Thanks gmt400 for all your help! Build thread to come

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Brothajack93

I'm Awesome
Joined
Aug 21, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
165
Location
Canada
first of I want to thank the entirety of this site and everyone in it for a lot of the knowledge that I have acquired that has brought me to where I am now in my build (I’m still nowhere but I’m starting on a better platform which is progress). The advice you guys have given me, whether I liked it or not is what brewed in the back of my mind and manifested into this decision that I think you all will appreciate. That said though I believe some apologies are in order. @letitsnow already received his via thread but I owe one most to @618 Syndicate being a staple in this community and an all around helpful guy. Even after our words on my first thread as a member of this forum it’s the advice of that thread and the realization of how childish I truly acted that made the connection, research and much smarter decisions possible for the build I will be sharing with you guys and taking in knowledge/advice as well as gaining the hands on skills I’ve always wanted to have. Though it’s no excuse for my actions I’ve had some issues with mental health, always had them just managed them well and used them as a tool to succeed in many ways and will continue to. Hard for a “tough guy” like myself to admit there is a problem and seek help but I took a pretty high dive off the deep end and I knew after multiple years of the stress I was under it was time to accept it as I was failing on my own. Hyper fixating on building/restoring myself another gmt400 like the few I’ve had before has been something that has been a goal for me to focus on and an end game to look forward to and every step of the way I’ll guarantee I’ll have this community to thank for my progress. I’m sure I’ll never stop learning. Last thing I want to be is a problem in this community or this site. Syndicate was right when he said that attitude wouldn’t take me far here. We all hate that cocky 16-20 year old who buys a Chevy and acts like a know it all d-bag to the people who have lived that truck their whole lives. Though I truly am the latter of the two I can definitely see how I would seem like that and that’s just downright embarrassing for a 29 year old blue collar guy to act that way. I hope you guys accept my apologies and will be around throughout my progress. Advice is always appreciated and it’s some of the advice I hated that was the most helpful. But enough of my sob story I’m gonna jump into my build announcement now and give this novel a happy ending
In looking for a 14 bolt 6 lug rear end for the beyond help rust bucket I talked to a guy on and off for a couple days who said his boss had one kicking around the shop that he was going to throw a 6.5td in but was dreaming about having the time. Was gonna set something up to negotiate with boss man until the employee let it slip it was 4X4 so that was pretty much the end of that. I guess he’s a ford guy and only joined the local Chevy group to see what they were selling for. Boss offered him the truck and he also didn’t have time nor space so he declined but challenged his boss on sending it to scrap by showing the rising value and desire for these trucks. Flash forward a little while and the truck ends up posted and I think about where it all started and slowly start to accept my fate. It didn’t look bad given the state of most of the local trucks either but I’d already wasted my money on the c1500 rcsb so was going to buy southern (locally) to fix it. Well wouldn’t you know right as I was going to pull the trigger and put a down payment on a roller chassis and cab to start my build this beauty pops back up on my radar so I message him and ask why the truck is still kicking around. It didn’t seem like it was beyond repair and was priced more than fair with it being less patch panels involved than most here. Pretty sure the years it sat without an engine and not being plagued by salt helped significantly though standing water caused some corrosion in odd places. But the chassis is solid and cab floor not beyond repair. I went up under that sun ***** with a screwdriver and made sure of it this time! Like I said, knowledge even in my mistakes. But on to the truck
Truck is a k2500 sclb that was awaiting its donor drivetrain from an owner that didn’t have the time so it sat dormant for years with its original 5.7 pulled out already. 4l80e/np241 still chillin underneath though. Was never supposed to come with it but he was more than happy to throw it in for a guy who was more than happy to pay him what he was asking (was gonna talk him down had it not been there and offered though) and he wanted the truck gone. Anyone who was interested was in northern Ontario and was not about to make that trip for a roller that was anything but mint (look at a map of this province, you’ll understand when you see where the “big cities” are versus the north)…. Was a very pleasant experience and a painless interaction with no haggling required and both parties happy once I get out there this weekend or next with my cousins tow truck to bring her home. Also the rust bucket will still be salvaged to the fullest extent. Trans is getting dropped and will be sold with a “buyer beware” because I don’t believe with that level of neglect and crappy worksmanship that the PO sources a rebuilt transmission from a good source and watching all the transmission bench as much as I have lately has shown me what that gets ya. Engine will also be pulled and offered up for free to help out anyone who may be in a bind with their only vehicle being an old and beat up truck to help get them back on their feet. Even if it’s just a kid trying to start with something outside his budget. Hell I can relate to that as an adult lol. Interior will be stripped and kept for another project and painted a better colour of my taste (currently the very popular maroon) or offered to the south should they need any of it so if you guys need anything of those sorts let me know. Gonna get into a market of salvaging good interiors up here for you guys considering we take all your good body panels. Also got a brand new, never used delco front brake assembly that I did while I was in there replacing the rotted flex lines so I’ll post those up on marketplace but after that it’s going to scrap where I take the wheels off before I bid it farewell and move on to bigger and better projects. Just like I needed drilled in my head not every truck can be saved but salvage is still a good effort that I intend to make. If I can help someone and teach them what I learned the hard way and lend a hand then I will do my part.
This is getting way too long though so I’ll finish strong here. Got the rpo codes on the truck and I’m impressed with the work horse potential this truck has. 14 bolt 8 lug rear end with 4.10 gears along with other tow upgrades from factory, one being a camshaft in the 350(rip). Over the winter I intend to do overhauls of its components starting with the trans/t-case and rear axle assembly. At some point in this process I should be able to source either an lq4 or a high mile lq9 on the cheap through one of my very helpful guys cause I am still broke after all. Already got the trans I need to bolt right in so no driveshaft work necessary. Gonna start with learning the wiring and pcm flashing because that experience is important but will consider future Holley brains and HUD upgrade is being considered. I’m sure the whatever’s build thread that I’m only 30 pages into at this point will help that decision. Most of the people that have interacted with and helped me have a heavy presence in that thread too I’ve noticed. Body will be torn down, rust removed, patched and painted as well as the chassis in the spring and I’m sure all my not shock/spring suspension parts could get by with the same treatment and a bushing overhaul all around. Couple energy suspension packages and some pressing tools seems much more budget friendly. I will have some questions to ask about the best ways to go about some of these tasks from you guys and your perspective of experience for what I’m looking to get out of this build while keeping it budget and hopefully able to have everything I need to get it all together in a weeks vacation come spring and have my best truck yet along with the experience to build a better one next. I have the opportunity of a lifetime to possibly take a shop hand/apprentice job and learn even more hands on and do what I love with like minded people (mostly)…. Everything from towing, salvage to mechanical repair, body restoration, custom work and detailing. I will also be managing a social media for the shop because this guy deserves the attention for what he’s created from his passion and all his good deeds and crazy but original ideas. Don’t make too much fun of him for being a 99-06 guy though. I did warn him he’d have to stretch that window back about a decade with me around. Questions/concerns I want to talk about in regards to my current plans to come later. Build thread will also be started with current pictures I have of the truck. Try not to cringe too much though for a Canadian truck she’s a beaut. For now I give my fingers some rest. Just want to say thanks again for bearing with me and all your helpful advice. Glad to be a part of this community and for everyone who’s helped me learn and grow!
 

