1986 Suburban Build 6.0l/4L80e/4x4
 

I thought I would make a new post on my Suburban 6.0 swap. This is going to be my first Big project so be easy on me. I have lots of questions. My goal is to have it finished by late summer when it starts to be good camping weather,

here is how she sits after the 6" full spring lift
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-16-46_946.jpg
I'll put more info up tomorrow.

I bought the 'burb Halloween night 2010, completely stock with only 60,000 miles in it.

things I have done:

Brakes
both tie rods
pitman arms
new steering gear box
plugs wires cap
belts
6" lift
alternator
all new exhaust, went from a hole ridden 2" dual to a 3" Y-piped single.
I went and bought new doors all the way around. thats about the only thing in the truck thats rusted out. the body its self is in really good shape.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

I found a 1991 2500 suburban T-case! so now I don't need a ford D60

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Here are some interior pictures, this truck is in pretty good shape for the 500$ i spent for her. I need help choosing a color for the new interior. this is a camping/tow rig. I will be sleeping in it, therefor i want it to be cool as possible. I have 5% tint all the way around, that helps heat a lot. I'm a machinist so by the end of the day I'm covered in filth, so I need something that is super easy to clean. and keep clean. so I think I decided that I'm going with a really nice vinyl to wrap the seats in and black carpet.. any way... what color will be the coolest so I can sleep in out in the desert. NO red or blue :lol: I'm going to have all plastics re stained also. I want that cherry, right of the showroom floor look. black? tan? grey? what have you guys had experience with? thats all for now.

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-39-43_601.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-39-49_500.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-40-36_313.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-39-25_307.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...8-41-23_61.jpg

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

I also use my Suburban for camping and as far as staying cool, the best color is to paint the exterior white. I also took down the headliner on my Suburban and glued thin Styrofoam between the headliner and top. Right now, I'm trying to find a way to run a small fan to keep air flow moving in the Suburban during the hot nights. I'm thinking about using that space in the kick panel to mount a fan.

As far as interior color that doesn't show dirt, dark grey works very well. Black color carpeting is too dark and the lighter color dirt would show.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Welll tonight I got the front clip taken off, also found an LQ9 out of an escalade. that will be the new heart :)

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

After this weekend...

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1826.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1851.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1863.jpg
"Buy me!!" LOL
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1860.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1864.jpg
I also bought a new car... Lsx swap #2 after the suburban is done of course.
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...F1834-Copy.jpg

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Bump?

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Well I sold the factory motor today :) Lq9 Is on its way from Idaho. I think I'm going to try and get the seats out of my donor Denali to fit in the suburban this weekend instead of having mine re-upholstered

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

yesterday I went and had a heyday at Tear-A-Part. bought a Hydro-boost set up, bought a 40/20/40 bench seat set. It was a cool find because they never came that way, It was either bench or buckets. now the center seat folds down. they were sold aftermarket form a place called Qualitex. Also picked up a new console that sits against the headliner with nice map lights and some compartments. I'm getting excited to get this thing running again. Today I went and removed all of the tape from the wiring harness for the HVAC components and cleaned them up, looked for shorts and loomed them up real nice. I went and extended the wires that go to the A/C compressor also. It looks so much cleaner now.

some pictures:

Hydro-boost
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-19-24_306.jpg

Gauge cluster with electronic speedo that will hook to vss on T-case
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-06-33_197.jpg
the trans
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-03-14_973.jpg
motor mount brackets
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-20-56_838.jpg
wiring cleaned up some
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-41-55_200.jpg
the 6.0 from the denali
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-03-06_350.jpg

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Keep it coming! Looks awesome.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

is a 1986 suburban gas tank same as 87-91 gas tank? I am trying to find a way to do the fuel system. I think the best wrought is to get a gas tank from an 87-91 'burb because it already came with a fuel pump? I would change to a 255lph of course. so will the sending unit out of a 87+ 'burb fit into my 86 fuel tank? Thanks In advance

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

got any pics of the inside of the engine?

