Lt1 4x4????

Subject: Lt1 4x4???? Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:54 am

What has to happen to make an lt1 work with a 4x4?

Computer changes? Or will a 4l60e work the same 2wd vs 4x4?

I was going to dump the wagon after this winter because of frame issues, but it would be awesome just to swap in a k5 or c/k 4x4 frame for next season. I'd like to keep the lt1 but I'm not opposed to just saying screw it and use the carb'd/TBI from the donor 4x4 or an early Chevy either. Looking for budget build. Probably gonna make diamond plate bumpers, install a winch, light bar on top, like 100 fog lights below and hopefully mount a plow. I'm talking winter beater (meaning my wagon beats old man winters ASS!). Just gathering info at this point, I know the 73-87 trucks are almost identical wheelbase to the 91-96 wagons, So I'm already searching for a bare frame w/ suspension, if I can find one with a drivetrain it may get done before this season is through.

Subject: Re: Lt1 4x4???? Fri Dec 28, 2012 2:08 am

I know a kid that bought a bunch of 73-87 trucks to go towards his cummins 3+3 build. If I cat in touch with him I'll see if he has any frames left.

Subject: Re: Lt1 4x4???? Fri Dec 28, 2012 2:20 am

Nice! Must be a 6' bed truck to work, wheelbases are almost identical!
The more stuff that's on it the better! I wish I had a 3+3 Crying or Very sad

Subject: Re: Lt1 4x4???? Fri Dec 28, 2012 2:27 am

Ironfistdog wrote:: Nice! Must be a 6' bed truck to work, wheelbases are almost identical!
The more stuff that's on it the better! I wish I had a 3+3

Especially one that runs off waste oil!

Regular cab or 3+3 with a 6' bed. Push comes to shove, you could always chop some off.

Admin Posts : 1525 Join date : 2009-01-17 Age : 55

Just need to hook that LT1 to a 94-99 4x4 version of the of the 4L60E, and reprogram computer for gears and tires. That should be the extent. It is after all just an engine.

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Subject: Re: Lt1 4x4???? Fri Dec 28, 2012 7:44 am

It's been done. I can't find pics of it, but it was either this wagon or another one that Fred up in NY built that had a plow.
Lt1 4x4???? Pic_84_21

Subject: Re: Lt1 4x4???? Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:36 am

Ive seen the pics. They were posted on THIS site. When I was junking my 92 we all talked about lifting that one too. Except this time I really NEED a 4x4 for the roads around here.... I can tell it's gonna be a rough winter for a "low" guy like me.

Subject: Re: Lt1 4x4???? Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:55 pm

A guy on FSC put an LT1 in a GMT400 truck, there was some work involved to make it all right but nothing too crazy, however he did notch the frame rail for the A/C compressor I believe, don't know if you'd be bothering with AC or not though and I'm pretty sure the 73-87 trucks have wider spread and thinner frame rails anyway...

People will probably say a Vortec swap is probably better and easier (it might be), but if you already have a known good LT1 why not?

Subject: Re: Lt1 4x4???? Fri Dec 28, 2012 8:21 pm

Both c/k and b-body wagons have a width of 79.6 inches.
The wheel base for the c/k's is 117.5" Wheel base for the Buick wagon is 115.9"
I don't plan to use the A/c but I'm thinking I'm just gonna use a carbureted engine just for the simplicity of it.

I'm not gonna bother shortening the frame for a measly 1.5" I have open wheel wells in the wagon anyway.
I also think that the c-10's and blazers have a much better frame than a b-body. I've got experience with doing metal work with both frames and the caprice's metal In the rear where the control arms mount is very thin. The c-10's have leaf springs and have been used for plowing for years!
I'd box the frame anyway before mounting the body.
I got a few leads already on an old 84 c10 and someone with a 79 k5. The k5 has a 106.5 wheelbase so that would take a little more work, I can't hide 10" between frame and body.