the INDESTRUCTIBLE drivetrain swap for the COPO truck

The COPO truck is getting the ULTIMATE drivetrain upgrade. It's got an LSA supercharged 4.8, a killer AWD system, 4.30 gears, coilover suspension, and a massive weak link in the middle of it all in the form of the stock 4L60 transmission. So, it's time to swap it all out for somethings that's quite a bit stronger and should outlast the rest of the drivetrain.
DTR Fab Crossmembers for transmission swaps in Silverados and other cool stuff: / dtrfabllc
Atomic Fab Motor Mount Kit
atomicfabandpe...
Boost District LSA Supercharger
boostdistrict....
Modern Muscle Salvage for NV149 32-spline input shaft
/ modernmusclesalvage
#silverado #supercharged #awd

[@gtrider316]

COPO Truck is one of the nicest builds I have seen on any automotive channel to date. Legit all around beautiful truck.

[@LawrenceTolman]

thanks a ton, that's much appreciated!

[@coltengottschalk1049]

Umm go look at stangkiller performance ZL1500 you will easily change you’re mind.. I AM NOT knocking the copo truck by any means but you said nicest build you have ever seen on an automotive channel and I can’t let that slide. That trucks got over 100k into it and is beautiful. Paddle shifters, 800+ whp, full coil over front and rear, original paint job and interior. He also has built a second one that is red.

[@coltengottschalk1049]

Also forgot to mention the red one has over 1000whp and is also original paint and interior from 94

[@jakewade7388]

Agree!

[@stephenjenkins9599]

@@coltengottschalk1049 the red one originally had red interior and now it's gray...it's original style but not original to the truck...and a painted dash

[@tommoon2700]

We gotta protect LT at all cost, this man's a Gm Guinness 👍🤙🇺🇸💪

[@54inches]

And a genius!

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Genius and maybe a Guinness Record...

[@pfd1980]

🍻

[@mrhorspwer]

Not just any ice cream in the fridge: Drumsticks. Sticks are unbelievable.

[@Heffelz8]

I love your step by step instructional how-to approach. This is going to live on as great reference material for many people in the near and not so near future.

[@tommoon2700]

So many bad ass builds are going to be inspired bc of LT

[@alfredogarciajr40]

@@tommoon2700 ill be one of them.

[@LawrenceTolman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Heffelz8]

@@LawrenceTolman I’m rebuilding an 85 Datsun/Nissan 720 pickup with a 2.4l 4 cylinder and a 5 speed stick. Watching how you tackle issues + the tools you use gives me hope that when it’s done, it will be right. And if it’s not, I’ll keep wrenching till it’s my kind of perfect.

[@jradish]

@@Heffelz8 that's the spirit man

[@codylapoint]

FYI, most 120v air compressors have terminals inside the pecker head for 240v. You just need to switch a few spade connectors around. It will use less electricity wired that way, will run better, and won't trip breakers all the time. You can look up the wire schematics for your motor online if they are not inside the motor already.

[@teaguegearhart9851]

New plate install was smooth. Stronger and better. Got to like that. Plus an ice cream break to boot.

[@markszczepaniak5888]

LT you have shown GM missed the boat ride, they should of built a factory truck similar to this, it would of sold well and would of been the talk of the town. Thankyou for the video.

[@Brainstangs]

Stock 01-06 DMax front driveshaft drops right in. 20 bucks at the yard. I’ve hit it with 1600 whp no issues.

[@LawrenceTolman]

great option there for sure

[@snooka2484]

Yup. I'm in a dead silent garage right now with a cup a coffee and all what I hear is ringing. I definitely paid the price. I need a fan or some other white noise on to fall asleep. Protect those ears!

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

I have both tinnitus and carpal tunnel syndrome on both sides and it is no fun at all. I waited too long to get the carpal release surgery in both wrists and because of that my gripping strength is gone. Better to look goofy or whatever than be an idiot like myself. I'm only 52 and need three more surgeries which includes the other hip replacement which is bad genetics with a life of hard work and harder play so take care of yourselves as it can be as quick as waking up in excruciating pain that only goes away with the help of a surgeon. My apologies for the book but this is a serious subject. Peace

[@RyanMangan]

This is one of the cleanest builds I’ve ever seen.

[@LawrenceTolman]

thanks a ton!

[@b.s.adventures9421]

That’s the great thing bout Gm. This goes with that from a large year spread.

