I am trying to make my 81 pickup 4x4 into a pre-running bad ass. My plans are to put a small block 302 in to loose the front axle and make it a 2 wheel drive but putting a front end in from a tucoma or 85-89 pickup. After that put in a total chaos suspention and flaired fenders. So what im trying to get at is am i going the right way or is this to much to ask?? So if you have any pointers or advice im all ears!

 

sell your truck to someone who will actually use the 4 wheel drive and get a 86,87 2wd.. theres no use in killing a good truck like that..it will also give you a starting point for your long-travel setup and cure the need for a IFS swap to a SA truck if you go with that ford engine, youll be changing everything from the flywheel back.

i havent even gotten started on the frame either.. your vision of wanting it to be a 'badass' with a ponypusher under the hood is not possible without major frame mods for the 302. the best bet is a full tube frame if you really wanna jump it.


your looking at

engine price(and all the other related crap you have to buy to make that work)+tranny+driveline+rear end+linking of suspension+startup truck cost+chaos lift kit price+king shocks.. i know theres more i forgot too. ALSO if your not doing it yourself then double that price..