Brothajack93

I'm Awesome
Joined
Aug 21, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
165
Location
Canada
Alright so here goes for my questions/concerns and what I’m looking for in this build
-starting with the gear ratio… I know a lot of people use 3.73, is 4.10 going to be sufficient for a good tow/haul rig? Or should I swap those gears out while I’m rebuilding?
-I don’t want to get crazy on engine upgrades,I think the engine will probably have more than enough for what I need. Any subtle things I can do for durability and efficiency?
-4l80e is where I want to do the overkill upgrades. By that I mean I’d sooner build one that can handle 800hp when I only have 400-550 at best coming out of the 6.0. What are the best options for upgrades that you guys have found to keep it solid? Starting with the transmission bench rebuild kit that comes with the video lessons
I should add that I could be pulling mid size dump trailers full of shingles from a roof rip, half full of aggregates and if I get into the salvage game full size trucks as well
 

618 Syndicate

You won't...
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2020
Messages
6,601
Reaction score
15,455
Location
Southern Illinois
Apology accepted, now get to work realizing your dream.
A few suggestions: start a dedicated build thread and let all the other ones die. You've got multiple threads asking different questions and it's hard to keep up with information like that.
Be concise in your question posts. Sometimes you need to vent and that's a good thing, but I see some of your questions buried in long posts that some people aren't going to read.
Be patient. A quality build takes time or money, if you're not in a position to "just write the check" (most of us here aren't) then don't get in a hurry. Make sure your available funds are spent well.
Finally, stay the course. We all get discouraged, distracted, and whatever else. Keep moving forward, no matter how slow or small the progress is, it's still progress.
We're here to help.
 

Erik the Awful

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2019
Messages
7,610
Reaction score
15,519
Location
Choctaw, OK
Be patient. A quality build takes time or money, if you're not in a position to "just write the check" (most of us here aren't) then don't get in a hurry. Make sure your available funds are spent well.
+1 Make sure the bills are paid, then play. My $150 350 is still sitting, waiting to go to the machine shop. I'm not sure when I'll get the funds to build it. It's good to have cheap or nearly free projects you can work on while waiting for your expensive projects to move forward.
 

df2x4

4L60E Destroyer
Staff member
Super Moderator
Joined
Mar 1, 2012
Messages
11,154
Reaction score
12,677
Location
Missouri
-4l80e is where I want to do the overkill upgrades. By that I mean I’d sooner build one that can handle 800hp when I only have 400-550 at best coming out of the 6.0. What are the best options for upgrades that you guys have found to keep it solid? Starting with the transmission bench rebuild kit that comes with the video lessons

There are guys running 1K+ HP through junkyard 4L80Es, they're a very beefy trans in stock form. For your power goals... Throw a shift kit in it, run a good cooler, and call it a day.

