First gen 5.3 swap.

s10-den · 05-20-2008, 08:18 PM

well, at least it does to the other half---

AmericanMuscle · 05-20-2008, 08:59 PM

thats a nice bench good to see it on the road

horsepwraddict · 05-26-2008, 09:14 AM

slight traction issues. I wanted to get video but had nobody around to do it. This was just matting it from a stop, and shifting second about 10 feet out, letting off at the driveway.

SoLowXtreme · 05-27-2008, 03:09 PM

sweet...def try & get a video

Jonce007 · 05-27-2008, 04:27 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by SoLowXtreme

sweet...def try & get a video

x2 - It would be cool to get one like v8powers Colorado SS where you drive over it and hear the exhaust then see nothing but smoke from the tires.

SoLowXtreme · 05-29-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Jonce007

It would be cool to get one like v8powers Colorado SS where you drive over it and hear the exhaust then see nothing but smoke from the tires.

x2...that be sweet

horsepwraddict · 06-02-2008, 11:04 PM

I just couldn't stand the leaf springs being pulled apart by the stock explorer spring perches so i pulled the rear end out today, cut them off and welded a new set on. Im replacing the axle seals tomorrow, and putting it back in after taking a leaf out so it doesn't sit so high in the rear.

s10-den · 06-03-2008, 03:17 PM

speaking of Addict, why does your truck sit so high in the rear?

horsepwraddict · 06-03-2008, 03:37 PM

I really dont know. The only thing i can think of is that they are brand new remanufactured springs and they are VERY stiff. A local spring company made them up, as with any generic (ish) aftermarket part, i dont expect it to be built to stock specs. I just pulled out the middle leaf, taking a quick break and going back out to put the rear in with only two leafs. I will get a picture up later.

generics10 · 06-03-2008, 08:03 PM

arent your perches on top instead of the bottom? that would lift it the height of your axle tube...

camaro1 · 06-03-2008, 09:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by generics10

arent your perches on top instead of the bottom? that would lift it the height of your axle tube...

look closer, his rear end is up-side-down,, the perch's are on the bottom

horsepwraddict · 06-04-2008, 12:09 AM

yup, put it upside down, measured the angle of the case and old perches with an inclinometer, cut the old ones off, placed the new ones on at the right angle and width, tacked them on, double checked and then finish welded....came out perfect.

horsepwraddict · 06-04-2008, 03:20 PM

it brought the back down considerably. Looks pretty good now but the rear end is pretty mushy. I can forsee wheel hop becoming an issue.

horsepwraddict · 07-23-2008, 03:02 PM

Well i just called a guy that races with us and set up a tenative appointment to get my rear end narrowed. Going to pull it out next week. Hopefully be able to do my motor mounts while the rear end is getting done and get the rear back in the first week of august. Then it 'should' be track ready.

im kind of getting that good feeling back, it had my bummed out for a while but this feels good to have a little money around and make some progress. Who knows maybe I will get motivated and do some other things that the truck needs.

horsepwraddict · 08-07-2008, 01:30 PM

just got my rear back from the shop. Had it straightened, narrowed and welded. Just need to put the gears back in and it should be as good as new.

also picked up these motor mounts to fix my sagging mounts in the truck.

V8Blaze · 08-07-2008, 05:24 PM

rear end looks good. And your the first person besides myself ive heard mention the "sagging" mounts, mine do it bad. Where did you get those at

horsepwraddict · 08-07-2008, 06:42 PM

I bought them from a member over on S-seriesforum that goes by the name of Boosted thrills.

95slabside · 08-07-2008, 11:46 PM

On your tubular A-Arms from Speedway Motors, which ones did you order? They do not have an s10 listing on their site.

I wonder if they have uppers and lowers for that awesome price! I need to fix my ball joints too and tutbular would be awesome!

