ITGuy's 2003 Sierra 1500/2500 4x4 RCLB Build Thread

:thumbsup: Waiting for parts that are shipping.
Also selling my old SUV to raise some more "project" money ;)

Called a couple of local yards looking for a complete dropout LQ4 - LQ9 and may have found one out of an '05 with all the accessories and low miles. Itchy trigger finger. This seems to be a more popular choice than a lq9 eh? I'd be doing all of the work myself, so I may need to invest in a hoist (or borrow one) and a few tools I am missing.

If anyone has done a swap that is local to me, feel free to contact me. I'm talking myself into it....

I've done a couple of swaps before, but not this particular combo. I've read several great threads on it so far though and it doesn't look bad. I should know more this week on the engine, maybe even a tranny combo is price is right.

Puting together my wish list now, and I may have to cut it down a little. That's what I get from reading all of the great threads here. Tons of ideas! I hope to start the first pieces this coming weekend... starting small of course!
 
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Going to look at this LQ4 this weekend.
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I think she'll clean up nicely.
 
subtract shorty header!!! everyone will tell you they don't do shit, i personally have no idea but that is what they say in every forum .... get long tubes :shake: the rest sounds like a good plan
 
You guys are awesome. Carry on.
I'll do longtubes if they don't conflict with the changes in the drive system.
T-case will be about the same size etc. I don't see any reason why not.
I am thinking I will use a custom shop to get the exhaust 'right' out of the gate.
 
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Longtubes will fit with the awd t-case no problem, as long as you go with the ones that fit a 4wd truck. I think some of the cheaper long tubes need modifications to the y-pipe to fit a 4wd though. I was planning on running American Racing Headers on mine as I've heard nothing but good things about them, the full header and y-pipe system without cats runs close to 1400 though so its quite pricey
 
Floor Shift. I'll do *more* research on it before diving in.. maybe something can be modded there as well.
Thanks for the tip. Just started reading a few threads about it last night.
Although I kind of like the idea of shifting into 4wd, my other vehicle is awd and is great in the winter here.

It's wise to plan ahead though, I wouldn't want to remove / re-do anything if I don't have to.
After I get some plans laid in place I'll focus back on my engine swap.

BTW :

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It appears I have a GT4 on the sticker so a 3.73 ratio I am sticking with for now.
 
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3:73's are ok i have them but i have a 5.3L but since your doing Lq4 they should be fine just don't go run huge tires
 
im rocking 33x12.5r18s with my 3.73s, i think its fine as is, i can go 70-75 and have it right at 2k rpm which isnt too bad imo
 
3:73's are perfect for 33" tires IMO that's what i am running right now but also wouldn't want to go bigger in tire size, and they fit on a leveled truck if your going to lift it i really like Connors stance IMO its the best set up on a RCLB
 
Ok I'll keep that in mind. I think the biggest I've looked at on the tire size calculator is 33.8
Did you guys bother to get your speedo's adjusted (not your bikini bottoms) for the tire change?
 
nah, mine just comes out to 5mph over what the speedo shows at 65 so if im doing 65 im doing 70, if im doing 35 im doing 38ish