LS Swap your Squarebody! What to do first!

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

My good friend Carl has been building this killer K5 for several years now. What started as a mild build on half ton axles is now a fully built 1 ton axle equipped Blazer that he is in the process of dropping a built LQ4 engine into.
I know this has been a popular swap for years, and I have done several videos and how to's on this topic. For this video series I hope to get into the details for you guys and remove any doubts you might have had about your ability to tackle a project like this.
Check out my Patreon Account. I post behind the scenes, early uploads, Q and A and more. Help me keep the lights on and buying more shop and camera gear!
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Gear, merch, and parts all over on www.merricksgarage.com
If there is some item or product you saw in this video, it is more than likely to be found in either my Amazon Store or if it is a Milwaukee Tool over on Acme Tools
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Link to the seat bracket mounts for late model GM third row for your Blazer!
www.merricksgarage.com/new-pr...

Пікірлер: 102

  • @gabriell9289
    @gabriell92895 ай бұрын

    Been waiting for this type of video my man! Thank you 79 k10 4x4 Short Bed 350 //700R4 // NP241

  • @PracticalTacticalFedeli
    @PracticalTacticalFedeli Жыл бұрын

    I’m planning on doing this to my 91 KV2500 Suburban ..but I’m an total rookie when it comes to what to do-where to start -so here I am

  • @benjaminberan7645
    @benjaminberan7645 Жыл бұрын

    LQ4s are awesome. Loved my 1999 2500 with the 6.0l vortec. The 99-00 had the cast iron cylinder heads and certainly a great motor. Sold it to my buddy with 275k on the motor and he is still using the truck as a landscape work truck...probably close to 400k on the truck now.

  • @phillipchronister7035
    @phillipchronister7035 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing and doing this series. I'm working on my 87 K5 and your videos are really helping!

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Great to hear!

  • @shanewood9517
    @shanewood9517 Жыл бұрын

    Nice work!! Can’t wait to follow along

  • @fordmuscleluis9710
    @fordmuscleluis9710 Жыл бұрын

    I can't wait to see more videos of this project soon

  • @manuelruiz8105

    @manuelruiz8105

    Жыл бұрын

    My

  • @cjleon1104
    @cjleon1104 Жыл бұрын

    Looking fwd to this series!

  • @jekinneys
    @jekinneys2 ай бұрын

    I do the home made stifinners but also use them to route lines. Call them weight reduction holes, like in aircraft, Drop in grommets and you might not need to bolt any clamps/lines down. Clean look too and as you go you can make "panels" to cover the inner rails to help keep nature from damaging your vitals. Great video by the way.

  • @SuburbanDMV
    @SuburbanDMV Жыл бұрын

    I'm in the process of restomodding my 92 Suburban. Just yanked the 6.0 Vortec from a 2009 3500 van. Thanks for the video. I wanted to see how someone did an LS swap on a lifted squarebody. o7

  • @marcmmclellan
    @marcmmclellan Жыл бұрын

    We have a cabin in big bear. We go often and see you around.

  • @roadrageracing1449
    @roadrageracing144910 ай бұрын

    Any updated videos since this one? Doing the same exact swap and would love to have a step by step guide!!!

  • @stephenray6395
    @stephenray6395 Жыл бұрын

    Really looking forward to this series. I have an 89 K5 and my brother has a 91 we are looking to do some swaps on. Have either of y’all ever looked into using the Tejas motor mounts? Supposedly let you keep your factory transmission location, low mount AC, and stock oil pan. Seem to be used mainly in the 2wds but have heard of some success stories with 4wd as well.

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey there. I already have the ORD cross member and motor mounts, so staying with those. Also, I want to keep as much up travel due to having high steer and a ram assist setup, so I went with the Holley 302-2 pan vs an ORD big block engine cross member (or other) to keep the stock pan. I already limited (bump stopped) my up travel due to my ram contacting the cross member at full stuff.

  • @brothersblazers9966

    @brothersblazers9966

    Жыл бұрын

    I am definitely itching to get our swaps done!

  • @Kurnacopia
    @Kurnacopia Жыл бұрын

    FYI....In AZ, it is almost impossible to find a NP241 with a passenger side drop. Craigslist, junk yards, Facebook market....no one has a unit. Now, you can get them off eBay but for $3800.00 which I refuse to do. Does anyone reading this thread know a good source or anyone wanting to sell one without me having to mortgage my home? 1978 Chevy Scottsdale is what I have running a 4L60e. Thanks!!!

  • @aandpman
    @aandpman Жыл бұрын

    K5LFE... 73's from K5MWA ! Nice K5. Mine's an 88. 14bsf govloc, 10b front w/tru-trac, 700r4 built with Monster Tr. parts, tan/blk raptor paint... etc...

