Hey guys,

I've been here before with this type of questions, but I want to get as much info as I can before going through local (and not so local) j/y's for parts.

I am planning to take the T-56, aluminum driveshaft and the rear end from a 4th gen. Bolt it up to one of GM's crate engines (ZZ4, or 350 HO possibly). Should I only look for 93-97 models for these parts? or are all 4th gens good? Anyone know what made 98+ different from previous models?

Any other info you guys aware off that would be useful when I start looking for these things?

TIA

 

98+ will be used behind the ls1 engine, which uses a completely different clutch and throwout bearing setup.

www.car-part.com is your friend.

you'll be looking for 93-97. 94-97 is preferred if you want the .5:1 overdrive gear.

 

I guess I need to learn a lot more about this stuff. When you say "completely different clutch..." What does it boil down to when it comes to the tranny? It is still a T56, right? So same shape, overall dimensions? Different bolt pattern?

How would different clutch affect driveshaft or the rear end specs? Can any of these components be taken from later 4th gen?

www.car-part.com is my friend, but before I'd use it, I've created a list of every j/y (AFAIK) in ~120 mile radius from where I live , so I am going to start with those

Thanks

 

98+ off a f-body will not even bolt up to a traditional SBC. Totally different system. If you got one for a 98+ you would need a custom bellhousing and run the ls1 hydraulics which don't use a clutch fork but a hydraulic throwout bearing. Get a 94-97 t-56. They have better gears than the 93 and are stronger than the 98+. You will need new hydraulics.

 

Well, I guess that covers the tranny pretty well.

Is there anything special about driveshafts and rear ends that makes 98+ incompatible with 3rd gens?

My old engine was a V6 with a 5-speed. While I'm at it, should I get more parts (i.e. bell housing, clutch, flywheel) from the j/y? Or to be safe, should I install only new clutch? Bell housing most likely. Flywheel?

thanks guys

 

Driveshafts are 100% no mod bolt in for all model f-bodies except 82-84 (possible just 82-83, but not certain). Any driveshaft off a fourthgen will fit a 85+ (possibly 84+ as stated) thirdgen. The best one to grab is the 98+ LS1 3" aluminum driveshaft which also comes with a dampener and is lighter than the 2.75" Aluminum 1LE driveshaft.

 

Yup. Don't even bother with a LT1 driveshaft. They are not uch better than the ones found in 3rd gens. My 95 has a vibration at 85+mph with the cruddy stock steel shaft.

 

Thanks guys, so far I have:
- 93-97 T56
- 98+ 3" driveshaft
- Any 4th gen rear end? I did some searching and looks like just about any of them would fit. Can anyone confirm this?

I am still not sure about splines between all of these. I know what they are and I know they can be different, but I have no clue where you guys get the info. Will the engine connect to the tranny, tranny to driveshaft, driveshaft to rear end?

Should I look for any of those other parts when I go to the j/y?

 

any rear will work. the only mod you may need to do, is change the e-brake cables if you don't have PBR calipers. if you used a 98+ rear, i think (THINK) you need the entier e-brake cable from the car to make it work.. but the fittings and brake lines all fit with no problem. also, the wheels bolt on, except that if you use a 4th gen rear, you won't need any adapters for the rear wheels (if you use 4th gen wheels). if you use 3rd gen, you'll have wheels that stick out a little farther. no big deal. now, any 83 1/2-92 f-body can use the lt1/ls1 shaft, same splines and length. if you have an 82-83 1/2, you'll STILL be ok, since you'll be swapping the ENTIRE powertrain out.