01 LB7 SCSB Budget Build
 

Hello everyone, this thread is about my single cab short bed duramax budget build. I will be updating it as much as I can along the way. I would love ideas/suggestions along the way since I will be doing everything myself. Ive been a long time diesel enthusiast since my Dad and Uncle got me hooked on it at a young age. Ive always wanted to get more into the sport and actually start competing it just never seemed like the funds were there to be able to do it. Ive decided to just go for it and realized that it will take time to build to how I want it, especially since my wife and kid are obviously a higher priority. I picked a 2wd LB7 (federal emissons) single cab long bed up for $2800, the engine ran great and just needed a steering pump. The first picture is it on the trailer on the way home from picking it up:Attachment 71931

Somehow from only needing a steering pump I decided to convert it to a short bed while i was there :hehe: Second picture is with the long bed removed, sold it and was able to make a profit off of it and bought a nice but different color short bed:Attachment 71932

Here's a picture with the bed off: Attachment 71933[ATTACH]Attachment 71935[/ATTACH]

A couple things removed and the frame cut, My grandpa decided to sell his property and to move to a new property so he needed me to get my truck out of the shop. I welded the axle to the frame with a 3x3 square tubing just so I could move it to my house. I put the short bed on it just to see how it looked. Attachment 71936 Attachment 71937 Attachment 71938

Once it got home I installed the the Lower control arms from DJM (3 Inch Drop) and shocks. Also while I was there refreshed the front end with new parts. I dont have any pictures of the process since I had to get a new phone and lost pictures :doh:

I found where I wanted my ride height to be at and put the truck on jack stands. I cleaned up the frame for the most part (still needs a little love) and last night tacked in the metal plates and square tubing for the fuel cell. I have a buddy that is a welder and is 9 times out 10 everytime a better welder than me lol. Once I get everthing tacked into place he will come over and finish welding it up. Heres some pictures of the fuel cell sitting in place:
Attachment 71939 Attachment 71940 Attachment 71941

Tonights goal is to get the Airdog mounted and also the battery box :rockwoot:

Cool truck!
I'm used to seeing 2nd gen dodge tail frame sections. Those chevys look stout.

Cool. What's your initial goals for it?

Thanks! Ive had all cummins before this truck and so far im really happy with this one.

At some point want a hot street/drag truck. Still want to have fun around town in it but be able to run good times at the track as well. Im hoping that once its all together and with just a set of tunes will be low 13s if not high 12s. Then build the tranny and start with the fun upgrades (turbo, injectors, CP3, ETC.)

From experience, I can tell you that the 2wd frame is going to make the engine swap a pain in the butt. Starting with a 4x4 frame would've been an easier way to go. The rack and pinion X-member is in the way, and you cant do anything about it.
You'll either have to settle for the engine being a couple inches higher than you'd like (which might necessitate raising the body a couple inches too), or cut the oil pan down 2" or so to set the engine where it needs to go.
I believe the 4L80 trans swap X-member that fits the bolt-in mounts will work with the Allison, but I'm not 100% sure.
I finally gave up b/c of the hassle.

Good luck to you. :)

Tom, his appears to be a 4wd (stickers on long bed he removed) 2500HD (assumed bc 8 lug wheels) to start with. He's just cut it down to a short bed.

Tom, the truck is a 2wd but already has a duramax engine in it. its a 1500 bed but a 2500HD frame. The previous bed was off a 4wd that the previous owner installed. But thank you for the help! now I know not to try swapping a duramax into a 1500! Also, you work for UPS?

Mitch, thank you for clearing it up a little bit!

It swaps into a 1/2 ton 4x4 fairly easily but the 2wd has diff crossmember and steering making it a pain.

Goodmorning everyone!

Last night I welded in the airdog bracket and also the battery box. Tacked in the front Metal sheets to box in the front of the frame. Installed everything just to be able to take a picture because I was so excited :woohoo: Now tonight the plans are to start figuring out the 4-link kit and coilovers. Wish me luck! Im getting super excited since this has been about a 6 month project so far (Almost 2 months not being able to work on it due to weddings, honeymoon and vacations). Feels good to make progress!
Attachment 71951

:nail: Sheesh, I see where you say its a 2wd in your OP. Sorry about that.

No need to be sorry!

:doh: I saw "RC/SB" and immediately thought 1/2 ton. Good lord.

He's also putting a 12v in it? Ha

Cool truck, looking forward to following this one

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Attachment 71986Attachment 71987Attachment 71988

Last nights job was to get the axle tacked on so that I can start mocking up the 4-link and the coil overs. I got the pinion angle and the axle mounted exactly where I needed it (ride height). Took a while and measured probably 40 million times haha. I do need some advice though, who’s good at setting up coil overs? Where’s the best starting point adjusting wise?


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Finally coming together! I tacked in the coilovers and the crossmember last night. Also tacked in the 4link brackets on the axle. Im having to make custom brackets to attach to the crossmember with more holes to be able to adjust better.

On another note, I did run into a sticky situation. A buddy of mine gave me a 47RH 4wd for free because he wanted it out of his garage :rockwoot: I listed it for trade for a 4l80e 2wd transmission and will be meeting a guy this weekend to do the trade. I was going to wait to build the transmission, but since im having to get a custom driveshaft built (slip yoke built into driveshaft not on end) I feel like I would just be wasting money at that point. So Ive decided to just build the 4l80e transmission now. With that being said need to save up a little more to fully build the transmission how I want it. Im thinking about contacting Suncoast and seeing if they could build me a custom stall triple disc converter for it, but does anybody have any other recommendations?

Im getting really excited to get this thing done and hit the track!:tree:

Pictures: Attachment 72024 Attachment 72025 Attachment 72026

Your work is looking good!

I'm told Suncoast has done convertors for the 4L80e behind a duramax with high performance (750+hp) in mind. So that'd be a good call to make I'd think.

Thanks Mitch! I will give them a call and chat with them!

I’d also give Evan a call at Limitless Diesel. I believe he is working on some fancy 4l80e stuff behind some really hot Duramax trucks.

What fuel tank is that and how many gallons is it? I have an 03’ std cab 4x4 getting shortened in the garage.