MuscleRods LT Engine Swap Kit for 1973-1987 GM Squarebody Trucks
When you're fitting a Gen V LT motor into a 1973 to 1987 GM Truck (Squarebody) chassis, MuscleRods engineered this 1973 to 1987 GM Truck LT Conversion Kit to overcome common alignment and support challenges by positioning the power plant precisely where the factory V8 once lived. The heavy gauge steel crossmember and CNC cut brackets bolt to half ton 2WD frame rails to lock the engine under torque while preserving space for steering and suspension components and limiting vibration to protect ancillary systems. Detail illustrations and clearly labeled hardware eliminate guesswork in drilling locations, bolt patterns and harness routing so installers can keep the focus on assembly instead of parts hunting and reduce overall installation time.
CNC Cut Frame Brackets for Accurate LT Alignment
The frame brackets are laser CNC cut from heavy gauge steel to match the exact contour of GM Squarebody half ton rails produced between 1973 and 1987. This precise fabrication ensures the Gen V LT engine drops into the same location as the factory V8, preventing driveline components from misaligning under torque. By aligning the engine and transmission on a true centerline, the system preserves optimal chain and belt tension and reduces stress on universal joints. Installers gain confidence in a bracket set that fits without guesswork, cutting installation time and eliminating clearance conflicts with steering and suspension parts.
Welded Steel Crossmember Resisting LT Torque
The crossmember is built from thick walled steel box sections that weld securely to the CNC brackets, creating a single rigid beam capable of handling modern LT output. Its engineered geometry resists the torsional forces generated during full throttle launches, protecting both the motor and the chassis rails from twist and fatigue. Custom height placement ensures ideal clearance for control arms and steering linkages, while stainless hardware fastens the assembly with long term corrosion resistance. The result is a powertrain cradle that maintains rigidity, tames vibration, and delivers consistent power transfer across varied driving conditions.
Engine Mount Geometry Preserving Accessory Belt Routing
Purpose engineered engine mounts position the LT block at a calculated angle to maintain factory accessory belt paths without compromise. This exact orientation ensures alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor remain in their intended locations, avoiding interference and belt misalignment. Reinforced steel plates within each mount minimize lateral movement under load, reducing noise and preventing premature wear on hoses and pulleys. By keeping the pump and pulley layout stable, this design contributes to smooth idle quality and reliable performance through the entire RPM range.
Organized Kit Packaging Streamlining Swap Process
All mounting components, hardware and wiring arrive in labeled bags to eliminate parts hunting during the installation of a Gen V LT powerplant. The comprehensive kit includes engine mounts, frame brackets, crossmember assembly, transmission support, wiring harness and a complete fastener set. Step by step instructions with clear illustrations guide installers to drill points, bolt patterns and cable routing, removing uncertainty at every stage of the swap. Both veteran fabricators and first time builders can make the conversion faster and with fewer alignment adjustments thanks to this methodical organization.
Count on MuscleRods for a well engineered foundation for your LT project. For a more robust kit with customizable parts selection see our Complete LT Swap Kits - LT Kit Builder.