62 4.8 Swap for Wheeling Rig

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FamilyCamper

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Location
Richmond, VA
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 😂
 
Old drivetrain is out and parts are arriving! next step is to rebuild transfer case. Came out pretty easily thanks to the load leveler and a big strap to keep the TC high enough to clear.

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The strap is genius. We had to lift mine like twice as high as you did. It was so sketch
Used that method when pulling the 4.8 out as well. I was a bit worried going in solo bc I had your post in my head as well as many others but honestly was the easiest one yet. Helped that I have the whole front end off as well as the PS fender lol. Thanks so much for your write up I've read through it a bunch and will continue to follow the steps throughout the project.
 
Used that method when pulling the 4.8 out as well. I was a bit worried going in solo bc I had your post in my head as well as many others but honestly was the easiest one yet. Helped that I have the whole front end off as well as the PS fender lol. Thanks so much for your write up I've read through it a bunch and will continue to follow the steps throughout the project.
Heck yeah man that’s awesome! I had to call 3 friends over to help me get the 2f out. Pea gravel driveway didn’t help with the engine hoist
 
hopefully getting rid of the 3FE and auto this weekend. Is this the correct harness part I need to keep for the transfer case?? Anything else I need to hang onto from the old engine/transmission?

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Yes, keep that harness.
Keep the entire transfer linkage.
Keep the oil pressure sensor (unless I sold you a new one, I can’t remember :) )
You sent me your transmission linkage to mod so you are good there.

Also, the rear bearing retainer on your transfer case is two positions off - speedometer output should point about 9 o’clock
 
Who has been into that? Bolts look way too long holding case half together....
 
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Got the TC fully off! Not too bad. someone had been in before and it was working but definitely did a few things wrong.

Also help identifying some random parts I found that came in the 62. Thinking some makings for a manual shift conversion ??

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I'm really tempted to switch to manual shifting 4wd. I have a second case that came with the truck that is manual shift so I have many of the parts needed already. I think the only thing left I would have to figure out is the shifting linkage from the case up to inside the truck. I'll keep researching and see how complicated the linkage might be but I like the idea of mechanical shift.
 
Tcase looks primed for a vapor hone + rebuild
Definitely rebuilding and cleaning. I have the rebuild kit ready. Dont think I'll go as far as honing.
 
I'm really tempted to switch to manual shifting 4wd. I have a second case that came with the truck that is manual shift so I have many of the parts needed already. I think the only thing left I would have to figure out is the shifting linkage from the case up to inside the truck. I'll keep researching and see how complicated the linkage might be but I like the idea of mechanical shift.
Now that case I did have my hands on it was out of an 87fj60 that I ls swapped but put a np205 behind a nv4500 with a currie enterprise 9inch rear axle in. @TRAIL TAILOR makes new shifter stuff I know it's missing that.
 
Now that case I did have my hands on it was out of an 87fj60 that I ls swapped but put a np205 behind a nv4500 with a currie enterprise 9inch rear axle in. @TRAIL TAILOR makes new shifter stuff I know it's missing that.
Wow that sounds epic!!
 
I would stick with the vacuum. Waste of money and time IMO to change.
With the length of the automatic it is really tricky to get it to work nicely unless you do a twin stick setup. And you already have “twin-stick” functionality with the vacuum shift.
Plus your dash controls, wiring etc are already set up for it.
 

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