The truck looks like a hell of a performer! Hopefully I can get my tail in gear on mine

95S

horsepwraddict · 08-08-2008, 11:02 AM

nope, they are not listed for an s10. They are listed under 'metric chassis' which is '78-'87 g-bodies. When I ordered mine they did not have lowers available but I heard they were working on them.

comgtsom · 08-09-2008, 12:32 PM

do the motor mount bolt right into the stock location. and how much were they. i need to replace mine. they look real nice too.

horsepwraddict · 08-10-2008, 10:07 AM

yup, they are built off the dimensions of a stock 2.8 mount. They bolt directly inplace of the old 2.8 mounts.

yates · 08-10-2008, 10:17 PM

I am just curious as to what rear end you used with this set up. I have a 5.3 out of a 99 and want to switch to disc brakes. What would you recommend?

horsepwraddict · 08-11-2008, 11:10 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by yates

I am just curious as to what rear end you used with this set up. I have a 5.3 out of a 99 and want to switch to disc brakes. What would you recommend?

Its a ford 8.8 out of an Explorer. If you want one with disc brakes you need to get one from a 1995 or later. Very strong rear end, they all come with good gear ratios, 31 spline axles and posi's.

5timedime · 08-11-2008, 01:48 PM

dude, i just read through the whole thread, and i've got to say congrats on the awesome project

at my work, we have an '02 and '04 GMC Sierra, both with extended cabs and longbeds, and both have the 5.3 "T" vin code engine. even in the big, long, heavy fullsize trucks, the 5.3 is just a haul-ass engine! i think you're gonna really enjoy that in your s-series.

only question i have that i didn't see an answer to was this: did you buy the new wheels and tires before you decided to swap in the 8.8 rearend or do you have a plan to make the wheels bolt up to the Ford axles somehow? just curious

anyways, keep up the quality work

horsepwraddict · 08-11-2008, 10:14 PM

Wheels weren't a factor when putting the rear end together. After I put it in I had a pair of wheels of my old ford ranger that I mounted my tires on. Later on I plan on getting a set of draglites for the truck, so I will just order the rears with the for pattern and the fronts with a chevy lug pattern.

5timedime · 08-13-2008, 02:13 PM

i'm sure you can't wait to get it all done! it'll be a sweet truck!

horsepwraddict · 08-19-2008, 05:51 PM

Mounts went in like cake. I drilled two holes in the passenger side to get at the bolts. I welded 1/4" thick washers in the holes when i was done...probably stronger than it was before LOL.

On the driver side i just used the existing hole from the fuel lines. They went in VERY easy and picked the motor up about 1/4". Ive yet to drive it but so far im very pleased.

horsepwraddict · 10-23-2008, 09:20 PM

rear end is POR-15'd and re-geared with a set of Motive 4.10's.

I put a set of Summit Star wheels on the back too. 15x10's with 5.5" backspacing and 275-50-15's, they fit extremely well with the narrowed 8.8. I put a set of used draglites on the front too. I like how it looks.

s10-den · 10-23-2008, 09:35 PM

oh man, I like them mounts!! I have been sayin all along about the sagging 2.8 mounts(some here, but alot some where else,lol)I just wonder how bad if any will the vibrations be?Did the motor sit in or about the same location/height?

horsepwraddict · 10-23-2008, 09:44 PM

The motor sits higher than it ever did with the 2.8 mounts i had in their, but it hasn't caused any clearance issues because its higher, if anything it made things that were 'a little close before...but OK' even better.

generics10 · 10-23-2008, 10:35 PM

Have you had that thing to the track yet?? How do you like it compared to the sbc??

horsepwraddict · 10-23-2008, 10:36 PM

no. i drove it once, the motor mount sagged and put the oil pan on the crossmember and i havn't driven it since.

