Duraburb Project

[Larry]

Actually once the input is changed on the front of the t-case to the 29 spline, the ford 271 (manual shift) or 273 (e-shift) do bolt up. Plus they already have fixed yokes front and rear, so no custom parts from anyone. Everything is factory parts to do the conversion (my understanding; there may be some custom work I'm not aware of). No waiting on ORD to maybe get you the parts for the conversion.

Jack

That is just the point, you have to change the input shaft so that isn’t exactly a direct bolt in. The actual big round 6 bolt tcase to trans adapter size and pattern is a SAE standard for all manufactures of this class of truck. Even Dodge has the same SAE round 6 bolt adapter. All are New Venture Gear tcases (Magna now days). I guess it is half dozen one way or another. I do like the idea of OEM fixed yokes instead of aftermarket stuff though but skeptical just changing inputs is a bolt for bolt ordeal with out some machining work.

 

[klmore]

Quick update

My Sub made it to Florida and is waiting on the donor to be stripped down. Eric is measuring for an over sized rear tank to replace the small factory tank.

The 2500 Suburban has two fuel tanks. The second tank is above the spare and is very small maybe 10 gallons at best. It basically is a storage tank that pumps fuel into the main tank when it gets low. Since I removed the spare and the lift assembly I now have room for a much larger reserve tank. Eric and I agree that once fabricated the reserve tank will hold an extra 20-30 gallons of fuel. I'll make a skid plate for the new tank when I get it back home.

I'm trying to think of any other items that need to be addressed at this phase. There is cheap air fair to Orlando from my town so I may head down there for the day to take a look mid conversion.

 

[klmore]

Donor

Here are some pictures of the donor truck being taken apart. Eric and his crew are starting to strip down my Suburban and get it ready for the Duramax.

 

[klmore]

The Suburban Duramax swap has started

The 11.5 rear is installed. There will be much more to see next week.

 

[klmore]

The factory diesel truck radiator was shot. So far that is the main parts problem.

 

[klmore]

Here is the body being separated from the chassis. This makes things much easier I would think.

 

[klmore]

Front axle

The front axle being swapped out for the 3.73 ratio front end. Eric said it there was much more time involved to deal with the Fabtech lift kit. I forgot the front axle housing needed to be modified.

 

[klmore]

Duramax

Finally the Duramax resting in its new home. It looks to be a tight fit to me, but I guess they are a tight fit in the HD trucks anyway. :Wow1:

Sorry for the delay in updating this thread, I have been really busy at work.

 

[klmore]

New 4" exhaust.

 

[klmore]

Radiator and support installed.

The body is being lowered back down on the frame today.

The new rear tank is being fabricated now and should be ready in a few days. It sits over the spare from the factory and is about 5" tall. The new tank should be much larger. I'm not sure of the final capacity of the tank yet.

 

[locrwln]

The front axle being swapped out for the 3.73 ratio front end. Eric said it there was much more time involved to deal with the Fabtech lift kit. I forgot the front axle housing needed to be modified.

I think even with the diesel, you will miss your 4:10s with the 37's.

Are you doing any upgrades to the drivetrain while it's out? Transgo Jr., Pump rub fix? Those kinds of things?

Seems like everything is starting to move along now. Can't wait to see the end.

Jack

 

[klmore]

I think even with the diesel, you will miss your 4:10s with the 37's.

Are you doing any upgrades to the drivetrain while it's out? Transgo Jr., Pump rub fix? Those kinds of things?

Seems like everything is starting to move along now. Can't wait to see the end.

Jack

I really wanted the 11.5 rear and I think the 3.73 will be fine, but only time will tell. If it doesn't work out with the 3.73's I'll regear when I do the SAS conversion later this year.

For now I'm limiting the mods to intake, exhaust, and five position tune. I'll go through the truck some more after a couple of thousand miles.

The fuel tank has turned out to be a bigger pain than we expected, but it's getting worked out.

 

[klmore]

The body is on the frame again. It looks great with the truck front end.

 

[klmore]

My rear window washer was not working because of this bolt. I guess my washer line has been pinched since my lift was installed two years ago. Mark one thing off the list of things to repair when it gets back.

 

[klmore]

Chassis buttoned up. Eric gave me a little grief for wrapping up all the GM parts in Ford parts wrap. When I was thinking of shipping freshly painted sheet metal across the country I didn't even look at the logo on the foam. Amazingly every item made it there dent free. I'm having the dents and scratches repaired when it gets back so any paint variation on the new front end will be addressed then.