1-ton V8 Without Breaking the Bank!

V-8unlimited · 03-26-2009, 06:40 AM

Well, after watching my buddies go wheeling this weekend, I have decided to build a dedicated trail rig. I went on a mission yesterday, and picked up 2 jeeps, one being a rough 97 4 cylinder jeep, the other a very nice 97 with a blown motor.
My plan here is to put the motor from the rough jeep into the nice jeep and sell it to recover my initial investment.
So, then my day got alittle better. I stopped by a friend's to see if he would haul one of the jeeps, and he had just parted out a 03 chevy 3/4 ton 2x4. So, there sat a disc brake 14 bolt all alone. Alittle bartering and it was loaded up.

Also while there, he had just pulled in a 97 Z71 that was killed. The truck looked familiar and after some research, tracked down the original owner, he rolled it about 8 times, so pretty much totaled for sure. He said he had clear title, and since I work on his son's bike for cheap, he said to cover the tow bill and any storage fees, and it's mine. So, 97 vortec 350, trans/transfer will be going into the jeep.

I am on the search now for the supershort SYE for the GM 241 case. Would love to go atlas, but I am determined to not "break the bank" on this build.
I believe after a couple hours on the internet last night, poly performance will be selling a TJ kit and will be using coilovers. I hope mrblaine doesn't block me on his pm list, because I have lots of queastions, and want to build this right the first time.
Pics to start coming this weekend.

Zachs · 03-26-2009, 07:19 AM

Bad *** start! Look over at Pirate about shaving that 14b...gonna need 40+ to make that 14b worthwhile with the lost ground clearance. What are you doing for the front? Gonna run a custom suspension or bolt on? If Custom, 3 or 4 link? etc

gonna be watching this build since it's already got something I like in it...that three-fitty on the cheap!

Zachs · 03-26-2009, 09:01 AM

As hard core as it gets, but here is extreme shaving...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=753139

V-8unlimited · 03-26-2009, 08:34 PM

Got it pulled in the garage today, pulled the stock rearends out, cut brackets from frame, starting pulling front clip. I'll try and get some pics tomorrow.
I read the shave thread, good stuff. I am going with 4.88 gears in the 14 bolt, so will probably have it shaved 3/8" before install, that should allow enough room to cut the housing and gain some clearance. I want to get it up and running, then worry about that.

jrb470 · 03-26-2009, 08:36 PM

None of this is real until we see pics!!

**Imped** · 03-26-2009, 08:40 PM

4.88s? Why not deeper? I believe 14 bolts can go as deep as 5.38. If it's a dedicated trail rig, why not run that low? What will you be running up front?

BlackRuby06 · 03-26-2009, 08:42 PM

sounds like a sweet build. cant wait to see some pics.

Zachs · 03-26-2009, 09:01 PM

I agree, definitely go with the higher gear ratio...get the most out of that thing! That 350 isn't that strong of a V8 unless you plan on building it up.

V-8unlimited · 03-26-2009, 09:03 PM

I only plan on running a 38" tire, so I think a 4.88 would be fine. Pics will come tomorrow, I promise. I actually did a bozo move this evening. I did not like it sitting where it was in the garage, so I tried moving it with 2 jacks, and dropped it on the floor, so there it sat on the frame. I ended up using an atv jack in the rear, and a floor jack on each bumpstop and lifting it, then moving where I wanted to get it. Man, I need a lift BAD!

**Imped** · 03-26-2009, 09:07 PM

Damn, that sucks man....almost had that happen before. And I'm still going to respectfully disagree on the axle gears....even though you'll have a V8 and "only" 38s, I think something in the 5s would suit you much nicer. After driving 35s on 4.88s, that's the biggest tire I would run before I gear deeper.

V-8unlimited · 03-27-2009, 06:18 PM

OK, started on this rag today: here is the progress so far. Aiming to have motor/trans out tomorrow, and other cutout side installed. Then will look into cutting the rear frame.
Just got off the phone with David @ Northridge and he seems to know all I need to this, so time to dedicate a cc# to him.

V-8unlimited · 03-27-2009, 06:20 PM

I think I have decided to go 40" tire, hummer wheels, and 5.13 gears. If anyone has any advice, please feel free to jump in here and help with this. Any and all advice is appreciated. Heck, if you get bored and are close by, come by and turn some wrenches.

bairy · 03-27-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V-8unlimited

Heck, if you get bored and are close by, come by and turn some wrenches.

2.5 hours away... hrmmm

Dmcastino · 03-27-2009, 06:31 PM

You are going to have a TON of spare parts lol. I'm excited to see this come together.

**Apex** · 03-27-2009, 07:24 PM

Can't wait to see this build progress...Where at in Ohio?