05-20-2008, 08:18 PM	#201
s10-den takes 2 balls in our game Age: 36 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,283 Location: florida User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. well, at least it does to the other half---
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-20-2008, 08:59 PM	#202
AmericanMuscle its just greg Age: 22 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,068 Location: az User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. thats a nice bench good to see it on the road
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05-26-2008, 09:14 AM	#203
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. slight traction issues. I wanted to get video but had nobody around to do it. This was just matting it from a stop, and shifting second about 10 feet out, letting off at the driveway.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-27-2008, 03:09 PM	#204
SoLowXtreme JJ's Automotive Age: 27 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,314 Location: PITTSBURGH,PA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. sweet...def try & get a video
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-27-2008, 04:27 PM	#205
Jonce007 Registered User Age: 31 Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 197 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by SoLowXtreme sweet...def try & get a video x2 - It would be cool to get one like v8powers Colorado SS where you drive over it and hear the exhaust then see nothing but smoke from the tires.
	[Reply w/Quote]


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05-29-2008, 04:10 PM	#206
SoLowXtreme JJ's Automotive Age: 27 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,314 Location: PITTSBURGH,PA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by Jonce007 It would be cool to get one like v8powers Colorado SS where you drive over it and hear the exhaust then see nothing but smoke from the tires. x2...that be sweet
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-02-2008, 11:04 PM	#207
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. I just couldn't stand the leaf springs being pulled apart by the stock explorer spring perches so i pulled the rear end out today, cut them off and welded a new set on. Im replacing the axle seals tomorrow, and putting it back in after taking a leaf out so it doesn't sit so high in the rear.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-03-2008, 03:17 PM	#208
s10-den takes 2 balls in our game Age: 36 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,283 Location: florida User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. speaking of Addict, why does your truck sit so high in the rear?
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-03-2008, 03:37 PM	#209
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. I really dont know. The only thing i can think of is that they are brand new remanufactured springs and they are VERY stiff. A local spring company made them up, as with any generic (ish) aftermarket part, i dont expect it to be built to stock specs. I just pulled out the middle leaf, taking a quick break and going back out to put the rear in with only two leafs. I will get a picture up later.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-03-2008, 08:03 PM	#210
generics10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 172 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. arent your perches on top instead of the bottom? that would lift it the height of your axle tube...
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-03-2008, 09:15 PM	#211
camaro1 Registered User Age: 35 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 300 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by generics10 arent your perches on top instead of the bottom? that would lift it the height of your axle tube... look closer, his rear end is up-side-down,, the perch's are on the bottom
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-04-2008, 12:09 AM	#212
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. yup, put it upside down, measured the angle of the case and old perches with an inclinometer, cut the old ones off, placed the new ones on at the right angle and width, tacked them on, double checked and then finish welded....came out perfect.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-04-2008, 03:20 PM	#213
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. it brought the back down considerably. Looks pretty good now but the rear end is pretty mushy. I can forsee wheel hop becoming an issue.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-23-2008, 03:02 PM	#214
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Well i just called a guy that races with us and set up a tenative appointment to get my rear end narrowed. Going to pull it out next week. Hopefully be able to do my motor mounts while the rear end is getting done and get the rear back in the first week of august. Then it 'should' be track ready. im kind of getting that good feeling back, it had my bummed out for a while but this feels good to have a little money around and make some progress. Who knows maybe I will get motivated and do some other things that the truck needs.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-07-2008, 01:30 PM	#215
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. just got my rear back from the shop. Had it straightened, narrowed and welded. Just need to put the gears back in and it should be as good as new. also picked up these motor mounts to fix my sagging mounts in the truck.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-07-2008, 05:24 PM	#216
V8Blaze V8 with bags Age: 23 Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 2,093 Location: baton rouge, LA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. rear end looks good. And your the first person besides myself ive heard mention the "sagging" mounts, mine do it bad. Where did you get those at
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-07-2008, 06:42 PM	#217
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. I bought them from a member over on S-seriesforum that goes by the name of Boosted thrills.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-07-2008, 11:46 PM	#218
