I have a 98 Chevy express 2500 that had a 6.5L TD in it. The heads cracked and I have decided to switch it over to gas. SO, I bought a 97 Savana 1500 with a 5.7L. Now the rear ends (rear differential) mount differently to the drive shaft and the trannies are also different.

I know the 2500 6.5LTD has a 4L80E trans and I think this '97 5.7L has 700R4 or something, the pan def looks different.

Now! Will the 4L80E bolt up to the 5.7L and can I still use the same driveshaft? If not, and I use what ever trans is bolted to 5.7L (700R4 I think) what do I have to do to the drive shaft to make it fit the 2500's rear end. The 98 2500 rear end (8 bolt wheels) uses just clamps over the u-joint bearing caps where the 1500 (5 bolt wheels i believe) uses a mounting plate on the u-joint to mount to the rear differential.

Thanks in advance,

 

I'm not sure if you want to do that. I believe the diesel uses a lower gear ratio rear end. Not sure if its going to be geared correctly for the gasser... might work that engine awfully hard. The diesel trans might be the same issue?


I do not have specific answers to your questions. If the diesel trans mounts to your engine.. then I say try it.