New guy with an 81 pickup and big plans...

[dropthattaco]

What's up fellas I'm from NM and picked up an 81 4x4 last summer. It was sitting for quite awhile, so I had to do quite a bit of work to it before it was driveable. Now, a cylinder head job, weber carb, new tires, radiator, and about 2 empty bottles of windex later, it's not a bad ride to tool around in. I'm hoping to do an engine swap (chevy 5.3l hopefully) soon to rid myself of the ungodly slow carbureted 22r, though. Hope to learn a lot and get to know you fellas while building a decent off-roader. Thanks for having me!!!

[93tonkatoy]

to land.

Start a build thread, and let us know how it goes, and what problems you run into, and we'll try to help wherever we can. 

[Rocksurfer]

to Marlin.

[DanS]

  to  from Ontario, Canada.
Older Toyota's rule 
DanS

[I.D.G.A.F]

what's up dude, sounds like were aiming for the same goal!

[Tallchevy]

2  land

[ninja turtle]

1st gens kick butt. welcome to marlin!!

[84socal]

 

[RK]

Welcome!

[80toy]

Welcome, 5.3L sound like a lot of fun, you get my vote!!!

[DeadlyPeace]

2  ville from Nol Cal

[shauns toy]

Sounds like a good build hope to see the pictures, Im also new but 

[dropthattaco]

Ok, here's a question, who has built a chevy v8 powered 1st gen around here? I need to know a couple of things: first, if I put in a v8, will I need to relocate the transfer case? Second, does anyone know if a 5.3l has the same bellhousing shape and bolt pattern as a 350?

[I.D.G.A.F]

Yes all Chevy small blocks have the same trans bolt pattern.  Are you going to use a Toyota trans or Chevy? that will determine  if you have to move your cases or not.

[dropthattaco]

Yes all Chevy small blocks have the same trans bolt pattern.  Are you going to use a Toyota trans or Chevy? that will determine  if you have to move your cases or not.

I would like to use the yota trans and case because it's the 5-speed, not the 4-speed. Does this mean I can keep the t-case where it is?
Oh and BTW, here she is:



This is the day I got it. Since then all I've changed (appearance-wise) is the tires, the driver's mirror, and put a camper shell on it. No pics of that stuff yet, though.