Thoughts on this rig?

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The important thing to consider is will it pass safety and emissions tests where you live?
In a lot of states it wouldn't pass either one, so you'd never get it tagged.
 
If you can get a personal look at this and check it over (and drive it, obviously), it might be worth it. If the suspension has been done right, with good welds everywhere, nothing rigged, that alone would cost more than the purchase price to have someone do for you. Same thing with the engine--if everything works, the workmanship looks pretty good, the engine seems healthy, then you're saving a lot there, too. On the bumper, KidV, that's not an issue--he moved the radiator forward for clearance inside, and probably didn't want to block the airflow (that's a BIG issue with these swaps). 4runnin83, IF you can look at this, or at least get a LOT of photos (or a video, as the PO of my truck did), this may be worth the risk--these are expensive mods, and would cost you a ton to do, so if they're done halfway decent, you could be way ahead even at his asking price.

p.s. To me, the suspension would be the key--if that's done poorly, the truck is ruined. The engine swap check is simple--it either works or it doesn't, and you can see all the parts and how they were installed (except the engine internals, obviously). Also, get it up to temp and make sure it cools well. The body can be fixed, but make sure his rust issue didn't carry over into the frame and undercarriage too badly.
 
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BucknutBob said:
If you can get a personal look at this and check it over (and drive it, obviously), it might be worth it. If the suspension has been done right, with good welds everywhere, nothing rigged, that alone would cost more than the purchase price to have someone do for you. Same thing with the engine--if everything works, the workmanship looks pretty good, the engine seems healthy, then you're saving a lot there, too. On the bumper, KidV, that's not an issue--he moved the radiator forward for clearance inside, and probably didn't want to block the airflow (that's a BIG issue with these swaps). 4runnin83, IF you can look at this, or at least get a LOT of photos (or a video, as the PO of my truck did), this may be worth the risk--these are expensive mods, and would cost you a ton to do, so if they're done halfway decent, you could be way ahead even at his asking price.
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Thank you for the solid advice, hopefully I can check it out this weekend. I eventually want to put a 350 in mine, and this would save me a TON of time (as I'm sure youre familiar with) and money. I'll update you guys :)
 
BucknutBob said:
If you can get a personal look at this and check it over (and drive it, obviously), it might be worth it. If the suspension has been done right, with good welds everywhere, nothing rigged, that alone would cost more than the purchase price to have someone do for you. Same thing with the engine--if everything works, the workmanship looks pretty good, the engine seems healthy, then you're saving a lot there, too. On the bumper, KidV, that's not an issue--he moved the radiator forward for clearance inside, and probably didn't want to block the airflow (that's a BIG issue with these swaps). 4runnin83, IF you can look at this, or at least get a LOT of photos (or a video, as the PO of my truck did), this may be worth the risk--these are expensive mods, and would cost you a ton to do, so if they're done halfway decent, you could be way ahead even at his asking price.
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Maybe you know better than I do, but I see an Alaska truck being sold in Texas, with a huge body lift, a 350 swap, rusty fenders and no armor, undersize tires because he pulled the swampers off, and I think that just screams "mud truck". Too many alarm bells. If the PO is close maybe it's worth a look, but I'd go in expecting to come right back out.
 
Check again, 4R83--I added some things. Best of luck--that COULD be a fun truck if it's been done fairly well. PRIMARY POINT--do NOT get attached!!! Temper your excitement when you check it, or you'll miss important stuff.
 
KidVermicious said:
Maybe you know better than I do, but I see an Alaska truck being sold in Texas, with a huge body lift, a 350 swap, rusty fenders and no armor, undersize tires because he pulled the swampers off, and I think that just screams "mud truck". Too many alarm bells. If the PO is close maybe it's worth a look, but I'd go in expecting to come right back out.
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I agree with your caution, Kevin--this needs checked over before leaping in. There are a lot of areas that could kill this deal, so anyone looking at it must go in with reservations. On the other hand, it COULD be a great find, and a heck of a headstart on a killer trail rig, IF things have been done well on it.

p.s. I had to put a 3" body lift on mine, too, for engine clearance.
 
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Just looking at the pics, I feel no love. If you truly love your rig you will try and do things right. I'm with KV and BV, It just looks like hillbilly crap. I wouldn't go there unless I could get it for $2000 and use it as a parts rig to go on a far better platform rig.
 
OK here is my .02. First the radiator. Someone set the radiator way forward one reason being good, its possible to put a puller fan on it. another reason is they might not have wanted to switch to a short water pump and a sawz-all was a cheaper way to go. I cant really see but judging by how far forward the radiator is, the lower core support is probably cut out putting huge stress on the radiator. Judging by the pictures and where the engine is located I believe it is running more than a 3" body lift. It has an HEI distributor which are huge and either that engine is set very low in the frame rails or it has a big body lift. 350/350 combos are the easiest way to convert to a small block, all you need is the motor mounts and t-case adapter to set it in. No driveline modification is needed. I believe a lot of this build was taken on the short cut route. I would steer clear of this one. There is a lot that i cant see, due to the pictures but i think there is more wrong than right on this one.
 
Thank you guys again for the advice, your expertise is PHENOMENAL. By far the best forum I've ever been a part of. You guys really know your stuff. I appreciate it.
 
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