looking for chevy/ctd advice

[98slushbox]

I am getting ready to purchase an 80's model crew cab chevy to do a conv. on. I was wanting to talk to some of you guys that have done this conv. to see if there is any special tips or tricks to know of before diving into this project? I am getting a 97 215 motor to use and plan on running a man. trans and probably a dodge 205 transfer case. I have heard about the ac comp. / frame problem, is there any others like it? sorry about leaving this so broad but this is my first conv. Thanks,

Lance

 

[PKirby]

There are several ways to do it, all require building a new #2 crossmember on the 4x4s. I notched and braced the #1 crossmember. I would get the engine back as far as possible for fan clearance. I think a 6. 2 diesel truck is easier, I wired the output from the glow plug solenoid to my intake heater grid and it works great. I used a Ford starter solenoid triggered from the starter wire to power the pull-up windings on the Cummins fuel solenoid. I used the stock GM clutch master cylinder and the Dodge slave.



I took a friend who has owned many mid 80s GM big block 8 lug 4x4s for a 0-75mph blast a few days ago. He said, "This just ain't right".

 

[wicked6]

Mine is a 2WD conversion, but I may be able to help with some advice. . I am happy with the components I bought from Autoworld (engine mounts, AC adapter / pulley). You'll have to hammer the firewall back an inch or so, unless you have a body lift. The transmission tunnel in 4WD trucks are oversized, compared to the 2WD transmission tunnels, so you should be OK with the NV4500. (I had to hammer the *&# out of my transmission tunnel to fit the 47RH, which is significantly smaller than the NV's. . ) DEFINITELY try to keep the engine as far back as possible - the radiator / intercooler / AC condenser / transmission cooler package takes up a LOT of space, and the radiator fan is precariously close, even with the Autoworld mounts. . More details to come. . You're definitely on the right track. . !!!!



Linc

 

[98slushbox]

Well, the truck i am buying is a gasser so i will probably try to get the sol. out of a dodge for the grid heater. I will keep the motor back as far as possible. I will run electric fans and deal with a intercooler later. May run with out one for a little bit if i have to. Did both you guys buy motor mounts? Someone mentioned to box in the frame and cut some factory dodge mounts out and weld in the chevy. I'm sure i will have lots of questions as i get started. thanks fellas

 

[PKirby]

Did both you guys buy motor mounts? Someone mentioned to box in the frame and cut some factory dodge mounts out and weld in the chevy. I'm sure i will have lots of questions as i get started. thanks fellas

I used modified 1st gen Dodge mounts and the factory GM frame mounts. It was easy to do. The 2nd gen mounts are supposed to have less vibration, but mine seems pretty smooth to me. Below is a link that has pictues and explains it better.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136977

 

[DVolk]

looking for chevy /ctd advise

My 83 burb is comeing to gether just fine , how ever im not useing



autoworlds mounts , I sell mounts that will fit in the stock location and fit

the stock mounting pads ,but a switch to poly urthane mounts are needed



You must remove the second cross member and replace with a anouther , i have there is one that i make plus you must trim and fold back the seam in the transmission tunnel



my engine fan sits 3/4of a inch from the radaitor , my engine is non inter cooler for the moment it was just a good deal so i went with it



the ac bracket can be raised useing the cummins part number , or simply notch the frame its nothing serious . a small lift is needed for

axel clearence minimum of 3"



I have complete pics

 

[98slushbox]

That is an awesome job on the conv Pkirby! That looks like a great way to go about the mounts. How long have you had it done? any troubles with them?

Dvolk, The truck i'm getting has plenty of suspension lift so that won't be a problem. You sell conv parts?

Lance

 

[DVolk]

No problems with the mounts , how ever i wish i seen these one poly mounts that www.jackit.com has after the fact because id use those , i think they are stronger

 

[wicked6]

Lance -



You got all kinds of options... . the Autoworld mounts are very similar to Pkirby's set up (1st gen isolators, welded adapters that bolt to the block. . ) Timo's also published templates to fab up your own, and utilize the 2nd gen Cummins isolators (TRICK!!!). . Surf his thread & you'll come across it. .



I'd say to spend the time clearancing the firewall a bit, mount the engine as far rearward as possible, and be prepared to do some light fabrication work for your cross members. . You'll probably need to / want to anyway to set the driveline angle... Does your frame have an engine cradle like the 2WD frames. . ?? If not, you may want to fab one up to increase strength. .



Linc

 

[DVolk]

looking for chevy /ctd advise

yes i have mounts made for me , there is also a updated crossmember in the works as well , i also have a transmission block avalible thats needed depending on which crossmember you have pre 85 or later , im useing a 70/ 60s crossmember i have complete pics and part numbers of parts you will need

e-mail for complete details

 

[PKirby]

That is an awesome job on the conv Pkirby! That looks like a great way to go about the mounts. How long have you had it done? any troubles with them?

Dvolk, The truck i'm getting has plenty of suspension lift so that won't be a problem. You sell conv parts?

Lance

Thanks, I had to go back and look at the old post to check the date, Aug 2005. The old truck is reliable, no breakdowns, no problems with the mounts. I drive it every weekend around town and usually once a week on my 120mi round trip commute. I occasionally tow, and I even competed in a local truck pull last summer. I have added a few bombs, 35" tires, etc.

The main reason I used the first gen Dodge mounts is that they came with a bunch of parts that I traded for. The first gen fan, shroud, and balancer was also included. My engines original fluid type balancer was too large to fit behind the fan. I used a new second gen throttle control assembly and throttle cable from the Dodge dealer. The cable fit my truck like it was made for it.

There are many ways to do a conversion. So far I am happy with the way mine turned out. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I have got help from others several times on this forum.

Perry.

 

[98slushbox]

Thanks guys. I am getting the chevy for sure but have to sell my truck first. I'll hold off on the questions for a bit until i get the truck and get started on it, but i will definitely take all your advice and tips. thanks again

Lance

 

[RyanB]

Thanks guys. I am getting the chevy for sure but have to sell my truck first. I'll hold off on the questions for a bit until i get the truck and get started on it, but i will definitely take all your advice and tips. thanks again

Lance

Hint of advice... . ask the questions now instead of once you have it and working on it... search all you can and know what you want out of the truck in the end. I could have saved ALOT of time and headaches if I would have known 100% how I wanted the truck before I even started. I spent 3 years building mine though and spent more money than a new truck would have so cost but that was my own fault!



Good luck... and ask away!



RyanB