My best friend killed the 3.2L in his '95 Rodeo. It's gonna cost him a Helluva lot just for a used motor. I may have talked him into a SBC swap, along with a SM420, Dana 20, and SAS-Dana 44. :Shaking Head: Am I alone, suffering from this infliction?

He asked if it was going to be a lot of work, I responded by saying "What else am I gonna do this summer, Work?" I am currently searching out some info on this swap along with a member here, thanks RodeoRob!

I am sure most of you approve of my actions in this case. BUT, is this the right thing to do? I asked if he'd ever had his Rodeo in 4-Lo, he can't remember. I told him if he didn't like it he could always sell it for what he owes on it (Yeah, not paid for yet). It's gonna be BAD! We are pretty tight, we work together on occasion (Bounty hunting), he asked me to be in his wedding next summer, and so on. I know this should go to Dear Abby, but that B***ch doesn't Wheel!

Thanks,
Bryan

Seems like a waste of time to me if he has never even had his current setup in 4LO :rolleyes:

Take him out in your rig and show him what he's building it for. If he loves it (probably will), then I say go for it. If not, you know what to do;)

I need to add he has been driving my truck for the last couple of weeks. It's nothing special just a '78 F150 w/ a flatbed 4" lift and 35x15's powered by a warm 400. He likes it, always grinnin', except when it's time to gas up.

I told him he should expect around 15 mpg after this swap. Compared to the 22 he was getting, it shouldn't be too bad. That and the 9mpg my truck gets is conditioning him as well:D . I agree with -yota on taking him out, that's how a lot of us got into this sport-me included.

As for never having put it in 4-Lo, it's a stock Rodeo! I know they are capable rigs in stock form, but how many buyers list that on their reason-to-buy-it-list.

I stumbled into a SWEET deal for a complete drivetrain, fresh SBC & T-case along with other parts listed above, for less that he would shell out for a used replacement motor. So in essence I am doing the swap for nothing-that's what REAL friends are for. Kinda like you can call a friend to help you move, you can call a REAL friend to help you move the bodies.:D

[i]. So in essence I am doing the swap for nothing-that's what REAL friends are for. Kinda like you can call a friend to help you move, you can call a REAL friend to help you move the bodies.:D [/B]

Bwahahhahah no sh!t eh :D that's hilarious

SBC will be a tight fit in that engine bay, but i'd love to see it done. I just did a 4.3 in my amigo and it fits perfect with just enough room for the stock fan and big radiator. with the SBC your probably gonna have to mount the radiator in front of the core support and move the firewall a bit. may wanna talk to some of the guys in the isuzu forum at 4x4wire, a few of them have done similar swaps, i know randii is in the middle of a 5.0 swap in his amigo. may wanna consider torching that IFS too ;)

Dallas

Just go Rockwells :rolleyes: :p

Originally posted by StinkBug
may wanna consider torching that IFS too ;)

Dallas
He did say SAS 44. I'd seriously consider a 4.3 for that truck. I thought one of the trannies used in amigos/rodeos bolted to a 4.3:confused: can't remember now...I the the SBC is too big...

i vote for the 4.3 as well, perfect engine power to weight ratio in the rodeo

I'm in Pasco, and have a 4.3 block, heads, and intake. The crank is probably around here somewhere too. I've got most of the little parts and peices here somewhere. I spun the number 6 rod bearing in it, pulled it apart and never have had the money to get it back together. Yours if you want it.

You can find complete S-trucks around here for $1000-1500 if you want to make sure and get every last part or peice you need. I found a complete motor in the Nickle paper for $500 with only 70,000 miles on it. Keep your eyes open, and don't underestimate that little 4.3!

i can get you a 97 4.3 and 5 speed trans, computer and all the fixens for 400.00 it is in San Jose CA

Originally posted by Magoo
Been Hangin' around here TOO long!
Bryan

Feb 2002......member 10,000+

:rolleyes:

Just go Rockwells, by the time you get it built up, the lightweight/D44 trend will be in full swing and you will have to start over :D

My buddy just got a used rodeo V6 for $800.

Cheaper that way and buy a real (or at least easier to mod) rig for the SBC swap.

Ron

go 4.3, but if he don't wheel, he will hate the slow shifting 420, I have the 4.3L and 420, but I have a zuk and don't mind.....

evil- he's looking @ $1700 for a used 3.2L (70,000 miles):eek:

wgnrog- I lurked long before I signed up. What I am getting at is I wouldn't have even considered this swap had I not been hanging out here.

rochog- thinkin' about it. Which tranny? I have a dear aunt north of Sac I haven't
seen in a while.;)

stink- 4.3 is sounding better. BTW SAS=Straight Axle Swap :D

Fyrman- Off topic a little I saw in another post you have had real succes with a auto parts store in Pasco. Which one, I go to school and work in Pasco (on 4th) and haven't bought parts here except at Al's and Pasco Autowrecking.

Sillyneck- I don't do this for a living:D