I picked up a "new" project truck this week. It's a 77 Chevy K-30. I have several uses I could put it to but one I am considering is stuffing a D-max and a Allison or ZF-6 box in it. I'm looking for a few things here
1) ANybody here ever do something like this?

2) ANybody know of those parts available? I realize I'd need the x-fer case and all the wiring to go with it. I can't look on the site here since I've only been a member a short time.

3) Yes I realize it will probably cost more than it's worth when done but that's up to me and my wife's permission slip:D Plus it'd be cool as hell!

4) Anyone have an idea of costs/values of these parts and places to look? I am thinking I would probably look for a rear ended 2500HD or 3500 but even that could be a shaky deal.

5) I also think I could go with a 2wd transmission and mount the x-fer case as a divorced unit like Ford used to do to get around the fact that the Chevy Dana 60 pinion is on the wrong side. ANybody ever see this? I'd use the factory 1 ton NP205 to do this.

Thanks to all

There have been a few Dmax transplants into cars and trucks. I don't know any 73-87 GM trucks yet though (but I'm sure somebody is working on one).

As you said it probably won't be cheap or easy, but that's part of the finished appeal. You will be WAY ahead of the game if you do find a wrecked truck with the combo you want to do DMax/Alli or DMax/ZF6. The folks on Extreme 4x4 mated an allison to an NP203 and I'm sure you could research and find someone who could make an adapter to a GM NP205 and then you wouldn't have to change the axle or run divorced. If you are stuck using the stock 263 tcase, you could always source a 70's Ford Dana 60 and you would have a fairly bolt in axle with driver's side pumpkin. 78-79 (I believe) are the best years as they are high pinion. The tough part about running an NP205 is adapting it AND running the electronics for the 4wd speed control (especially with an Alli). Brayden and a few others here are pretty damn smart when it comes to the alli and could prove to be a BIG help.

If you are mechanically inclined and a decent welder/fabricator the actual swap probably wouldn't be too hard (especially with a complete donor vehicle), but the wiring could be fun.

If you decide to do it...Good Luck and keep us informed (i.e LOTS-O-PICTURES).
I picked up a "new" project truck this week. It's a 77 Chevy K-30. I have several uses I could put it to but one I am considering is stuffing a D-max and a Allison or ZF-6 box in it. I'm looking for a few things here
1) ANybody here ever do something like this?

2) ANybody know of those parts available? I realize I'd need the x-fer case and all the wiring to go with it. I can't look on the site here since I've only been a member a short time.

3) Yes I realize it will probably cost more than it's worth when done but that's up to me and my wife's permission slip:D Plus it'd be cool as hell!

4) Anyone have an idea of costs/values of these parts and places to look? I am thinking I would probably look for a rear ended 2500HD or 3500 but even that could be a shaky deal.

5) I also think I could go with a 2wd transmission and mount the x-fer case as a divorced unit like Ford used to do to get around the fact that the Chevy Dana 60 pinion is on the wrong side. ANybody ever see this? I'd use the factory 1 ton NP205 to do this.

Thanks to all

I'm currently doing one.

It is definitely possible & there are a few ways to do it depending on the axle/transfer case use.
1. Divorced transfer case w/ 2wd trans
2. Allison & 263 case w/ Ford Axle
3. Th400 & 205 case w/ stock axle
4, Allison & 205 case w/ custom adapter (about $1000)

Allison to floor clearance is one thing to consider without a body lift. I will have exact dimensions in a few weeks.

Engine wiring is 1 issue as is the interface to the existing truck gauges etc. You will need duplicate sensors as the factory ones go to the computer.

Engine makes no vacuum, so the heater controls will not work without an auxiliary pump. Power brakes will be another issue without a hydroboost.

I've seen engine/trans combos range from $5-15K depending on year & mileage.

Pm me your phone number & I'll give you a call one evening.

Lonnie

Thanks guys,

I knew the electronics could be tough, hadn't known/thought about the speed contrioller and interfacing with the early cable speedometer. As far as welding, fabbing and machining adapters that's no problem. I have a machinist friend that makes stuff like that reguarly and he's doing some homework on his end for a trans transfer adapter. It probably will get a body lift anyway so I'm not too concerned with clearance issues underneath. Most of my hotrod building is in the CORR style off road racing trucks, mud boggers, and a few big block street/trail trucks where the only electronics were in the ignition. THis diesel stuff with loads of electric is new for me and this is going to be a work truck if I go ahead with it(snowplow,spreader, toolboxes,ladder racks,etc... Thanks Lonnie, P.M.Sent!!

I am considering repowering a 85 K30 crew cab long bed.. I'd appreciate any help as well. Mods, can we get a section for repower projects? I see the need for discussion growing... Lonnie, PM sent..

I am curious as well, I am looking at doing a D/A swap into a '80 K30. There was member here who did a swap into 85 or was it an 87? It was blue with stacks. I can't recall the name though. Hopefully he will chime in.

I also take back my earlier statement. There was a guy with a Crew Cab Longbed 73-87 that did this swap with a stick. He used to post on here but have not seen him in a while. I will search and see if I can find/remember his username.

I am curious as well, I am looking at doing a D/A swap into a '80 K30. There was member here who did a swap into 85 or was it an 87? It was blue with stacks. I can't recall the name though. Hopefully he will chime in.

Found it:

Nick04duramax
This was in his sig:
"Pulling truck:87' crew cb long bed dmax/NV4500 NP205 1 3/8" input shaft dual disc clutch welded front D60 detroit locked in rear Homemade trac.bars, driveshaft loops, adj. bump stops, custom 4" downpipe into 5" pipe out to 5" stacks TTS extreme 32psi. boost mod. custom engine compartment with more goodies to come
truck pics:"
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/waynebeil/my_photos

For those that sent me a PM, I'll give both of you a call Tuesday. Just got on here tonight after going through my transfer case.

Put a fixed front output shaft in for the straight axle conversion... Add another $600 to the conversion cost if you go this route.

Unfortunately, I reassembled the case before realizing that I forgot to put the pump wear plate in (good insurance to prevent the pump wear issues that exist with these cases).... nothing like doing things twice.

Lonnie

I got a few folks looking for whole donor trucks right now just to see what is available and for how much$$. I am leaning towards sticking a extra 502 crate motor in I have laying around and buying a ZF6 box new for it and making it run for now. I'd put a d-max in later after I get some of the kinks worked out of the drive line. Just a thought.... I'm still cipherin....probably will for a little while yet....:D

I have seen that crew cab if ti is a blue one, it was at Schieds Diesel Extravaganza two years ago, it was a sweet truck.

I'd like to see a write-up on a pre 87' swap. I'd like to do a 67'-72' K20 with a D-Max/nv4500/205.
The wiring would be the only issue. Fabrication would be no harder than the 67' K20 Cummins we're building currently.

wouldnt be difficult to bolt into place, might need to either install a small body lift or set the drivetrain lower between the framerails but not that difficult. electronics though would be the most difficult part. i'd upgrade to autometer guages, stock guages from that era are not very good usually.