So I have a 1987 chevy 4x4 1/2 ton. I want to put a duramax in it. im tryin to figure out what all frame, and other modifications i need to do to start the project. Maybe there is a website or book someone may know of?!

 

I REALLY don't think the 4x4 1/2 ton frame is gonna hold up to the engine and tranni weight, not to mention the torque and HP.
Ideally it would be better to drop your 87 Chev 4x4 square body onto a DMax 2500 chassis

 

So its gonna be best to find a 73-87 3/4 ton or 1ton frame? Also, what axles would be ideal dana 80 rear and dana 60 front? and is it gonna be alright to keep the leaf spring suspension.

 

No I'm saying it would be best to keep the original Duramax frame that your Duramax doner came with. And put your 87 body on that stronger frame. Just my opinion
Easier to adapt body mounts then to fab diesel engine and Allison transmission mounts and it already comes with the proper G80 axle

 

Well my plan was to buy a Dmax crate engine. But that may be a better idea. The truck im rebuilding is my first truck so me and my buddy who is rebuilding it are gonna try to take it to shows. Most of the suspension parts are goin to be powdercoated. On the Dmax engine I know there are several to choose from whats gonna be my best bang for the buck?

 

I realize you and your buddy are in the paliminary stages of your build and are still doing your research. But trust me when I say.. buy a wrecked Silverado or Sierra with a DMax
This will be the ultimate bang for your buck. The newer (late model) the better.
Each generation of the DMax there was improovements made and as stock, each generation got more powerful.

With a wrecked truck, you can sell off any of the good body parts to recoup funds.
Once it is down to it's chassis you can prep it to show quality before dropping you 87 body down onto the DMax chassis.

A crate duramax will still need a new turbo intake and fuel rail $$$ not to mention motor mounts water pump, cooling fan rad and inner cooler
With a doner truck.... it will all be there (as long as those components didn't get damaged in the wreck.
If I haven't mentioned already.. I'm doing the same idea as you are, but with a 57 Chev truck. The only difference between our projects is I'm stretching my 57 Chev reg cab into an extended cab

Note the wheels. From a 2003 Silverado LB7 Duramax

 

Thank you for all the information I really appreciate it. I really like the concept with your 57 it's a sharp lookin truck. I can't figure out how to pics on here or I'd show ya what I'm workin with.

 

To post a picture on most social forums you will need a photo hosting website like photobucket.com
Then you will be able to share photos from the host site to the site.
Click on IMG to then copy and paste to a forum post.

Let me know if you need a more detailed step by step tutorial