Hey guys, I bought an '86 R/C with no drivetrain in it and have a 440/auto out of a motorhome that I plan on installing. The trans has the short tailshaft. I want to put a NP205 set-up behind that. So I'm looking at '74 and earlier trucks for the divorced transfercase, crossmember, shafts, etc. Any advice, comments, or criticisms???

 

Not a terribly difficult swap. You'll have to notch the frame a little for exhaust and power steering pump pulley if you use the motor home ones, but otherwise, it's just relocating motor mounts and either denting the left valve cover or getting a small diameter brake booster.

That said, the motor home engines aren't exactly power houses. I plopped one in my 3,200 pound Aspen coupe, and while it's reasonably quick, it wont outrun an LS1 camaro and the like. Of course, I have 2.76 gears, so it runs to 110 in 2nd gear. But still, those RV powerplants were only 195 horse/330 ft/lb, IIRC. Very low compression units (7.5:1)

If you can afford it, it'd be well worth getting some decent pitons in there and a bit more cam.