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    Sounds like a cool setup! I wanted to convert my 10b to 8 lug and go 14 bolt, but found a Dana 60 in Colorado when there at a steal, so down the rabbit hole I went…….

  • @aandpman

    @aandpman

    Жыл бұрын

    @@carlsandvik2893 Oddly, I retained the 6 lug pattern, using axle shafts for the 14sf out of a 2000ish Express Van (with bigger lugs). That also let me do a brake conversion up front to H3 Hummer 4 piston calipers. No more seized floating calipers and stops like a cat on carpet 🙂. To fit the brakes I went to 17" Black Rhino Arsenal alloy wheels. 18" would have been better, but 17's have worked out ok.

  • @CrankAddict
    @CrankAddict Жыл бұрын

    I'm hoping to get my LQ4 blazer on the road soon.

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    you are going to love it

  • @fastjp72
    @fastjp72 Жыл бұрын

    Only made for 2-1/2yrs with the electronic speed sensor 89-1/2-91, NP241C passenger drop transfer cases are not easy to come by, it took me 15yrs to get hold of one for my truck unless you want to pay a small fortune for one! Advanced adapters has a great kit for adding the electronic speed sensor on the transmission then you could use a less expensive easier to come by transfer case.

  • @trashbandit2449

    @trashbandit2449

    Жыл бұрын

    How can you tell its a 241c?

  • @fastjp72

    @fastjp72

    Жыл бұрын

    @@trashbandit2449 It will have a round tag on it that says NP241C & it will also have the electronic speed sensor in the tail shaft with a passenger side drop.

  • @trashbandit2449

    @trashbandit2449

    Жыл бұрын

    @@fastjp72 suppose that was fairly obvious but thank you. From the sounds of it I doubt I'll find one anyway haha

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    don't be so sure. I come across them fairly often. Look at Craigslist for a part out... Ive sold several over the years for around $400-$600. but, that said, there are other TC's that could be easier, cheaper and more plentiful.

  • @nicholasbrown7068

    @nicholasbrown7068

    Жыл бұрын

    My 89 K5 Jimmy must be an earlier one cause it has the mechanical speedo in the NP241. I live in the rust belt were it's nearly impossible to find any K5's sitting rotted out. Most people sold that stuff off around here in recent years for scrap money.

  • @NGZKI
    @NGZKI9 ай бұрын

    I want a manual transmission what are your recommendations? This question is for everyone

  • @austinedwards6509
    @austinedwards6509 Жыл бұрын

    I have a sm465 4 speed manual and NP 205 in my 84’ k5 . Would I be able to use this setup with an ls engine?

  • @crwallis2208
    @crwallis2208 Жыл бұрын

    With the holley term x dose it change the shift maps for low range like the oem computer?

  • @navinrjohnson5047
    @navinrjohnson50478 күн бұрын

    stumbled on this, promises to be a great series, don't see anymore vidoes however...is there a plan to complete the series or am i missing the videos?

  • @Sandhills_Coyote
    @Sandhills_Coyote4 ай бұрын

    I've watched this video a dozen times. Finally ready to pull the trigger but maybe I missed it here but what do you use for a Transmission crossmember? I'll be going 5.3/4l60e/Np241c in a half ton K10 (1983).

  • @bradleydunford725
    @bradleydunford7258 ай бұрын

    What motor mounts, headers, oil pan, trans crossmember do you have to run, thinking about doing a square body k10 with 6.0 and 4l80e thanks

  • @ghogman
    @ghogman5 ай бұрын

    Question. Will the LQ9 from a Hummer H2 work as a swap for a 72 Jimmy? Do you prefer the LQ4 or LQ9? For this vehicle? Is it possible to use the stock transfer case in the 72 with the LQ 4\9 if it comes with the transmission?

  • @matthewkraemer3945
    @matthewkraemer3945 Жыл бұрын

    Hey what fuel sending unit did you use on your k5 LS builds? I’m trying to run my lines up drivers side and looking at videos and sites spectrum # Fg17b has come up. I ordered one but nothing lines up great…

  • @emiliosilva7695
    @emiliosilva7695Ай бұрын

    I have a 1975 and want to do a LS swap with a 6.0 engine and 4L65 trans with a NP241C case but, how do you deal with having the old transfer case axel on the left hand side to install this the NP241C on the right hand side? no one has mention that, thanks for your answer on advance.

  • @ladonnamccann2293
    @ladonnamccann229310 ай бұрын

    i like this

  • @icebawkz
    @icebawkz Жыл бұрын

    Those sliders look perfect... you gotta vid on how you made them??

