[rkn463]

Originally Posted by 73 GMC 4 Me

Hello all enthuiasts,
I have a 1973 6000 v-eight that I might want to make my toy hauler.
It currently has a 327 cid,4 speed and split rear.
I also have a running 91 1ton Chevy van I'm thinking of using everything out of.
Tbi 350, 4l80e and seats for now.
My first of many questions are
1. Is the 327 a standard engine or are they modified for these trucks.

2. Are the trans and diff standard for these (i.e.) sm420,eaton

3. Would the 350 and 4l80e be a good swap for mileage and a little more power.
Not a freeway flyer.
It runs so I have all wiring harnesses

4. Will the split rear work with an automatic (i.e.) run in low with load or high empty.

I will be very appreciative of any help or suggestions.
I have also noticed there's not a lot of the tilt cabs being resto'd

I don't have any specific experience with the tilt cab trucks but my understanding is that it is a medium duty with a different body. That would make the rear significantly larger than what is in the one ton. Personally I'd keep the split axle. Someone on here remarked one time that you can shift the axle low to high just fine behind the auto. Judging by my experience with the manual I would think it possible. I think the motor itself should swap with no problem. The only big difference I've seen with a small block in a medium duty is that they use a single front motor mount instead of on the sides. If you go back with the auto trans I'd think you would need to fabricate some side mounts onto the engine.

That is a cool truck, I love the tilt cabs.

-Richard