Are my 4.3 V6 & 4L60E trans worth using as donors?

Kahn Strictor · 04-28-2008, 01:19 PM

Hey folks, new member here.....

I purchased a new 2WD S10 back in 94 and have maintained it religiously as
well as doing all of the mechanic work myself (so I know every single bolt that's ever been turned). Neither the trans or motor have ever been rebuilt, they currently have 145k miles on them and still run like a scalded dog...now on to my problem.

I was hit by a drunk driver and damn near all of the sheetmetal is totaled but the drivetrain and frame are fine. I want to save as much of the vehicle as I can but also want to be realistic as to if it's even worth the effort due to drivetrain life expectancy......here's the options I'm weighing:

1) Rebuild the truck with junkyard parts.

2) Transplant my drivetrain and interior into another 2WD pickup.

3) Transplant my drivetrain into a 4WD GM SUV or pickup. (Is my 2WD trans
even usable in a 4WD?)

4) Consider the whole project to be FUBAR and move on.

I appreciate everyones input, thanks in advance!

Wm

laydout97 · 04-28-2008, 01:55 PM

145k on a 4.3 is nothing. They are very reliable motors. IMO if the truck isnt worth fixing I would put the motor and tranny in another 2WD truck.

Yogi · 04-28-2008, 02:34 PM

First off, the 2wd tranny will not work in a 4wd without changing the output shaft and tailhousing - major work.

Rebuilding with used parts would be a major project, but you seem to have the skills. all you need are the time and the desire. If you can buy it for salvage from the insurance co., you could maybe make some money this way. Just have to weigh the cost of salvage plus used parts against what the ins. co. is willing to pay.

I wouldn't go to the trouble of putting your drivetrain in another truck, but that's just me.

Otherwise, option #4.

04-28-2008, 01:19 PM	#1
Kahn Strictor Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 15 Location: User is: OffLine	Are my 4.3 V6 & 4L60E trans worth using as donors? Hey folks, new member here..... I purchased a new 2WD S10 back in 94 and have maintained it religiously as well as doing all of the mechanic work myself (so I know every single bolt that's ever been turned). Neither the trans or motor have ever been rebuilt, they currently have 145k miles on them and still run like a scalded dog...now on to my problem. I was hit by a drunk driver and damn near all of the sheetmetal is totaled but the drivetrain and frame are fine. I want to save as much of the vehicle as I can but also want to be realistic as to if it's even worth the effort due to drivetrain life expectancy......here's the options I'm weighing: 1) Rebuild the truck with junkyard parts. 2) Transplant my drivetrain and interior into another 2WD pickup. 3) Transplant my drivetrain into a 4WD GM SUV or pickup. (Is my 2WD trans even usable in a 4WD?) 4) Consider the whole project to be FUBAR and move on. I appreciate everyones input, thanks in advance! Wm
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04-28-2008, 01:55 PM	#2
laydout97 getting shit done Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3,343 Location: Millbrook, AL User is: OffLine	Re: Are my 4.3 V6 & 4L60E trans worth using as donors? 145k on a 4.3 is nothing. They are very reliable motors. IMO if the truck isnt worth fixing I would put the motor and tranny in another 2WD truck.
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04-28-2008, 02:34 PM	#3
Yogi Registered (Ab) User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 4,107 Location: League City, TX (Houston) User is: OffLine	Re: Are my 4.3 V6 & 4L60E trans worth using as donors? First off, the 2wd tranny will not work in a 4wd without changing the output shaft and tailhousing - major work. Rebuilding with used parts would be a major project, but you seem to have the skills. all you need are the time and the desire. If you can buy it for salvage from the insurance co., you could maybe make some money this way. Just have to weigh the cost of salvage plus used parts against what the ins. co. is willing to pay. I wouldn't go to the trouble of putting your drivetrain in another truck, but that's just me. Otherwise, option #4.
	[Reply w/Quote]