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I don’t have a video, sorry. 2x3x0.25 wall tube with 1.75x0.180 round tube. Just a small angle up on the round tube. 2x2 runners to the frame and then I tied them to my a and b pillars for the cage. They’ve been working great.

  • @korneliusthegrey4923
    @korneliusthegrey4923 Жыл бұрын

    What do you think about the L8T 6.6 Liter gas engine?

  • @WiiHunt95
    @WiiHunt95 Жыл бұрын

    What mileage do you get in yours?

  • @randymusik
    @randymusik Жыл бұрын

    You have to be a great mechanic to work on an LS

  • @bowtiebuilding

    @bowtiebuilding

    Жыл бұрын

    You have to be a great mechanics to work on a ford 😂

  • @larrywalden8296
    @larrywalden8296 Жыл бұрын

    On the 241c to LS LQ 4/9 will the older non 5 hole 241c tranny fit up to the LS, or is there an adapter needed for like the flex plate or another part for the geometry to work out? I have a 241c in my 1991 Burb I would like to use instead of sourcing another tranny. Appreciate the video, excited for this series as I am underway on the same build.

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I am pretty sure there is an adapter. Look into a slip yoke eliminator on that TC before you install though.

  • @scott3122
    @scott3122 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you again for your videos they are awesome and inspiring. I have one question what body bushings do you recommend for a k5

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I have had good luck with the Energy Suspension bushings.

  • @scott3122

    @scott3122

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MerricksGarage thank you sir will do

  • @78squarebodyjimmy10
    @78squarebodyjimmy105 ай бұрын

    Hello yall. Would you know if a NP 241c out of a 94 yukon will work ? Thanks yall

  • @Kinky-Performance
    @Kinky-Performance Жыл бұрын

    curious what did he do with the ac/ heat system? like he went from factory to what? I notice the blue and yellow caps and was curious because I'd like to get the big box out of the engine bay on mine.

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    I went vintage air. The old system never worked.

  • @kylewest100

    @kylewest100

    Жыл бұрын

    @@carlsandvik2893 let us know what you think of that system.

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    I’ve heard both good and bad reviews and I run a soft too 100%, so not expecting it to be like my daily, but better than nothing , for sure.

  • @truedeadman
    @truedeadman Жыл бұрын

    What did Carl paint the firewall with? Looking for something good for mine.

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    I used the ceramic Lizard Skin, it went on super nice.

  • @ladonnamccann2293
    @ladonnamccann229310 ай бұрын

    cool

  • @danjim7056
    @danjim7056 Жыл бұрын

    Do you really need a different crossmember? Feel like most builds don't even mention a cross member jjst buy mounts and it drops in.

  • @trashbandit2449
    @trashbandit2449 Жыл бұрын

    0:34 not suburban- only escalades came with the lq9 (or silverado SS's), unless it's an LQ4 then yukon denali or 3/4 ton? Edit- he addressed it. Oops

  • @Scottross93

    @Scottross93

    Жыл бұрын

    He incorrectly called an LQ9 a 6.2L though, which is a completely different generation of engine. Basically a 10:1 on LQ4/LQ9 prevalence

  • @trashbandit2449

    @trashbandit2449

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Scottross93 yeah he corrected it later. I think

  • @eduardg5619
    @eduardg5619 Жыл бұрын

    1st 😄 Nice content James.

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Legend!

  • @Marcus_Woodard
    @Marcus_Woodard Жыл бұрын

    The LQ9 is a LQ4 with flat top pistons.

  • @HectorHernandez-ns2zi
    @HectorHernandez-ns2zi Жыл бұрын

    I have an NP205, would it be a straight connect up to a 4L80. Or do I need adapters ?

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    I’m pretty sure no adapter is needed, not sure to be honest. I’m using an ORD doubler, so that serves as an adapter and clocking method.

  • @bowtiebuilding

    @bowtiebuilding

    Жыл бұрын

    There’s a guy on KZread who has a video on it. You can bolt the 4l80e up to it, theres an adapter for it on Amazon. It’s what I’m gonna do!

  • @chanteljoshplummer8745
    @chanteljoshplummer8745 Жыл бұрын

    What do you think about changing one of those LS's to a naturally aspirated block? I am thinking about it for a super simple build. Worth it?

  • @CrankAddict

    @CrankAddict

    Жыл бұрын

    It is cheaper to go with the factory fuel injection and computer. You won't gain any power with a carb. But it does make it more simple.

  • @TheeAbstractHero

    @TheeAbstractHero

    Жыл бұрын

    Waste of time, these MPFI systems are so basic.