[@nicholasgolde8687]

Wish I known there was a seal driver yesterday!!! Was doing the front output t-case seal on my LMM and it took me 5 hours and hot red sun-burned legs later to finally get it done. 10/10 won't recommend unless you're rebuilding the T-case!! Thats the end of my rant lol. COPO Truck is coming out awesome!! Might do a similar drivetrain setup on my 07 Avalanche, but stick with the 246 T-case with the 4l80. Also grabbed an 8.1 Vortec for my Mother and I's 71 Camaro Pro-street project. Can't wait to get that on the road too!!

[@LawrenceTolman]

sounds like a fun project! I'd hate to remove that seal without taking apart the transfer case, that would be no fun

[@dano4572]

Thank you for sharing!!! Great build

[@bluecollarhotrods9781]

I'll be curious to see what works for driveshafts, my 2WD truck only required a different yoke after the 80E swap. And I have heard that a stock 2500 front shaft works for 4WD. Also, love the DTR stuff. I have his transmission mount in my 2001 2WD truck, his design is superior to others IMO - gave me tons of room when routing the exhaust system.

[@jeffkohnzart]

I have the same question on the front shaft! Rear is definitely going to need to be shortened.

[@coolHandLuke5150]

I use to use a 4.5 for everything. Alway had 4 handy, skinny disc, hard disc, flap and wire. The last use years i hand myself like the fit and finish of a file and a deburing tool.

[@SyTySpeedShop]

I’m surprised you didn’t do the poly trans mount as well. Cant wait to see how it runs with the 80e. Would be nice to see some dyno pulls to see how the RWHP compares to the 60e RWHP numbers.

[@jackstoepfer1494]

Awesome! I’m 4l80 np208 swapping my rig right now too

[@reddevilent.1587]

I got the same head light from night buddy! It's a good product !!

[@atomic178]

Glad you like the mounts and the truck is coming along nicely! I am not sure if you mentioned it but the dipstick tube is different for the 80e vs the 60e . The actual dipstick is the same, just the tube is different. It is a great idea to actual calibrate your dipstick to your "true full" level on your transmission where your builder wants it, typically 1/8" above the pan rail by drilling a hole or scribing a new line. Fluid starving the 80e is a common source of transmission problems in the 80e since the pickup is in the front of the pan. Lastly, if you notch that middle crossmember in front of the gas tank you can drop the tcase and trans together instead of having to separate them first.

[@LawrenceTolman]

yup, great point worth touching on for sure. I showed the steps back when I rebuilt the trans, and the factory marks were about 3/4" too low

[@prevost8686]

I’m 54 and I used to work on the floor replacing transmissions and doing engines. Now I’m in daily constant pain and see a neurologist every month that I live. If you’ve got to sell something to buy yourself a lift do it. You won’t regret it when you are my age. Not preaching to you. Just hate for anyone to have to go through what I am.

[@hugieflhr03]

I’m 54 also and LT will know what we mean soon! We can do it but we really don’t want too! LOL

[@jimmykingjr5719]

Absolutely the best (not AWD)...lol... awd on KZbin. Keep up the grind LT

[@LawrenceTolman]

Appreciate it!!

[@jberkhimer]

That opening line... exactly why Mighty Car Mods tagged their "First.. jack up your car."

[@daltondavis0668]

I cringed at 10:25 because I for some reason thought your finger was in the path of the jack going down 🤣

[@citylimitsbassin]

A mini split ac unit would help on those hot days. Great content

[@kenswitzer4133]

I have never heard of this. Can you share a site with me? Thanks much👍👍👍✌️✌️👌

[@VATION3RD]

I've been thinking about pulling the sheetrock out of ceiling in my garage and putting a pole lift in there it'll give me enough room to lift it up High Enough with a vaulted ceiling

[@richbon9904]

My go to is the GM turbo 400 and NP205 with fixed yokes

[@LawrenceTolman]

also great choices!

[@steveh4837]

LT, you’ve got to put AC in that garage. Given the hours your spend out there and the increase in the productivity you’d gain from it, it’d be worth every penny. It’d be a business expense since you’re doing your work for the channel in there. I did that to my garage last year and put in a two ton mini split. This weekend I washed my motorcycle in a 75 degree garage while it was 102 outside here in Houston.

[@rickcotter8275]

I enjoy your channel because you do real work, not a bunch of bull s%it.

[@LawrenceTolman]

appreciated!

[@jakewade7388]

Please show what wiring changes need to be done when swapping from a 60 to a 80.

[@LawrenceTolman]

yup, plan on doing that in one of the next videos

[@shtboxyj8406]

Remove the trans pan and check the proper fill height for the dipstick. Otherwise. Love this build. A definite ripper!

