Drivetrain Suggestions??
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 516
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From: La Crosse, WI
Drivetrain Suggestions??
If you guys had a 78' crewcab 4x4....what would be the ideal engine/transmission combinations for this vehicle. I have a couple of choices...I can get the truck w/an automatic setup for a big block, or I can get the truck w/a four speed manual set up for a small block. I realize that this is a large heavy truck and the small block probably isn't ideal...but just asking to make sure. If you could give me the actual names of the transmission and actual engine size you would use that would help me out the most. Also, would you go divorced or mated?? I'm new to the 4wd scene and really need the good advice from all of you. I was thinking of installing my built up fuel injected cobra motor from my mustang...but have a feeling that i'd be dissapointed in driveability due to the hp/torque curve and weight of the vehicle. Thanks in advance for the help guys!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 175
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From: Mesa, AZ
Drivetrain Suggestions??
Questions like this are really hard to give a good answer to...
The biggest thing being what are you going to use this truck for?
I know if I were to build the truck you have for my own personal use, cost not withstanding, I'd say a modified 12V Cummins/NV5600 6 speed, & NP241HD t-case. Add 35" tires, & 3.55 gears. But I'd use it as a rig to tow my off road rig, a 78 F250, what do you want to use it for?
The biggest thing being what are you going to use this truck for?
I know if I were to build the truck you have for my own personal use, cost not withstanding, I'd say a modified 12V Cummins/NV5600 6 speed, & NP241HD t-case. Add 35" tires, & 3.55 gears. But I'd use it as a rig to tow my off road rig, a 78 F250, what do you want to use it for?
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 50
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From: Billings USA
Drivetrain Suggestions??
Being as you have 4x4 and crew cab stay away from the 302,especially any modified versions you know nothing about.Being a 78 find a good 400 or 460(maybe a choice 390) block and accessories and go from thereWhat tranny is in there now?How much time do you have?Can you weld?All important quesions in your decision!
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 516
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From: La Crosse, WI
Drivetrain Suggestions??
I will be using the truck for towing and just normal driving w/the occassional offroad venture. As is the truck is a 78' 3/4 ton 4x4 supercab frame, the frame is shortened 4" to allow a shortbed, and has a crew cab body mounted. there are dana 60's up front and back, there is no motor or transmission yet, that's what I need to figure out so the gentlmen I am buying it from can set me up w/the right transmission and xfer case for the motor I'd like to install. I am very familiar w/the mustang motor I brought up earlier, I built it from stock and know it front to back. What I am looking for is: big block bolt pattern or small block?? What are the most desirable autos/manuals that came in these old trucks that mate to either big or small block motors. Diesel is out of the question but woudl be pretty cool, I'm leaning towards the 460, and a manual transmission....but what one....?? Thanks again!!
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: La Crosse, WI
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