Ok…I have searched both SAS and SFA in the chevy forum and have learned a few things I didn’t know about chevys. I will be getting a 2001 single cab, long bed, 2wd 1500. It is a nice truck especially for the price but I don’t think the single cab long bed combo looks good in a 2wd version. My plan is to find another Chevy, probably around 84+, for the donor vehicle that I need. I will swap in the front 44/10b and rear whatever until money permits me to find 8 lug axles. The parts truck I get will need a 700r4 and what ever transfer case that comes attached. It doesn’t need to be a 205 to start with but will be eventually. I know that the 700r4/tcase will bolt to the 5.3 in the 2001. But here is where the question begins. Is the linkage on the 2001 a mechanical linkage similar to that on the older ones or is some sort of electronic apparatus? I will build a new cross member or try to adapt the one off the older truck to work. I plan to build a front cross member to mount the front hangers to and mount the rears below the frame with shackles. I have read on here that the engine cross member has to be modified or replaced. Can it just be cut down similar to what is required to convert a ford? Here is a picture to show what I am talking about…
Before
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After
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Also I know that the 2001 have ABS. Can you just leave the connections off or cut the wires? I know that this will cause ABS codes to be thrown but will there be any adverse effects to the way the truck runs or stops? I know that the ABS will no longer be operative, but will the truck still stop like a vehicle without ABS? What about the speedometer? Where is the sensor for the 2001 2wd? Is it in the transmission, rear end ect, ect? Isn’t the pickup in the t-case on the older trucks? If so can I just run a cable from the t-case up into the cab and replace the speedometer with an aftermarket unit? What about steering? Can I mount the steering gear box off the older truck on the new ones frame and run the steering just like it is on the old truck? I don’t think the 2001’s box will work since it has rack and pinion steering. These are about the only questions I have. I think the rear will be pretty simple. I plan on running ~35’s. I think I could use 4” springs all the way around but am not sure.
Is there anything I am forgetting? Is there anything you would suggest differently? This truck will be primarily a DD/tow rig and see minimal off-roading. also i figure i can find the donor truck with a blown motor or no motor for less then a grand and hopefully less then 750
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Before
After
Also I know that the 2001 have ABS. Can you just leave the connections off or cut the wires? I know that this will cause ABS codes to be thrown but will there be any adverse effects to the way the truck runs or stops? I know that the ABS will no longer be operative, but will the truck still stop like a vehicle without ABS? What about the speedometer? Where is the sensor for the 2001 2wd? Is it in the transmission, rear end ect, ect? Isn’t the pickup in the t-case on the older trucks? If so can I just run a cable from the t-case up into the cab and replace the speedometer with an aftermarket unit? What about steering? Can I mount the steering gear box off the older truck on the new ones frame and run the steering just like it is on the old truck? I don’t think the 2001’s box will work since it has rack and pinion steering. These are about the only questions I have. I think the rear will be pretty simple. I plan on running ~35’s. I think I could use 4” springs all the way around but am not sure.
Is there anything I am forgetting? Is there anything you would suggest differently? This truck will be primarily a DD/tow rig and see minimal off-roading. also i figure i can find the donor truck with a blown motor or no motor for less then a grand and hopefully less then 750
Thanks for any help you can provide.
