OneFreakyMF

I swapped a vortec 4.3 into my truck. Now, keep in mind, my frame, steering box and body is all that is stock on my truck. SAS on tons, 4L60e, 241/205 doubler. Your stock 4.3 manifolds will be a tight fit. I actually had to use a TBI manifold on the driver's side to clear the steering shaft because I set the engine slightly to that side of the engine bay. Oil pan and hood clearance will probably be your biggest issues. I made my own power steering pressure hose. I was a lil concerned about a DIY hose but it's holding up very well. Sure, you can get a carb intake for it but they are $200-300 unless ya can somehow find a used one. Then finding a carb suited for a v6. Converting your fuel system to fuel injection will be cheaper but like Mike said, a free engine is rarely free. Just about the only exception would be a free identical engine. If you're dead set on a v6 swap then get after it. It can be done but it will not be cheap. There are motor mounts for this swap but again, that's more money outta pocket. If you have the tooling, skills and a retarded amount of money, great, but if you're like the rest of us, show the Z motor some love. I love my 720s, as well all do. Currently have a clean 84 in the garage being rebuilt right now and even with all the builds I've done, I'm still fighting the urge to go crazy on this one even though I know better.

I stuffed an alternator from a 2000 Saturn into my '81 z22. Works great, when I keep the mud out of it...

I run an 81 on full size Chevy axles. Started off with half tons, 4.56 gears, 33 inch boggers. A 2wd oil pan helps with clearance between it and the drive line. Graduated to 36 inch Iroks. That's when the T-100 gave up! Blew two holes in it. Swapped in a divorced np205. I make my own drive lines out of square tube. They are not street worthy because they'll never balance out but my rig is a trailer queen. I'm more concerned about it's strength. The stock power steering box has held up great. The pitman arm, not so much. I've had to replace it a couple times. I'm now running tons, 5.13 gears, Detroit's, and 37 inch PBR's on TMI beadlocks. The stock Z22 with a 38 Weber is only running on hopes and dreams at this point and the clutch isn't up to the task. I have a 4.3 sitting in the garage waiting to be swapped in after I get the wife's 620 on the trail. A road worthy build will not be cheap. You will need A LOT of gearing. Depending on you tire size you want to run, you'll need at least 5.13s. I talked to two custom drive line shops and both didn't have a solution for me when I was running the T-100. Ended up having to make my own adaptor to run a 1310 double carden joint up front. Short of full hydrologic, you'll have a hard time steering that 10 bolt. Might be able to swap in a machined D44 knuckle with a high street arm. I'm very proud of Ugg (my rig). Just know that NOTHING is easy when building these rigs. Good luck man....

I'd be in but sadly Ugg isn't street legal... Good thing there's room for my trailer at the boat launch!

No, never flopped it. Before the full size axles I would rub trees a lot and the dent in the door was from a buddy sliding off my front/driver tire...

My 81 was given to me years ago and it was bone stock. Gathered a bunch of recovery gear, cranked torsion bars, longer leaf spring shackles, and hand-me-down 33" boggers got me on the trails. Heavy fender trimming and still rubbed. Broke a lot of parts over the years but still tried to keep it somewhat stock. That is until I ran out of spare parts. That's where things really got fun! Ugg is now sitting on 37" PBRs, locked up one tons, and a twin-stick'd divorced np205! It really is a slippery slope once major modifications start happening! My two cents for ya?? Leave the torsion bars alone! The 1.5 inches of lift is not worth the horrible ride quality! Stuff the biggest, most aggressive tire you can in there and go play but never alone. Always have another rig with ya. It should go without saying but it's really hard to have too much safety and recovery gear. Cargo space is at a premium in our lil trucks but safety/recovery gear shouldn't be overlooked.

Been a while but Ugg is ready for the trails again. New axles, tires, and beadlocks! Even with lower gets though my stock clutch gets beatin up bad in high range... New hardware included... Dana 60 front 14 bolt rear 5.13 gears Detroit's front n rear 35 spine inners and outers for the D60 Pro Comp shocks with loops TMI 32 bolt beadlocks 37" Pitbull Rockers @ 5psi Just wondering if anyone has tried any of the "performance" clutch kits out there and if they were worth it. If they are not worth it then I'll throw the cash at a refreshing kit for a SBC I have sitting in the garage...

I'm swapping a 4.3 into a 620. It's a tight fit! Have to trim the core sport to get the radiator in. I'm going to have to make my own exhaust manifolds. If you are going to end up wheeling your rig hard you'll want stronger axles but for DD and light trail use the D30/35's will work fine. Leafs are a lot easier and cheaper to install. Although, build like this are never easy in a Datsun! Damn near everything need to be custom made... If I was to start over I'd go with a four popper. Save yourself a lot of headaches! Gear the axles to run 35s and you'll be set!!

The first time I had to remove my radiator to clean the mud out of the fins I discovered the mounts were no longer attached to the radiator. The fan shroud and upper radiator hose was the only thing holding it in place. Luckily, the stock fan never got a hold of it!

Had a Smitty rear bumper on mine... A stuck Heep turned it into a stinger! I knew it was only a matter of time before it would happen....

Dats a big bitch! Love it!!

Happy to help Brother! Just take your time and research everything. Google really can be your friend! There are pages that can help you identify which axles you have. Focus on getting it running good and driving safely. Trying to understand everything at once is way to overwhelming. Ooh, and I am soooo down for a Datsun wheelin trip!!!

I believe the stock size tire was 235/75R15. You'd think that since picked my 720 up in very stock form I'd know. Unfortunately, there were three different sizes of tires and none of them matched! Beautiful rig and welcome to ratsun!

Yeah, knock that shit off! If nothing else the ratsun community is an amazing start! So much knowledge about our amazing lil rigs. I'm not much help when it comes to engines as I've only played with my Z22. My 620 didn't have a motor when I bought it. I assume that you are in the Puget Sound area. There are many Ratsun members around here. I'm over in Bremerton and love talking about wheelin!

KISS! Kiss was explained to me years ago. Means, Keep It Simple Stupid! By no means is this meant as an insult, just a reminder that getting crazy with a build often leads to disaster. Start slow! Brakes operating properly should be at the top, or near the top, of the list. Get your motor tuned up and running good. Drive train and steering maintenance. Then start with the options I mentioned earlier....