[@LawrenceTolman]

yup, we covered that when we had the trans apart for the rebuild/shift kit. my stock mark was an inch low

[@shtboxyj8406]

@@LawrenceTolman gotcha. I skipped that video. Done a few 4l80e already.

[@danbrayton7031]

You definitely need to do some 1/4 mile runs with nothing changed but the transmission to see how much slower it is. According to everyone on the internet, that 4l80e should be a ton slower than the 4l60e. It would be cool to prove or disprove how the seemingly much worse 1st gear ratio and the claim that it takes a lot more power to spin than a 4l60 affect acceleration.

[@LawrenceTolman]

well, we have the data from the "before" runs so we will def. get some data after the trans swap

[@deanm4138]

That truck is sweet! Definitely built the way I like it as well with all factory parts. Can’t believe it’s been a year already I’ve been subscribed pretty much from the beginning and have watched this particular build from the day you picked it up , it’s been very cool LT can’t wait to see what the motor plans are for it

[@alexduke5402]

I just did a 4l80 swap on my 02. i strongly dislike transmission swaps. The trans swap was a success i swapped in the 2500 radiator with a summit racing fan trans cooler. The 3 trans tunes i loaded seen really lazy shifting. It works good if i drive like a Grandma but getting in it, it takes way too long to shift.

[@lamarw9901]

I'd love to see a NNBS brake swap if it works with the 4wd/AWD knuckle, and it'd be great in the start stop challenge.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

You can put the 2019+ Brakes on GMT800

[@deejay5411]

Love the content keep it coming

[@parkerbethke]

Make the chrome on the copo truck black! Wheels and headlights !

[@Jaribm]

Strongest 4 speed gm built. Idk how many passes I have on my stock rebuilt 4l80e but on 9psi something snapped thinking input shaft 😂

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Read up on the specs of each, they arent far apart in torque, best to always build up any transmission when going beyond stock. 60 means up to 6000 gvwr, 80 is 8000 gvwr

[@gocart09]

Come on Bendpak sponsor this guy already

[@chandlerlofton6536]

I think I’m going to try those motor mounts. I just got my 408 dropped in my regular cab and my headers are making contact with the floor under hard acceleration. It sounds terrible! Maybe the stiffer mounts will fix it.

[@LawrenceTolman]

They def hood the engine in place better than stock

[@xozindustries7451]

I’ve always wanted to put that drivetrain into a short bed S10

[@blazerteam]

Is it worth it?.How much weight would be tossed,compared to better parts availability?.

[@theperson7718]

Is that 750 to 800 HP with AWD or just RWD? cause you get alot more drive train stress with AWD as apposed to RWD were some of the torque of the engine is re-leaved in the form of rear wheel slipping that won't happen as much in an AWD setup like yours and might lower that HP and torque number that that trans can handle.

[@gilhernandez605]

2 words - T E X A S SPEED!!!!!!!!

[@johnfaubion7720]

Use the bolts down thru the bracket and use flange nuts on the pan. That way you find have to take the bracket of just to change fluid and filler.

[@stephanouellet3673]

nice job,just to know,why do you dont put urethane transmission mount 3.1108R Energy Suspension for exemple,no more transfert case swing

[@Funtimes670]

If you ran the longer bolts for the shift linkage down and put the nuts on bottom wouldn’t that make it easier for trans maintenance in the future?

[@LawrenceTolman]

maybe, but I think I'd have to remove the shift bracket either way to drop the pan, so it wouldn't make a huge difference I think...

[@prevost8686]

Good to know that someone makes better engine mounts. Lord knows that the factory GM units are a steaming pile of organic fertilizer.

[@LawrenceTolman]

yup! these atomic ones are pretty solid

[@noonergarage4114]

No doubt! Protect those ears! I've got tinnitus from my car stereo days back in the early 90's. It isn't fun now, but sure was back then. Great series on the COPO! Love that truck!

[@terrybaltimore1542]

Will be interesting to see if the different first gear ratio is going to affect how the truck launches...

[@LawrenceTolman]

I know, I'm excited to do another run to do a comparison

[@sogood4u489]

Love the COPO build so much more future potential, I think its about time you get a proper intro for the videos I'm sure it would be a fun process to make.

[@jamesmalloy9626]

Ratchet n pull type straps are awesome for trans,transfers, or rear ends removal or installs… Especially when you work alone….

[@ashtonmariefranklin725]

The 4L75-R is the strongest 4l60E based transmission by GM performance. Designed to handle the power of the GM 632ci big block crate engine. The 4l85E is stronger then the 4l80E.

[@stutterpunk9573]

Pro tip: get a diamond cutoff wheel. They're like $25, they'll last you at least a year, they don't throw that nasty dust into the air, and they're not prone to exploding.