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Yes the sending unit will fit you need one for a TBI 350. The only differance in the tanks is the 87-91 have baffles inside of them.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Thank you Ghettoluxury That helps a lot. the problem with the tanks at the junk yard is they poke holes in them for quick draining. bet the sending units are there for 10$ a pop

And I will post some pictures, Think I can sale the long block for a mock up engine?

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Yesterday I striped the fire wall to prep it for paint. I also went to the paint supplier store and picked up a quart of semi gloss POR 15. today I spent some time wet sanding the hvac box down so I can paint it semi gloss black

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

After reading through this forum and ls1tech. I decided that I am going to run A/C Cruise control and Tow/haul

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Ok guys I really need some help here. I need to decide what color to paint the burb. I'm thinking black or gun metal. need some opinions Because I'm to the point where i need to paint the firewall.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

I like gun metal, black has been done. That being said, you could paint the engine bay black then do whatever with the rest of the rig.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Black would be very hot for camping in it.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

I have the motor trans and T-case all in place. Looks like I will have to use the sadden A/C compressor and top mounting brackets. The motor had to be slid back pretty far to clear the cross member that is under the oil pan. I have some pictures of what i"m talking about. I'm still worried that the block is to close to the cross member. what do you guys think?
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-46-23_808.jpg
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-46-34_219.jpg
Also today while I was at work I tore into the Engine wiring harness, pretty muck just removed the wire loom. I'm going to set the motor/trans/t=case on the floor, pull up a chair and plug all the wires in that i need and remove the rest. that way I can loom it the way I like and not remove wrong wires by accident.

With the 4L80E being the new TH400 the mounts are the same for the 4x4 trans. I just had to move the cross-member towards the rear about 2" some pictures of that

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-57-22_320.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-57-46_474.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-57-32_154.jpg

I have about an inch of wiggle room between the block and the fire wall

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-51-46_501.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-51-24_333.jpg

Here you can kind of see why A/C wont work with factory location. but I think I was planning on using the top mount compressor instead anyway

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...-46-12_713.jpg

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Could you move the engine even closer to the firewall. On my Suburban, we put the Cummins engine only 1/4" to the firewall and it's all fine.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Cool build - way to jump in with both feet!

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

So I scored an entire body harness from a 99 camaro for 20$ I pulled one of the fuse blocks (the one with the three fan relays) added a fuel pump and A/C relay. and made fuse spots for ac/cruise, engine sensors, Inj 1 and coils even, Inj 2 and coils odd, PCM Ign, and PCM hot all times. I think that all of them. there is a shop in the mall that makes stickers so i will fave them make me a new sticker for the panel cover. I should look prettty sweet! I'm getting excited.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Well, today was the big day. I went to a local yard in town and picked up a 2002 6.0l from a Yukon Xl factory rated at 320HP 365TQ with 109k on the clock. bought the motor/ DBW harness and accessory for 1,075.00 out the door, and they are even going to deliver it :) it has the 3 piece engine covers which I really wanted so I'm excited. I will post pictures soon.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

I'll start this update with some Pictures :metal:http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...DSCF1904-1.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...DSCF1902-1.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...DSCF1908-1.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1920.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1913.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1926.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1925.jpg

One of my lady friends came to my shop to work on her car, IMO there's nothing Hotter than a chick working on a car :devil:
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1933.jpg

Now to some problems I have ran into.

#1 The engine my 4L80e trans came off of is a 2000 iron head 6.0l. the new motor I picked up had a 4l60e so the cranks are different lengths IIRC. so what do i do to get this flexplate spaced correctly?!?!

4l60e crank:
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1934.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1935.jpg

Dished 4l60e flexplate

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1940.jpg

4l80e crank:

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1937.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1938.jpg

Flat 4l80e flexplate
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1941.jpg

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

After I got the motor cleaned up I started the wiring FML I put the engine trans and T-case together, I figured this would be the easiest way to do the harness. don't worrrie the engine is very secure on the blocks ;)

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1943.jpg

This is kinda the end result I'm going for, I want to get the wires tucked away as much as I can. so I rotated the Injectors around to hide the wires one the inside of the fuel rail

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1950.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1951.jpg

The mess

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1952.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1953.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1954.jpg

Another question is on the VSS, where do I get a plug for this connector? It seems to be different than the VSS plug in the engine harness

