choochoo1996

Well here's the 4.3 vortec in the Comanche.....hope this link works...

Havent posted in a while on the swap.....Modified the t-case x-member , turns out the whole power train assembly is 7 inches longer then the 2.8 set up......extended front double cardan driveshaft from Comanche 6 inches....Lots of the harness plugs are the same making it quite easy to wire into comanche harness....stripped S-10 harness down to bear necessities to wire in comanche harness into it...BTW....S10 harness has the same mounting holes and screws as my Comanche....go figure....Cab fan plug ....same....sensors under steering column.....same....headlight plugs....same....flasher plugs....same..got a friend to wire the s10 into the comanche cluster.....he did it....Starter...same...Now to see if the S10 sending unit fits in the Comanche tank....I think it will....pics to come once I sort them out...

2.8 to 4.3 swap is a big job on an 86....should have went 3.4 but......custom everything and I mean everything......today I shortened the rear drive shaft 2 inches...moved the 2.8 rad forward 4 inches cause the 4.3 rad is to wide....sendind out the 2.8 rad for double maybe triple core....or electric fan.....not decided....front Drive shaft is another issue....wanna keep double cardan but must extend it 4 maybe 5 inches.....as for wiring....Have decided to gut the Comanche and insert 4.3 digital console cause of all the sensors......this decision was a long thought out process but seems to be the easiest way to go......updates on this to follow....Any inputs are welcome and appreciated please don't be shy..... :doh:

this is the 4.3 install and also pics of the 22 inch box shortening...

All I did was cut the box at the back of the rear spring mount, cut staight across including the X-frame where the spare mounts...And ahead of the rear lights and moved them forward....Capped off the spring mounts with 3/16 plate, Added 4x4x1/4 angle along the x-frameto attach the rear bumper....pics to come.....

Got my 33s installed this weekend....along with other mods.....pics to come

First of all it's no longer a 2.8.....I squeezed in a 4.3 vortex :thumbsup: ......Secondly....The top vid was at the Ottawa Valley Offroaders Twist off event....Third...Long arms are custom made from tractor trailer arms that I lenghtened to 36 inches.....

here's my story; I bought myself an 86 Comanche in 2002....2.8l....no floor....bald 225s....rotten rear fenders...that I red duct taped to keep the OPP away... Put new 31 BFG MT on it cause I was tired of getting stuck Front and Rear bumper were rotten....Installed 3 1/2 inch schedule 80 pipe..... Wheeled the truck for a few years like this till I killed the first 2.8....A year after the first transplant I rolled it...bought an 86 2WD with a 2.8....Didnt take much to reborn this ride... Transfer parts from the red Comanche to the Grey Comanche....Straighten out some panels....Lift it ....Modify it.....Test it...Paint it .. .. Test it some more.. ..Kill another 2.8.....Swap it.... So thats where I am at now

I have the complete set up for a 2.8 as I have done a 4.3 swap...The tranny is an AX5 and the t-case is 242...It all came out of my 86 Comanche...Tranny has external slave which I also have, plus the master it is all for sale....I live in northern Ontario...the 4.3 came with a 700r4 tranny and a 231 t-case which is a 5 bolt t-case where as the 242 is a 6 bolt...Also the clutch assembly is only about 1000 km old as the 2.8 has died.... the 4.3 set up is longer then the 2.8, therefore I need to shorten the rear DS and lenghten the front DS.. P.S. the 4.3 set up is the 1 with the breather on....

Hi all, I am in northern Ontario. 86 Comanche; 2.8 to 4.3 swap 8 inches skyjacker coils shocks and quick disconnects 36 inch adjustable lower control arms Adjustable upper control arms Extreme drop skyjacker pitman arm SOA 31-10.5 BFG MT....UPDATE SEPT 22, 2009........33-12.5-15 MICKEY THOMPSON BAJA CLAWS... 22 inch box shortened 1/8 plate floor pans

here's how the 2.8 came out

transfer case drop is not needed...just adjust rear pinion angle...

which end of the truck shakes the most front or rear....I had a track bar mount go bad on me and the front of the truck had a violent speed wobble up front, like it was going to throw me out of the cab...rebuilt track bar mount at frame and made it adjustable for alignment and problem went away...When I use to go over railroad tracks too fast....60 mph.....it headed for the rubbarb....track bar upgrade fixed that also...

I disagree on both replies, I ran 31s on my 86 and yes they do rub but only on the front inside fenders...I cut that out right at the tire instalation place with my grinder....ran it like that for a year and a half, before I lifted it..... check the cut I did on the front lower fender, that was before the lift....with that done tho it did help my approach angle alot....

Sorry I posted my last pics before I read my thread, but thx for the inpt guys...I6 don't fit in the 86,I had a hard enough time squeezing in this vortex...rad location is the same, 3/4 inch fan clearance....1/2 to 3/8 clearence around inside frame rails.....she is tight....custom exhaust will be work but Ill get it....keep you all posted....I GOT A FAWKING VORTEX IN MY COMANCHE..... :help: :clapping: :rotf:

well guys, the 4.3 is in but I would not do another...I did this cause complete donor vehicle was free...there is not much room in there but it fits.....rear drive shaft needs 2 be shortened, front needs to be lengthened....t-case cross member needs mods....motor mounts need mods....switching from a standard means tranny shifter mods and t-case linkage mods....yeah its a lot of work but I forking love it....anyone else have a 4.3 vortex in their COMANCHE... :huh???: ....no......case close......Lets rock.......Next mods.....Dana 44....

but I have the whole donor truck....complete....

Sounds worse then my Diesel 10 ton fork lift....anyway back to the swap....anybody ever tried it...

this is what my engine sounds like .......

Did I miss something....whats that mean....oops sorry....I just got it....No offence I hope....did it myself....shortened it 22 inches...I'm Canadian eh....lol

Luckily for me I work in a welding shop.....with access to alot of equipment....so fabing isnt a problem....what I would like to know is has this ever been attempted and if so where can I find a good write up on it...I have searched for months and found nothing but the same questions I have....So I guess I better document this well .....

Has anyone ever attempted a 2.8 to 4.3 vortex swap.....I recently was donated a 91 S-10 4X4.... with this power plant....My 2.8 is dying....we are talking 4.3.....700R4.......complete wiring harness....I need feed back on this soon......any thoughts....