[@mannyr.2756]

You may know this already but your viewers may not although you put a really good and strong 4l80 Transmission in, you might notice that the truck won't initially accelerate as quick as if when you had the 4 L 60 in, and that will be primarily because the 4l60 has a 306 first gear while the 4l80 has a 248 first gear, and man those 4l80 transmission are stupid heavy anyway enjoy.

[@LawrenceTolman]

very valid point. we're gonna be doing some 0-60 tests after the conversion to see how badly the gearing affected the acceleration

[@chuckschob107]

Put a lift in there they make overhead low ceiling lifts…..better get a wix filter

[@mauricecooper176]

At least you had a Jack when I was young My punishment was to change the transmission myself On the ground with no Jack

[@332ARA]

I have a 2003 z71. Np261/4l60e. If I swapped to a 4l80e, would I have to change drive shaft length? What is the rough list of parts?

[@ntme9]

Have you ever heard of anyone taking a single cab short bed, doing a frame chop and swapping in a 5 ft bed off a double cab?

[@LawrenceTolman]

there is a guy on IG who did that with a single cab Duramax and made a super shorty

[@blazerteam]

I think the Tahoe frame has a shorter wheelbase,and also no leaf suspension in the rear..Also,by using a 07-Escalade or Denali frame,you will get a better rear axle and front suspension

[@UncleMike1776]

6.2 swap or 7.0 in the future?

[@brianbailey5720]

Love this build I was so excited to see you use the 4.8 now I'm a little sorry you didn't use a 6.0 since I now know the power #s from the 4.8 do you think using the same parts on the 6.0 would have made much more power?

[@LotsOfPaypa]

Yes

[@swappedoutZ71]

More tq

[@Hard_Right]

As someone who is much older than you, that is not how hearing damage works ! Excessive loud noises for a long time make your hearing LESS sensitive so that you just can’t hear anything anymore! Don’t believe me? Ask my wife how annoyed she gets every time I say HUH??

[@EricErnst]

I wear hearing protection all of the time. I have tinnitus (ringing) in both ears from when I was young and dumb. Don't let anyone shame you into going without. It's not their hearing that's on the line. Sane goes for safety glasses. You only have 2 eyes. Instead of sunglasses, I wear safety glasses nearly any time I walk out the door at home. If they're not on my eyes, they're on top of my head. I've always got them handy.

[@ThaKillahB]

Enjoying your videos, but to say the 4l80e is indestructible is an egregious lie 😂 once you develop a hard first-second shift, soft second-third with a fourth that's on holidays you will change the video title

[@kendanielson7204]

You know there is a rule that if it's over 75* you MUST have ice cream.... It's a RULE!!

[@jeromeirving4770]

I highly recommend you get a max jack lift. So that way when not in use. It can go into a corner

[@chris85mora]

I’ve got a 2002 Escalade swb with the 6.0 AWD it’s tempting to do a 4l80 swap on it. I never new that you could mate one to the AWD case. I’ll definitely be watching these videos thoroughly

[@Geoffreys-adventures]

When you going to build a lifted truck?

[@justinhiner3782]

Your awesome great content and great tips. I hope you can keep doing this for years too come.

[@jimmysmith8881]

I can't find your email I have some questions about my 2003 s10 truck maybe you can help me

[@Scandalous3pedals]

Nice to see you using atomic fab mounts. Richard makes good stuff.

[@Xanatost]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to rebuild the 4l60 with upgraded parts?

[@shadowopsairman1583]

For all of the additional fab work that would have made more sense or just build up a 6L90

[@jesseogden7683]

Love the channel, brings back memories of Saturday morning powerblock.

[@LawrenceTolman]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@scotthultin7769]

Who estates trying to take away the ability to drive vehicles because they want allow gasoline emissions in their state no more why don't you build a hydrogen generator and sell it to us viewers so we can fix our cars so we don't have to buy gasoline anymore and still have as much power if not more with the hydrogen vapor will be able to get out of water

[@sam_s_]

Who would give a hard time about hearing protection in any situation? What a bunch of clowns.

[@paullutherborrow637]

Coming together nicely LT ! What about a 50-100hp shot down its throat before you go bigger cubes ?

[@LawrenceTolman]

the main thing I plan on doing are cooling mods for the blower (bigger pump, reservoir, and heat exchanger) and an 8 rib blower drive with an overdriven lower balancer pulley

[@robin_db7788]

Would it difficult to convert a 2wd to 4wd without switching frames?

[@NCMATT]

Man I need that for my tahoe.

