67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.

[eedgell]

Why do some trucks that under go the "knife" for the BB implant have to beat the firewall, cut the frame, or move the mounts forward? While others go through this process without a scratch? They are all the same body, and frame, no?

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

If you are going to move the motor forward for clearance and are worried about the fact your driveshafts will need to be lengthened and shortened,think of putting in a 700R4,it is about 2" longer than a SM465/NP205 or a TH350/NP205 so you can move the motor forward 2" and add that and keep the driveshafts as they are now.Plus now you've got overdrive.

[Yukon Jack]

Originally Posted by eedgell

Why do some trucks that under go the "knife" for the BB implant have to beat the firewall, cut the frame, or move the mounts forward? While others go through this process without a scratch? They are all the same body, and frame, no?

I've wondered that ever since I did the swap as I had major firewall clearance issues. I used all new polyurethane mounts when I swapped in the bbc and added a body lift. For some odd reason I had to make the radiator body lift pucks 1" shorter to and it appears my cab does sit a little angled and I'm sure that didn't help my firewall clearance issue.

I would like to address this issue this winter, may move the engine forward, not sure yet. Another option saw done was to drop the engine crossmember 1" - I might do a combination of things.

Here are some pics of the mods I had to make. I was stupid and didn't prefit everything before I took my truck, in pieces, to the body shop. Really couldn't take the truck back home very easily to address the clearance issue so out came the cutoff wheel to make room.









Some people have used a later model engine crossmember but I'm not sure why that helps. Maybe it sits the engine lower, I don't know.

[too much stuff]

Here are a few pics of how mine is sitting right now. Let me know if you have any questions or want more pics, Eric
Also, can't remember what combonation of brackets i used to make the power steering work, but it works!!

[68,69 K20]

I'm glad this topic comes up from time to time as I have been toying with the idea of putting a big block in my 69 K20. I dont want to do it if it means messing with the frame rails, hacking up firewall, etc.

eedgell, love that truck man!!! The BB swap looks like it could have been factory done, nice job!!

What year BB's are you guys running? 2wd exhaust manifolds? Any oil pan clearance issues? Any info you guys who have done this swap have and would like to share would be great, thanks, Mike.