Im considering pickin up an 06 LBZ with the current incentives going on. This will not be a daily driver and as such, will be somewhat heavily modified. Im looking at getting a RCLB and converting it to a shortbed. This would consist of shortening/boxing the frame, SB box, fuel tank, etc. After that it would be a full tranny build, new turbo setup, lowering, etc. Basically a fun truck to drive on the street and at the track. Has anyone heard of anyone doing a similar conversion? Any opinions/thoughts on concerns or problems with this sort of setup? Thanks

Get a CCSB and spend the time and money on the power. More seats for interesting people.

Perhaps I'm slow, but why not just buy a short bed to start???

As for the rest, sounds like a fun project. :)

Perhaps I'm slow, but why not just buy a short bed to start???

As for the rest, sounds like a fun project. :)

Not an option on HDs

Im considering pickin up an 06 LBZ with the current incentives going on. This will not be a daily driver and as such, will be somewhat heavily modified. Im looking at getting a RCLB and converting it to a shortbed. This would consist of shortening/boxing the frame, SB box, fuel tank, etc. After that it would be a full tranny build, new turbo setup, lowering, etc. Basically a fun truck to drive on the street and at the track. Has anyone heard of anyone doing a similar conversion? Any opinions/thoughts on concerns or problems with this sort of setup? Thanks

Is this a 2500HD? I have a 2006 short bed Duramax LBZ 2500HD and I am going to have it lifted this week. They have the Long bed and the short bed in both the 2500HD and 3500HD.

you want a regular cab short bed correct? good luck with the mods but all in all is should be SWEET!

good luck
Todd

You can't get a Regualr Cab with a short bed in the HD lineup?

Way to go GM for giving us lots of options.

Have fun hacking up a brand new truck :eek: :grd:

No offense but if you have to ask whats involved in doing such a set up you shouldnt be starting a project like this. If your planning on having it done prepare to pay some $$$

It would be different and :cool: though.

buy a 03+ 1500 silverado RCSB and swap the motor in. i think it will be cheaper in the long run

I thought you guys were truck enthusiasts here? Seems like some arent very knowledgeable about their vehicles. Im excited about my ideas and was wanting to share them with you. This is by far not the first vehicle Ive built, and Im certainly no n00bie of hacking up trucks.

You cannot purchase a regular cab short bed 2500HD truck from the Factory

You can also not swap a duramax into a 1500 due to the Allison Transmission. The 2" taller frame on the HD is to accomodate the size of the tranny. I guess you could do a 2" body lift along with some other things, but you still have a weak half-ton chassis and components.

This is a project truck guys... a possible SEMA show vehicle, and a way to try out various ideas that havent been greatly explored before.

MRBP has already done one.

I thought you guys were truck enthusiasts here? Seems like some arent very knowledgeable about their vehicles. Im excited about my ideas and was wanting to share them with you. This is by far not the first vehicle Ive built, and Im certainly no n00bie of hacking up trucks.

You cannot purchase a regular cab short bed 2500HD truck from the Factory

You can also not swap a duramax into a 1500 due to the Allison Transmission. The 2" taller frame on the HD is to accomodate the size of the tranny. I guess you could do a 2" body lift along with some other things, but you still have a weak half-ton chassis and components.

This is a project truck guys... a possible SEMA show vehicle, and a way to try out various ideas that havent been greatly explored before.

We here know about the duramax just fine, we just dont understand cutting up a $45,000 truck. :duh:

Enter it in the SEMA show if you want but you seem pretty wealthy and knowledgeable...so why ask us if you already know?

Todd

If I wanted to alter the wheelbase and replace the bed (in your case with an OEM short bed), I'd start with either a 2500HD with the ZW9 Pickup Bed Delete option (-$724), or else a 3500 chassis-cab, which already has a smaller front fuel tank and can be ordered without the rear fuel tank (the C-C's smaller front tank may not fit a short bed though). I assume you'd be replacing the wheels anyway, so the dually wheels wouldn't be an issue.

Although making them shorter isn't normal, upfitters "cut up" (if you want to call it that) HD trucks all the time to do what heavy duty trucks are actually intended for: work tasks.

Seems it would be easier (and stronger) to move spring and shackle hangers rather than cut and weld your frame. You may want to look into doing that instead.

Oh yeah, if you are wanting to make serious power I would recommend you go with a LB7 or 04.5-05 LLY, unless you don't mind waiting for the aftermarket to catch up with the 06 trucks. The serious power is in the older trucks right now (not to mention it's cheaper to buy used).

Is this a 2500HD? I have a 2006 short bed Duramax LBZ 2500HD and I am going to have it lifted this week. They have the Long bed and the short bed in both the 2500HD and 3500HD.You may want to check your info on that one, more specifically the 3500HD.

Seems it would be easier (and stronger) to move spring and shackle hangers rather than cut and weld your frame. You may want to look into doing that instead.

the frame bends up at the point of the front spring hanger. the axle will hit the frame if you just move the hangers.

MRBP has already done one.

ya. they beat you to it. you could contact "weweld" on the diesel garage.com. he built a 03 powerstroke RCSB. quickest powerstroke in the US. this isn't an easy project but it is something i have been thinking about for quite some time. the trans will fit into a 1500, it will just take some work. if you put it in a 1500, you'll 1000-1500 lbs, find a FF 14 bolt and bolt that in. just some ideas.

and it's mbrp.

I see no MAJOR problems, just time & money Takes imagination to build kick-azz stuff! MOre power to ya!!:ro)

Here's some pics http://www.mbrp.com/main.php?promovehicles

I thought you guys were truck enthusiasts here? Seems like some arent very knowledgeable about their vehicles. Im excited about my ideas and was wanting to share them with you. This is by far not the first vehicle Ive built, and Im certainly no n00bie of hacking up trucks.

You cannot purchase a regular cab short bed 2500HD truck from the Factory

You can also not swap a duramax into a 1500 due to the Allison Transmission. The 2" taller frame on the HD is to accomodate the size of the tranny. I guess you could do a 2" body lift along with some other things, but you still have a weak half-ton chassis and components.

This is a project truck guys... a possible SEMA show vehicle, and a way to try out various ideas that havent been greatly explored before.


this has been done before. yes they raise the body 2" to clear it. getting a stripped down 1500 and then just redoing the suspension (which you should really re do anyway because of the power) i am sure it is more then cable of doing it. i have soon pictures of this done. the reason i say to use a 03+ is because they seem to use the same electronics through the truck and everything should work fine.

This would also be better then buying a new truck then cutting it. I would rather re enforce a frame then cut it up and make sure it is right

the frame bends up at the point of the front spring hanger. the axle will hit the frame if you just move the hangers.On a long bed?