Thoughts on my powertrain conversion ideas
So i just wrote up a nice long post and I think i accidentally erased it... So here it goes again...
I had an M715 i sold back in 2010 and i regretted it every day. I just bought another one and i am looking at my options...
My last M715 conversion was dana 60 front, dana 60 rear, Dodge 360 engine with TF727 w/OD mated to an NP 205 transfer case. It was all out of the same 1990 Dodge 1 ton pickup. I could do this conversion again but i really want torque converter lockup and the axles were a bit narrow. I was able to maintain factory spring locations but it required ridiculous offset on the wheels to prevent wheel rubbing the springs (37 inch tires) I liked that all the parts came from one vehicle, and it was pretty easy to do, but i want to go newer this time, with Chevy parts.
My thoughts:
I can get mid 90s 3500 SRW trucks for pretty cheap, and if i am not mistaken, i think i can use 100% of the drivetrain.
Axles: chevy Dana 60 front, 14 bolt rear. I see a lot of people use this setup from a CUCV. Would the axles from a 3500 GM SRW be the same? (minus the locker) I dont mind having to buy offset wheels again, and i do not want to move the springs. I will probably do a spring over and remove some leafs.
Engine: not too picky here. I would prefer a 5.7 or 6.0 maybe a 454- whatever the donor vehicle comes with. fuel injection is a must.
Transmission: I loved the 700R4 that i originally used in my old M715, but they are getting a bit dated (1993 is the last production run?) The 727 that i switched to was also nice a simple, but it got hot without torque converter lockup. The mid to late 90s 3500 trucks come with 4L80E transmissions, which have overdrive, torque converter lockup, and are very strong and proven. I like the idea of being able to program shift points.
Transfer case: I am not sure what the mid to late 90s 3500 trucks come with, but anything has got to be better than the NP200. I made multiple cross country trips with the NP200 and it overheated and blew oil everywhere. The NP205 i eventually converted to was great, and seems to the transfer case of choice. I am hoping i can find a 4L80E already mated to an NP205.
Any thoughts or suggestions? Bad idea? good idea? potential issues? I love the idea of getting all the conversion parts from one source, one vehicle, one purchase.