm taking it to a local radiator shop who is going to clean it and reseal the inside.

 

[FamilyCamper]

Engine/trans removed!! Wasn't actually too hard to pull it all out with all the crossmembers removed. Hardest part was one of the engine mount bolts that I could barely get a socket on. Need to clean this thing! Any suggestions? I've read of people steam cleaning but don't really understand the process/tools needed.

 

[matzell]

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[FamilyCamper]

Marketplace 35s for motivation to get this running...

 

[FamilyCamper]

Removed the leaking sunroof yesterday, man so much rust... going to weld it shut. Thankfully the metal on the roof seems fine.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Do you have the metal to repair it?

 

[FamilyCamper]

Do you have the metal to repair it?

Not yet was going to get a 4x8 sheet of 18 gauge and then weld a rectangle over the large hole and the seam seal it to be sure

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Not yet was going to get a 4x8 sheet of 18 gauge and then weld a rectangle over the large hole and the seam seal it to be sure

I have a 60 in the part out section the roof right there is still good would match the roof lines better than flat metal.

 

[FamilyCamper]

Thank you, I like the idea but logistically easier to cut a rectangle instead of figuring out shipping.