I'm working on what some may call a bastard project, other's may appreciate the vortec swap...

My intended driveline is: LQ4 - 04' NV3500 - NP241

I know my LQ4 has a traditional longer crank, and I've searched several sites (including here) for info as to what I must do to run a manual tranny (not a T56) behind this engine and have come across no clear answer. If someone can give me part numbers as to what I need, or info as to what donor vehicle I can get the flywheel etc from (5spd 6.0L's are RARE here) the info would be greatly appreciated.

My donor is a 99' GMC 2500, LQ4 - 4L80e - NP261



My rig is a 97' ranger....slightly modded.

 

....anybody?....

My guess is I just need to run the regular Gen III flywheel, but no spacer? Also, does $850 Can. sound like a bad deal for a new clutch kit with flywheel? GM wants that much money just for the flywheel......

 

you will need a spacer to run the tranny with the longer crank. that also is going to be a lot of stress on that tranny and they don't hold up well if beatin' if you take it easy you may get a few miles out of it though.

 

the Joe Gibbs S/C 4.8 was making about 390hp/425lb-ft & still used the NV3500, so i'd reckon it'll work (until he starts modding to make OMGWTFROFLBBQ power)

just make sure to get a good, strong clutch.

 

4 liter in the ranger?
6.0 is gonna be a world of difference. lmao

 

Don't have the answers to your questions, but I like the swap you're doing

 

Ya, it's an OHV 4.0L = 160hp @ 4200RPM/220ftlbs @ 2400RPM.

The 6.0L's in our company 2500HD's (01/02's) will break the tires loose on a 3rd-2nd down shift (4l80e) now that we have the torque management taken off..... Honestly, aside from a set of headers (mostly for fitment issues), some programming (make it work with my ranger gauges, remove all unneccessary stuff) and possibly a cam/ported aluminum heads later on I really don't see a need to really get into the motor as I should be over double the rated HP of the original v6. Oh, and the truck only weighs 4500lbs, and is fairly well geared (4.56's & 35's, going to 5.13's and 38's) so I hope I can make the tranny live.

I assumed with a longer crank I wouldn't need the spacer?

-andrew

 

PM jakebrake...cant remember the full name. Do a search.

If anyone would know it would be him. His 99 4.8 mated to the nv3500 also had the longer crank.

Also, you sure that ranger weighs 4500??? If so, damn. That's as much as my ext. cab fullsize weighs

 

Cough....4750lbs, as was.... I've since installed prerunner fenders and pulled the rear winch, and plan on lightening up a few other things but ya it's a heavy pig!

I'll look him up, thanks!

 

I might recommend using a NV4500 rather than your planned NV3500, I don't think strength will be an issue, but the NV4500 has a 5.61 first gear which will be a lot nicer for offroading. As far as the clutch I paid $600 for the Centerforce dual friction on my truck, and it came with a flywheel.

I believe that the NV4500 and NV3500 both have the same 1-1/8x10 input shaft so the clutch should be interchangeable.