LQ9 1988 k1500 questions

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Jake88

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Hey, I have a 1988 k1500 and a LQ9 in the garage. Debating possible transmission options and wondering how the transmission and driveshaft will line up also the transmission crossmember relocation.
 

gstubbz

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4L60/NV3500 are the same length. The mounting points on the transmission are different between the two, but there are pre-drilled holes in the frame for the different locations of the crossmember.

Depending on the transmission, a manual has a 32 spline output (like a 4L80) and the 4L60 has a 27 spline output. I had to use a TH400 yoke with a Napa 448 u joint to join it to the aluminum driveshaft for a 10 bolt rear.

That's all I know for transmission options. I used the same driveshaft behind the nv3500 as I did with the 4L60, although the yoke doesn't go in as far on the nv3500 since I used a 4x4 yoke.
 

Jake88

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Thanks for the Info but I think I'm leaving towards and automatic.
 

df2x4

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Thanks for the Info but I think I'm leaving towards and automatic.

Then IMO there's really only one option for an LQ9, a 4L80E. The crossmember will need to be moved back, and you will need a transfer case input shaft adapter. There's a bunch of other odds and ends like a PCM tune, dipstick, etc. I have a thread about my 2WD 60E to 80E swap in progress, but yours will be a little different due to the 4WD platform. Here's an article to get you started.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/t...-1977-chevy-4l60e-to-4l80e-transmission-swap/
 
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All LQ9's came with either 4L60E or 4L65E stock for a little perspective on things. HP robbing 4L80E came in things like 3/4 and 1 ton trucks with high tow ratings. If a person is planning a lot of heavy towing then the 4L80E is the clear winner. I personally installed a 4L80E in my Jeep rock crawler, but I disagree that it's the only option. Just because the internet keeps repeating it doesn't make it true.
 

Jake88

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I believe I need a 2002 and up 4l80 because the motor is an 2002. I believe the transmissions is a direct mate up to the LQ9
 

df2x4

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GMT454

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I have a 1998 Silverado assembled in Ft Wayne, for mexican market, it had a 4.1 In line Six cylinder engine with a 4 speed manual, the gearbox has absoulutely no number in it and I can not know which box is it can you help? it came std with a Spicer diff (that seems to be a 3.45:1 for the little badge it has on it) I feel it is too undergeared, I now have a carb 454 o it and i barely hit 70 mph in 4th at around 3,000 rpm, can you help? waht trans do I have? and if i can find a posi version of this diff.
 
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