Building A Truck

[Taesmc]

I have recently acquired the vehicle you see in the attached photo, a 2007 Tahoe.

 

It is pretty much "bare bones" at this stage. The engine, transfer case, and transmission need to be replaced.

 

I was planning on putting in a 6.2L V8 (RPO L94) with some heavy duty transmission and axles. What would you suggest in that regard? Would the axles from a Silverado 3500HD fit?

 

What kind of transmission and transfer case would you put in?

 

Come summer, I should have most of the major components to start working on this project.

 

By the way, I'm going to put in an Escalade dashboard and some aftermarket leather seats.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Holy crap! Is that a theft recovery or something? Wow...

 

for a 6.2L, I'd go with a 6L80E or a 4L80E depending if you want a 6 speed or 4 speed. As for axles, I doubt the HD truck axles would work without modification since the suspension and frame on the currently available units are different but if you wanted to mod them, you probably could.

[truckofwinandawesome]

 

GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!! you are basically starting from SCRATCH!!!

[csheatz]

I would use the 4L80, very good unit! (I was with the build right down to the last one this past summer, the company I work for made a lot of parts for that trans).

 

You could take the axles and gears from a 2500 SUV

[grose67]

This certainly gives a lot of room for customization! Keeps us posted as the project moves forward.

[Taesmc]

It is a theft recovery. I got it at an insurance auction. I also picked up 4 doors and the rear gate. The body has no dents whatsoever. I plan on removing all the paint, probably soda blast it, and getting it e-coated and powder coated.

 

 

The 6L80 sounds like a good option. I really want a 6 speed. Would a 6L90 work too?

 

2500 SUV axles. That pretty much means a Suburban, correct?

 

Would the F/R 4500/6900 lbs axles from a Silverado work? If not, can you tell me why?

 

I have a shop that's going to be doing some of the major labor for me (engine, axles, trans). I just need to get them all the parts. So, any input on the axles and transfer case would be appreciated.

[K20and2500HD]

I would put one of these motors in you project, they are mast performance motors and they are turnkey with their own computer. You can find the cheaper by googleing mast performance (usually $300 cheaper). I like the LY6 HO 460hp for about $8975 turn key, awesome.

 

http://www.mastmotorsports.com/gascrate.php

 

 

I also agree with Chris on the transmission stick with a 4L80E or 4L60E, as you don't have to have a separate computer for your Trans, plus they are cheaper and stronger if you get a built one like from TCI or Hughes.

 

Good Luck !

[KMGZ400]

try and make it a dually...

[C. Charles Hahn]

Why not try and strip off parts of something like this 2003 Silverado? Some parts may be compatible - especially in the interior

 

Umm..... you do realize that's a GMT800 truck, and he's got a GMT900 SUV, right? The interiors are nowhere near the same.

[brims]

It is a theft recovery. I got it at an insurance auction. I also picked up 4 doors and the rear gate. The body has no dents whatsoever. I plan on removing all the paint, probably soda blast it, and getting it e-coated and powder coated.

 

 

The 6L80 sounds like a good option. I really want a 6 speed. Would a 6L90 work too?

 

2500 SUV axles. That pretty much means a Suburban, correct?

 

Would the F/R 4500/6900 lbs axles from a Silverado work? If not, can you tell me why?

 

I have a shop that's going to be doing some of the major labor for me (engine, axles, trans). I just need to get them all the parts. So, any input on the axles and transfer case would be appreciated.

 

The 6L90 is the 6L80 with some internal upgrades, it would work no problem.

[truckofwinandawesome]

if you do get a 6 speed, Make sure it has the TapShift shifter.

[amtz.zero]

Damn! Good for you for tackling such a big project!

[csheatz]

yes I was thinking 3/4 ton burb. I personally would want rear drum brakes, they are much cheaper to work with.

 

Unless you are hell bent on a 6 speed I would do the 4L80. thats the heavy duty work horse. Its pretty much a TH400. GM no longer makes them, so you can only get a rebuild, unless you know someone at AM General (they are making a few to out fit the hum-v with, the 3 speed is being replaced by the 4L80) The 4L60 is a little weaker, which is why I would go with the 4L80. For any off roading or heavy play time you will be happier with the 4 speed

[Col_Sanders]

What are you going to be doing with the truck? Street DD or offroad? If you are set on being heavy duty, I'd do a solid axle up front. Its stronger and simpler than IFS, but you wont get as nice of a ride.

[KMGZ400]

man, that would be badass... a nbs tahoe solid front axle