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    to be honest, these are super simple already. I mean you only really have like 7 sensors you need to run (MAP, TPS, Crank, Cam, O2, H2O, Oil).... you can hide the coil packs if you want clean and you have a super simple reliable system

  • @chanteljoshplummer8745

    @chanteljoshplummer8745

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MerricksGarage thanks sir, I have had a 5.3 for a year now and it has been doing very well in my Brovalanch (avalanche).

  • @romeshter
    @romeshter Жыл бұрын

    Great video, you have a new sub! How can you make this conversion smog legal in CA.? Any help would be much appreciated.

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    You need to start with a smog exempt vehicle or swap everything from the donor vehicle

  • @ScottPlude
    @ScottPlude Жыл бұрын

    1. I want the stock motor. I live in SoCal so I gotta pass smog. I am hoping to find a rebuildable core that might get me 250hp and still keep the stock computer happy. 2. I am looking for stock rear spring hangers (at the rear bumper). I swapped to ORD shackle flip hangers but I am going a different direction now and bringin it back down. If anybody has stock spring hangers, Let me know!

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey Scott, look me up on Facebook or instagram and message me. I have it posted in Santa Barbara Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up (but chino hills).

  • @chrisglover7080
    @chrisglover70807 ай бұрын

    Lq9's were 06 and up

  • @eliforbes4842

    @eliforbes4842

    4 ай бұрын

    😂😂😂

  • @steelmill888
    @steelmill888 Жыл бұрын

    Why not use a manual 261 transfer case?I have one in my K20

  • @CrankAddict

    @CrankAddict

    Жыл бұрын

    Isn't that a driver's side drop with the independent front suspension? You would have to switch out your front axle at the minimum, maybe install a slip yoke eliminator driveshaft. Not sure. It would be more work than its worth.

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    Always wanted the 205 and front dig abilities along with rear lo only. Still have the electronic 261 from my burb, someone is going to want that 32 spline unit.

  • @ericsugalsku1826
    @ericsugalsku1826 Жыл бұрын

    Hi James. Where did Carol get those rear quarter panel armor?

  • @carlsandvik2893

    @carlsandvik2893

    Жыл бұрын

    Woods’ Off-road in San Marcos.

  • @ericsugalsku1826

    @ericsugalsku1826

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you 👍

  • @bestolcreeker2423
    @bestolcreeker2423 Жыл бұрын

    Can u guide us to a hands on video

  • @dixiemae5042
    @dixiemae5042 Жыл бұрын

    Sixth 👊🏻💪🏻

  • @armygreenfj3924
    @armygreenfj3924 Жыл бұрын

    It’s probably better getting the Holley EFI kit. It has instructions which makes it easier.

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    the Terminator X Max does make it pretty easy

  • @zachscott2604
    @zachscott26048 ай бұрын

    LQ9 is also a 6.0 not a 6.2

  • @Tonygarry78
    @Tonygarry78 Жыл бұрын

    What is 'l.s."?

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    LS is the Gen IV engine family from GM. The umbrella term for any GM V8 with a few exceptions

  • @Tonygarry78

    @Tonygarry78

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MerricksGarage savvy. Thank you

  • @ibfirehead
    @ibfirehead Жыл бұрын

    Did this guy say that you will alright in a chain driven transfer case ????😂😂😂😂😂 for what ? Going to the grocery store? Or pulling your boat from the boat ramp ? Must not be going too far off road .

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    I ran a chain drive 241 for years. Must not know what you are talking about.

  • @a.g.1202
    @a.g.1202 Жыл бұрын

    Tooooo much talking

  • @FredColberg-jk5yp
    @FredColberg-jk5yp8 ай бұрын

    Blah blah let's get wrenching. Leave the acting to the professionals. 😂😅

  • @shootermcgavin2819
    @shootermcgavin2819 Жыл бұрын

    All the sheep asked for it. Its just another overrated LS swap. Nothing exciting..

  • @MerricksGarage

    @MerricksGarage

    Жыл бұрын

    Yet here you are. Watching and commenting. Oh wait, but you are different.

  • @bigcountry9210
    @bigcountry9210 Жыл бұрын

    The old tbi 350 pulled so good at low rpm. Not fast, but a good truck engine. Im curious as to why you replace the crossmember, I've done a ton of these swaps, and never had a issue with this.

  • @patrickturner270

    @patrickturner270

    Жыл бұрын

    Me thinks that ORD might be a sponsor so he plugs their stuff when he can. Or he just does everything to the max. I take his suggestions as the best way to do things. I substitute when I can't afford the high end parts.

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