If you use the TransGo HD2 shift kit, there's one step that you should probably avoid. Details on that at the top of this page:

https://sites.google.com/site/sloppywiki/everything-ls/4l80e-info
 

Brothajack93

I'm Awesome
Joined
Aug 21, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
165
Location
Canada
Apology accepted, now get to work realizing your dream.
A few suggestions: start a dedicated build thread and let all the other ones die. You've got multiple threads asking different questions and it's hard to keep up with information like that.
Be concise in your question posts. Sometimes you need to vent and that's a good thing, but I see some of your questions buried in long posts that some people aren't going to read.
Be patient. A quality build takes time or money, if you're not in a position to "just write the check" (most of us here aren't) then don't get in a hurry. Make sure your available funds are spent well.
Finally, stay the course. We all get discouraged, distracted, and whatever else. Keep moving forward, no matter how slow or small the progress is, it's still progress.
We're here to help.
100 percent and it was patience I didn’t even intentionally have and slowly giving up on the cab that was beyond gone that made the better and cheaper platform possible. I actually started the build thread already with a few of the pics I was sent before going to look at the truck just to start somewhere. I thought that there was no interaction in build threads though? Maybe my first lesson I should ask for here is knowing how to utilize the platform here. I’m not exactly the most tech savvy millennial
 

Brothajack93

I'm Awesome
Joined
Aug 21, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
165
Location
Canada
There are guys running 1K+ HP through junkyard 4L80Es, they're a very beefy trans in stock form. For your power goals... Throw a shift kit in it, run a good cooler, and call it a day.

If you use the TransGo HD2 shift kit, there's one step that you should probably avoid. Details on that at the top of this page:

https://sites.google.com/site/sloppywiki/everything-ls/4l80e-info
Yes! That’s the material I need. I see so much “throw every upgrade you can in” advice and though it may be good for some it’s not what I need. Peace of mind in having more than you need in the more sensitive part of the drivetrain is good but I definitely don’t need 1000hp trans mods for a barely more than stock 6.0
 

618 Syndicate

You won't...
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2020
Messages
6,601
Reaction score
15,455
Location
Southern Illinois
100 percent and it was patience I didn’t even intentionally have and slowly giving up on the cab that was beyond gone that made the better and cheaper platform possible. I actually started the build thread already with a few of the pics I was sent before going to look at the truck just to start somewhere. I thought that there was no interaction in build threads though? Maybe my first lesson I should ask for here is knowing how to utilize the platform here. I’m not exactly the most tech savvy millennial
You can start a thread in the Member Trucks section if you want feedback as you go, just try and limit your posts there to questions and progress on your build. Pictures are always a plus, especially if you need specific help.
Here's a link to mine:
 

Brothajack93

I'm Awesome
Joined
Aug 21, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
165
Location
Canada
+1 Make sure the bills are paid, then play. My $150 350 is still sitting, waiting to go to the machine shop. I'm not sure when I'll get the funds to build it. It's good to have cheap or nearly free projects you can work on while waiting for your expensive projects to move forward.
Yea I can only imagine what those guys must make for their machine investments, tools and vast knowledge of the engines as well as all their proper dimensions. To be a gear head is one thing but to be a gear head/machinist/electrical engineer/computer engineer is impressive. Cause really why would you take your engine to just a regular machinist unless he was a wizard with a home made jig and program to give you exactly what you’re looking for. I worked in a machine shop with exactly the technology and tools required to do that kind of work but I would never take an engine there and though I don’t know if he was ever asked but he probably wouldn’t have taken a job like that or he may have been doing it to his own. He had a couple of different storage yards full of gm and Chevy trucks of all ages and conditions
 

Brothajack93

I'm Awesome
Joined
Aug 21, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
165
Location
Canada
Ok quick update. I’m glad I got too tired and scrapped the idea of starting the build thread (in the right spot) and decided to wait until I picked up the truck to begin that journey and conversation on here. I definitely want it documented and shared in this community for many reasons and my own personal growth being one of them. The seller of the truck can not find the signed pink slip that he received with it. Doesn’t change the truck that I’m going to build it just changes the amount I pay for it and the process involved before I even take a wrench to it so there’s no point in starting a thread that will be dormant for a while. I did my research through my local registration office and it’s a lot of leg work but if you do it and detail it in an affidavit they will give you registration without issues. Considering where I live and the restorable condition that the truck is in it’s worth it for the 1/3 of the sale price that the seller and I agreed on being knocked off. Already purchased the used vehicle package to protect my ass from it being stolen or liened in anyway and that’s well worth the $20. Yea trying to track down and make contact with the last registered owner will suck but bigger trucks with 4wd run a premium around here and a budget platform in good shape to build off is worth the work involved. Giving the seller a week to find the ownership for full price or sell it for 2/3 of that being a slightly above scrap value to make it worth my headache. Can’t wait to be able to start the build thread though!
 
Top