Allison 6sp: 4L85e to 6 sp Allison - What will it take?

[lotsofmiles]

I'm exploring the idea of taking the 4l85e out and putting in a 6sp allison.

A few questions,

what all would I need? allison, tcm, wiring, mounts and some beer.

would the wiring be a plugNplay or would I need a few rolls of elec tape?

would efi take care of all the programing issues?
would i need a new vin license?

what about the dash and gear selector?

Would I have to lift the van like the suburban? or could i cut the floor? it doesn't 'look' like there is any structural supports there.

swap/shorten the driveshaft?

anywhere i can find dimensions of both the ali and 4l85e?


any thoughts?


thanks

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

I would try and see if you can get ahold of pussow at the place. He swapped a van DMAX into his 87 or so pick-up and later on swapped out the 4L85E for an ALLISON. I'm sure he would know the major roadblocks and such that you would have to overcome to pull it off.

 

[dmaxx3500]

i don't think a allison will fit the tunnel of a van[too small]

 

[lotsofmiles]

I got a saw!

 

[Big Block 88]

Thats why god invented the sawzall

 

[lotsofmiles]

I think step 1 I'm gonna try to find a 2wd lbz alli.

If I get it and it looks like more than I want to do, I have it built for the truck:happy2:

 

[TheBac]

You could always add a 2" body lift to the van if its a close fit.

 

[lotsofmiles]

that how they do the suburban conversion right?

only problem is it wouldnt fit in the garage at home or the shop any more. i'd need a taller building.

hmmm, i think we have a winner!

if i do this right, lets see pull the van in, do a trans and lift, oh crap i cant get the van out guess i have to raise the roof and get a taller door.

 

[Mike L.]

This swap can be done mechanicaly without too much problem. Electronics might be a challenge. I am ready to help.

 

[lotsofmiles]

glad you're onboard!

 

[Fat_Robi]

that how they do the suburban conversion right?

only problem is it wouldnt fit in the garage at home or the shop any more. i'd need a taller building.

hmmm, i think we have a winner!

if i do this right, lets see pull the van in, do a trans and lift, oh crap i cant get the van out guess i have to raise the roof and get a taller door.

A 2 inch body lift and drop shackles/ drop the front end to compensate? Sounds odd but if it gets an alli into the van without making the garage door taller and butchering the tunnel it could be worth it.

 

[Jasondt2001]

that how they do the suburban conversion right?

only problem is it wouldnt fit in the garage at home or the shop any more. i'd need a taller building.

hmmm, i think we have a winner!

if i do this right, lets see pull the van in, do a trans and lift, oh crap i cant get the van out guess i have to raise the roof and get a taller door.

LOL - you overthink stuff - just let the air out of the tires, pull it out, use the compressor and you're out of the garage and on your way :rofl:

 

[THEFERMANATOR]

i don't think a allison will fit the tunnel of a van[too small]

They said the same thing about the DURAMAX/ALLISON combo in the older body style trucks as well, and I think I proved that wrong. And the DURAMAX/ALLISON will fit into the newer SUBURBAN's without a body lift, Eric the TDIGUY at the place proved that it would fit but the A/C compressor would hit the hood with the stock 01/02 A/C lines with the mufflers on them. That's the only reason he did the body lift on his was to increas hood clearance, I personally ran an old style hose assembly which gave me about 2 more inches of clearance.

 

[TheBac]

James, JPowell has a 2wd 6spd trans available. He may even have all the wiring,too. Great guy to deal with.

http://www.duramaxdiesels.com/forum/showthread.php?p=267943#post267943

 

[lotsofmiles]

thanks tom. i' ll look in to it.

nice change on the avatar too.

 

[Mike L.]

thanks tom. i' ll look in to it.

nice change on the avatar too.

Wonder if his wife agrees?:rofl:

 

[lotsofmiles]

thats why i always have the truck/van or the dog.:angel:

 

[lotsofmiles]

there is now a 6speed 2wd allison sitting in my garage

 

[JoshH]

What do you plan to do with the 4L85E?

 

[lotsofmiles]

dont know yet.

i might get the alli built and have it ready for the truck. i dont know how long these things last, and with 200+ on it now I'd feel pretty good knowing I have a built spare ready to go.