95slabside Still Mini Truckin' It Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 86 Location: 707 User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. On your tubular A-Arms from Speedway Motors, which ones did you order? They do not have an s10 listing on their site. I wonder if they have uppers and lowers for that awesome price! I need to fix my ball joints too and tutbular would be awesome! The truck looks like a hell of a performer! Hopefully I can get my tail in gear on mine 95S
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-08-2008, 11:02 AM	#219
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. nope, they are not listed for an s10. They are listed under 'metric chassis' which is '78-'87 g-bodies. When I ordered mine they did not have lowers available but I heard they were working on them.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-09-2008, 12:32 PM	#220
comgtsom Registered User Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 329 Location: richmond,va User is: Online	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. do the motor mount bolt right into the stock location. and how much were they. i need to replace mine. they look real nice too.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-10-2008, 10:07 AM	#221
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. yup, they are built off the dimensions of a stock 2.8 mount. They bolt directly inplace of the old 2.8 mounts.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-10-2008, 10:17 PM	#222
yates Registered User Age: 27 Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 29 Location: Iowa User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. I am just curious as to what rear end you used with this set up. I have a 5.3 out of a 99 and want to switch to disc brakes. What would you recommend?
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-11-2008, 11:10 AM	#223
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Quote: Originally Posted by yates I am just curious as to what rear end you used with this set up. I have a 5.3 out of a 99 and want to switch to disc brakes. What would you recommend? Its a ford 8.8 out of an Explorer. If you want one with disc brakes you need to get one from a 1995 or later. Very strong rear end, they all come with good gear ratios, 31 spline axles and posi's.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-11-2008, 01:48 PM	#224
5timedime simple man Age: 30 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,815 Location: Belmont, just west of Charlotte, NC User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. dude, i just read through the whole thread, and i've got to say congrats on the awesome project at my work, we have an '02 and '04 GMC Sierra, both with extended cabs and longbeds, and both have the 5.3 "T" vin code engine. even in the big, long, heavy fullsize trucks, the 5.3 is just a haul-ass engine! i think you're gonna really enjoy that in your s-series. only question i have that i didn't see an answer to was this: did you buy the new wheels and tires before you decided to swap in the 8.8 rearend or do you have a plan to make the wheels bolt up to the Ford axles somehow? just curious anyways, keep up the quality work
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-11-2008, 10:14 PM	#225
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Wheels weren't a factor when putting the rear end together. After I put it in I had a pair of wheels of my old ford ranger that I mounted my tires on. Later on I plan on getting a set of draglites for the truck, so I will just order the rears with the for pattern and the fronts with a chevy lug pattern.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-13-2008, 02:13 PM	#226
5timedime simple man Age: 30 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,815 Location: Belmont, just west of Charlotte, NC User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. i'm sure you can't wait to get it all done! it'll be a sweet truck!
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-19-2008, 05:51 PM	#227
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Mounts went in like cake. I drilled two holes in the passenger side to get at the bolts. I welded 1/4" thick washers in the holes when i was done...probably stronger than it was before LOL. On the driver side i just used the existing hole from the fuel lines. They went in VERY easy and picked the motor up about 1/4". Ive yet to drive it but so far im very pleased.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2008, 09:20 PM	#228
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. rear end is POR-15'd and re-geared with a set of Motive 4.10's. I put a set of Summit Star wheels on the back too. 15x10's with 5.5" backspacing and 275-50-15's, they fit extremely well with the narrowed 8.8. I put a set of used draglites on the front too. I like how it looks. Last edited by horsepwraddict : 10-23-2008 at 09:23 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2008, 09:35 PM	#229
s10-den takes 2 balls in our game Age: 36 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 3,283 Location: florida User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. oh man, I like them mounts!! I have been sayin all along about the sagging 2.8 mounts(some here, but alot some where else,lol)I just wonder how bad if any will the vibrations be?Did the motor sit in or about the same location/height?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2008, 09:44 PM	#230
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. The motor sits higher than it ever did with the 2.8 mounts i had in their, but it hasn't caused any clearance issues because its higher, if anything it made things that were 'a little close before...but OK' even better.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2008, 10:35 PM	#231
generics10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 172 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. Have you had that thing to the track yet?? How do you like it compared to the sbc??
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-23-2008, 10:36 PM	#232
horsepwraddict s10 newb Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 606 Location: Princeton MA User is: OffLine	Re: First gen 5.3 swap. no. i drove it once, the motor mount sagged and put the oil pan on the crossmember and i havn't driven it since.
	[Reply w/Quote]

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