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1949.jpg

And last the fire wall. How in the EFF am I to get this S### off the firewall so I can seal seal and paint it. I tried wire wheel, it just melts it a smears it. I tried heat gun and scraper, just smeared. tried paint thinner, just made it all glob

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1957.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1958.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1959.jpg

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Grafitti remover. "Goof Off" is something we have up here. Search "shaved firewall" on here and you'll find some ideas.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

So I'm over thinking this but I want it to be right. Is it bad to run a -6 AN braided hose ~15' from the tank to the fuel rail? Is there a way to use my stock 3/8th hard line from the fuel filter to about 2' away from the engine and using braided line from there? I have been searching through summit and I cant find parts to flare the line and adapt it to a -6 AN. any ideas? I seen the compression fittings but they are only rated to ~40psi

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Read my build thread about 2/3 the way through where I did my fuel lines or Glock's where he has all of this stuff listed.

Tubing cutter to cut the line, put on AN grommet and back half of the fitting, flare tool to 45 degrees, there's AN fitting that is designed for this that screws onto the grommet to tighten the two pieces of the fitting on your line, good to go after that.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

I ran braided the whole way. Lots of mounting clamps...
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Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Today I ordered all my fuel system, fittings and all the lines and fittings for the hydroboost and transfer cooler. Man that **** is expensive. Also ordered my radiator from ebay. Today was expensive.
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Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Like Gordon said, for me the best way to get that stuff off is some kind of stripper. I did about two coats depending on how well it came off with a scraper and then just hit it with the wire wheel and it worked great, a lot easier than anything else I tried.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

I need help, on the trans there is a neutral safety switch, on this "NSS" There are Two connectors. (which are ****ing GLUED in) why do they glue them? 3 harnesses I have done up were all glued! Anyway, the bottom connector has Four wires. BLK/WHT, WHT, YEL, GRY. These wires are from the neutral park switch to the PCM. the top connector has ~6 wires 2 PINK 1 PPL/WHT 2 LHT GRN 1 BLK WHERE DO THESE GO? These wires don't go to the PCM they went into the cab. I have searched tech with no luck. one should be a TCC to brake pedal? or does the TCC come from pin 33 brake switch on the blue connector?

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

I received my order from summit today. I was Surprised It came so fast, I ordered Monday at like 8pm. But a little bummed because I assumed that the 3/8 fuel rail fittings were 3/8 barb and its a 5/16 barb. a bought 25 feet of 5/16 line because of the return but is 5/16 too small for the feed line to the injectors?

1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Worked on my truck tonight. I finished the wiring on the engine and I am also getting ready to have the fire wall and engine bay painted. so I went to Interstate and bought a new front clip because the old wheel wells and fenders were rusty. I assembled it all together so I could fit and dril every hole I needed and mark the ones I'M not so I can fill them in. also saver some money on bolts. I went to LMC website ind the bolts I was looking for were 1$ a piece and the clips were 2$ a piece :waah:
so I stopped by Fastenal and they actually had all the bolts and clips I needed. the fender and wheel well stuff. I got enough to do 3 trucks for only 50$ tomorrow is fuel system day! anyway to the PICTURES!

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1964.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1963.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1966.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1967.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1968.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1977.jpg

I will clean this cut up this is just the ruff
http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1976.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1972.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1973.jpg

http://i932.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/DSCF1974.jpg

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

Just bought the Ebay Entropy Radiator. Its expensive so it better me amazing...

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

The harness came out pretty clean. With the clip on it it looks like a truck again.

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

ALL THOSE WIRES!!!!! more power to ya man, id loose my mind trying to to do the 6.0 swap! cant wait to see it finished

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

good progress so far, did you order the radiator directly from them, because I don't see one listed for our trucks on ebay

Re: 1986 suburban build with 6.0l swap
 

I did a little of both. They had a listing on Ebay for a 73-91, But I needed the steam vent. So I Emailed Tony at Entropy and he built to suit. nice guy to deal with. when I clicked the "buy now" it took the ad down. I'm sure it will be up again soon. I spent along time looking for radiator options. there are a lot cheaper ones but This suburban is getting a little surprise and I wanted the best cooling I could afford. ;)