[@carlosvelasco5204]

I been follow this build!! Can you tell me the final length on the rear driveshaft?

[@jakewade7388]

Definitely wear ear protection. Great advice.

[@Compactor_08]

Could you add a brace to the transfer case? Kinda like a torsion bar?

[@mrkkiani]

Get a mini-split for the garage to cool it down, not that expensive

[@timthompson2578]

Lawrence LT Tolman - You must have really liked the red 88 k1500 that was build on trucks tv show. it seems to be almost exact copy to your orange peel COPO truck. I like them both. I had an 95 GMC JIMMY that was AWD and I think the next truck is going to be an AWD truck. I already have a 4l80e from a van, rebuild and convert to 4WD. I do have to say I like both of these trucks, the red 88k1500 from trucks and your copo truck. I learned alot from you and Ian over the years growing up watching on the weekends. Great Job. Keep It Up. Thank you for showing what can be done.

[@LawrenceTolman]

Oh yea, I did love the awd red Chevy we built on the show, so much that I needed to own one for myself for a while. Glad you enjoyed watching it!

[@peterjacobs6290]

I have a Pro Charged AWD Silverado SS. 402 stroker, water meth boost juice. The old “built tranny” 4l65 let go. My tranny shop Ultimate Transmission in Boise said since I’m not drag racing much the 4l65 billet everything/ triple disc TC was the way to go even though I really wanted the 4l80 swap to take it up a notch in badass. The tranny shop said the lighter tranny was much less weight to spin and it would be noticeably faster. So far so good. I have had it 3 months. It went 11.99 at Firebird raceway at 2700 ft on a 85 degree day so I’m happy. Not saying the 4l80 swap is a bad move just a data point to provide. Dave at Ultimate Transmission in. Boise is the guy to talk to for more info.

[@LawrenceTolman]

great info there! I thought about doing a built 4L60 on this one, but had heard so many hit-or-miss stories about some built 60e surviving, and some lasting forever.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

LT just put the cross member bolts in backwards,.

[@casualobserver620]

Using the first edition 4L80 make connecting the cooler lines less of a challenge. Oh by the way, the worst transmission ever was the TH200 installed in full size G.M. vehicles. The original application of the TH200 was for the Chevrolet (Isuzu) Luv truck. Small truck, light weight.

[@codyneitte9801]

1:31 as he commences to grinding without turning the volume down in editing

[@BuiltDifferent13]

I can literally tell what engine it is by sound you know. Not exact displacement but I mean LS coyote hemi if it's got an exhaust or even stock and you rip on it and I don't see you I just know........especially GM and Fords

[@LawrenceTolman]

some engines have a very distinct sound, especially if you hear the starter motor when it first fires up

[@jfeal]

Never ever wrap a welding cable around you! Love ypur your channel.

[@nicholassmerk]

The hearing protection being correlated to hearing loss is absolutely not true. Just as many people who have never worked a day in their life (with anything loud) have hearing issues.

[@moonpigeon]

If you do polly engine mounts, aren’t you supposed to do poly trans mounts?

[@VATION3RD]

My brother kept busting the motor mounts on his 2007 Z71 LS 4.3 because they're crap so he bought some aftermarket ones for the same year model military Hummer and those are indestructible for only $300

[@loganshotrod4x464]

My knee-jerk thought was to run an NP205 instead of that split-case aluminum chain driven t-case. The weight & drag might cause more problems than it solves but I come at transfer cases with an off-road mindset… I like what you’re doing though.

[@Lifeasamadgenius]

Can or do you re enable vats after the 4l80 segment swap? I’m trying to pass smog in ca will have a 4l80 in my Tahoe. Thanks .

[@awdss_silverado1449]

I'm goin to be doing the same soon. This helps !

[@803brando]

i feel your pain, i pulled my 4L70 out of my 2007 K1500 on the ground. that transfer case is a bitch.

[@VATION3RD]

Now you need to convert the ugly truck over to all wheel drive, with the new upcoming BBC power. P.s Sorry about the ribs, #NoPainNoGain.

[@lvl800elite]

Give me 5 minutes with it and I’ll make it explode. I went through 6 TH400 in my 86’ gmc with a 5.9 Cummins.

[@corymcmanues7905]

Would these parts work for the next generation as well, the 07-13? Or do they only work for the previous model year?

[@justinferrall9601]

I’m 23, and I always wear hearing protection when hammering or using grinders, as well as safety glasses. I don’t want to be deaf and blind at 50 lol.

[@caseyross4466]

What length driveshaft did you come up with? Lol I have the same setup and haven’t made my rear yet and was curious. Thanks man!