need a question answered...

[jshawag12]

i'm not much of a mechanic other than the easy stuff...but i had some questions when my engine says good bye

i've got a 97 z71 1500 5.7

1. can i put an engine from a 2500 in there?

2. if yes to # 1 is it basically the same

3. what makes a truck able to tow more? the transmission, the rear end, the engine? or all of them working together?

4. my main question is basically if i can put a 2500 in my truck is everything basically in the same place and easy to hook up or are there lots of mods to it? i kind of assume that a rear end upgrade would probably help out too

 

[Nuke]

1. I am pretty sure.

2. same as 1.

3. trans, axle, gearing, suspension

4. I think it's mostly the same depending on the different options each truck has.

 

[Greg]

i'm not much of a mechanic other than the easy stuff...but i had some questions when my engine says good bye

i've got a 97 z71 1500 5.7

1. can i put an engine from a 2500 in there?

2. if yes to # 1 is it basically the same

3. what makes a truck able to tow more? the transmission, the rear end, the engine? or all of them working together?

4. my main question is basically if i can put a 2500 in my truck is everything basically in the same place and easy to hook up or are there lots of mods to it? i kind of assume that a rear end upgrade would probably help out too

They only thing that is the same between your truck right now and a 2500 is the body and possibly the rear axle if you have a 14 bolt.

1. I am pretty sure.

2. same as 1.

3. trans, axle, gearing, suspension

4. I think it's mostly the same depending on the different options each truck has.

Your best bet is to trade your truck for a 2500.

Differences -

1500 - 5.7L Vortec
2500 - 7.4L Vortec

1500 - 4L60E
2500 - 4L80E

1500 - 10 bolt rear
2500 - 14 (sf, but I have seen a few with full floating rears)

1500 - Frame - I think it's 6 or 7" tall.
2500 - 2" taller.

also - the 1500 and 2500 use different front control arms and i'm pretty sure different spindles as well because of the different frame heights.

also - different rear springs.

alot of things are different - front shocks, discs and calipers, hubs, tie rods, its just alot of headache.

 

[dirtyhick42]

Not all 2500s have 7.4s. Before I sold my 98 I considered buying the 5.7 out of my buddies wrecked 97 2500. It is pretty much direct plug and play and you will not notice any difference it is the same motor. This is assuming you are asking about the 5.7 2500s. The 7.4 on the other hand I have heard it is just easier to swap an lsx in there.

 

[Greg]

Not all 2500s have 7.4s. Before I sold my 98 I considered buying the 5.7 out of my buddies wrecked 97 2500. It is pretty much direct plug and play and you will not notice any difference it is the same motor. This is assuming you are asking about the 5.7 2500s. The 7.4 on the other hand I have heard it is just easier to swap an lsx in there.

well I was kind of speaking on the heavier end of the 2500s. I test drove a 99 2500 CCSB with the 5.7 and that truck was shot.

 

[97c1500]

I Know that the 3500 5.7 vortec was a lot beefier than than the 1500 version of it

 

[dirtyhick42]

I Know that the 3500 5.7 vortec was a lot beefier than than the 1500 version of it

Where are you getting this info from? The 350 in the 3500 is the same as the 1500. Maybe you drove two trucks with different gearing and different trannys but its the same old 5.7.

 

[94_C/1500]

1. The 350 in the 2500 is the same as the 1500. I think (not sure) the diesel 1500 is the same as the 2500 diesel. But the 2500 trucks were available with a 454.
2. Its only the same if you are wanting a 2500 350.
3. What makes it tow more? Everything. But the major things would be the strength of the suspension components and frame. The strength of the transmission and axles are also important. Engine power and gearing helps, but isn't as critical. You can replace your 350 with a 262 and the truck could still tow the same amount, it would just be slower at it.
4. What exactly are you planning to tow? And how often? The better 2500 trucks would have a full floating 14 bolt. The lighter duty 2500 trucks have a semi floating 14 bolt. Some 1500 trucks have a semi floating 14 bolt. Automatics in 1500s will have a 4L60E and 2500s will have a 4L80E. I couldn't tell you what the standards use for transmissions. I also don't know the transfercase differences. Depending on the 2500, it might share the same front end parts as a 3500.

I don't know what you plan on towing with this truck, but if you actually need a 2500 then you should get one. But if you just want to help your 1/2 ton pull a load, then get a semi floating 14 bolt (if you don't have one) and if you really need it, a 3/4 ton transmission. If you have an auto, that would be a 4L80E. Regearing your axles would help the truck, depending on your tire size, 3.73s or 4.10s would be a good choice. You might want to go lower, I wouldn't. And getting 2500 springs would help keep it from squatting as much ( I know the 2wd 6 lug 2500s have an extra spring and all of the springs are thicker, I'm sure the 4wd springs would be about the same). But remember, its still a half ton. If really want to modify this truck to be a 2500, then get a 2500 chassis and put your body on it.

 

[97c1500]

Where are you getting this info from? The 350 in the 3500 is the same as the 1500. Maybe you drove two trucks with different gearing and different trannys but its the same old 5.7.

My 350 in my garage is from a 3500 and the stock crank is 1010 steel and a 4 bolt main in other words it's a lot tougher look in to it
it has nothing to do with strength

 

[jshawag12]

not much more than a travel trailer....it was just kind of a hypothetical question and was just wondering as things went out if i could replace them with something from a 2500 or 3500....my brother has a travel trailer and its a gooseneck and about 25'-27' and i was just wondering what would help it out becuz it would probably be quite a bit of strain pulling it....probably better going with like a featherlight bumper pull....would a 4.10 rear end hurt the gas mileage?( i get about 12 in the city and 15-16 on the highway) is that what a 4L80E is ? or whats the difference in that and the 4L60E which is stock correct?