LSX/ LQX Drivetrain swap into CCLB 4X4 GMT400?

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Ok Guys,

I love these old trucks,

I'm looking at a couple crew cab long beds and considering buying to do a Lq4/9 swap

I have a couple questions:

If I find a complete drive train with trans/transfer case/ PCM/ Harness; can I likely tie it into the current 4x4 setup?

If I choose to use the existing transfer case and trans (4l80e) is it that much easier?

Thanks in advance

Dan
 
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Goals are for fully functioning 4x4, not a major crawler but a hunter and have some acreage that 4x4 is non negotiable.

Input appreciated
 

RDF1

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So you have a 2500 gmt400?

If so, Yea your easiest way would just swap engines. Keep your existing trans/xcase.


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Thanks for the reply. Actually a k3500 but same difference.

I’ve seen some full drive trains with pcm and matching transfer cases and isn’t know if using the whole setup would be easier.


I admittedly wouldn’t mind having an extra 2 gears with the 6l80 either.



Thanks for the response.


I find a ton about ls swaps but little about 4x4 applications.
 

RDF1

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Thanks for the reply. Actually a k3500 but same difference.

I’ve seen some full drive trains with pcm and matching transfer cases and isn’t know if using the whole setup would be easier.


I admittedly wouldn’t mind having an extra 2 gears with the 6l80 either.



Thanks for the response.


I find a ton about ls swaps but little about 4x4 applications.

Ah yea I see.
I think you would be better off with the xcase that's already in the truck since all the controls (manual/electronic) are already in place.

The 6 speed stuff is nice but they aggravate me when they are always shifting up and down all the time.

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Christian Steffen

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Ah yea I see.
I think you would be better off with the xcase that's already in the truck since all the controls (manual/electronic) are already in place.

The 6 speed stuff is nice but they aggravate me when they are always shifting up and down all the time.

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The tuning is quite a bit more advanced too lol at least my 2014 is anyway, pretty sure the gen 4 tranny tuning is similar. I do have mine to a point that I like it pretty well finally, at least as good as I think I can get it with the torque available from the l83.
 
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Thanks guys.

At this point I feel my best bet is to keep the old tranny and tcase and just use an ls/lq engine


I appreciate the input.
 

RDF1

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Will the newer computer run the old transmission?
If it's a 4L80E, yes. They are all the same electronics.

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JayMB

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To give you a more complete answer: Up to about '06 the trucks/vans from GM had Gen3 engines with 24x crank sensors and the PCM (powertrain control module) had two big flat plugs. Red & Blue for the earlier ones, Green & Blue for the later ones. These PCM's run both the engine and the transmission out of the one box. This system could have a cable throttle or an electronic throttle and always ran on all 8 cylinders. These are the better system for an OBS. The '01-02 PCMs with Red and Blue plugs with a cable throttle would work the best with your gauge cluster and cable throttle system. The 6.0L HD engine from this year range is called an LQ4.

'07+ Gen4 engines and transmissions can optionally have the 6 speed, but that's about the only improvement (and I think the 4L80 is better personally). They use an electric throttle, have two different computer boxes with one each for the engine and trans. 58x crank sensor and wheel is pressed onto the crank so you gotta take the whole engine apart to use a gen3 computer on a gen4 engine. Ligenfielder or somebody makes an adapter box for like $300 don't know if they're any good. If you want to use a gen4 engine, find a 6.0L van from '07-'09 because they mostly (all?) came with a 4L80, so they'll have an engine and trans computer (tcm) that can run your current trans. Dumb thing about Gen4 is they all use a BCM (body control module) to run all sorts of crap in the cab (part of the dash even I think) so making it work in your truck might be harder to do.

I'd keep your NP241/NP243/BW4401 t-case in your truck, it's better than what the newer trucks have.

Best possible combo would be a gen3 LQ4 with an 0411 PCM and a 4L80e with an NP241 or BW4401 with a stick on the floor. Or go to an ford NP205 if you want a better T-case. Good luck!
 
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