Well, I'm about to snag a nice 4.3 with everything needed to run for 400 dollars plus shipping. The 5 speed manual transmission we have is a Getrag 260, right? If so, shouldn't the GM/Chevy v8 bellhousing mate to the transmission, or will I have to buy a new one in order to use it?

If I do have to buy a new transmission, what would you recommend? I have been looking at the SM420, but I think it would be too tall without serious modification.

Go an auto transmission (T700/4l60E) and a Tacoma gear drive tcase.

The transmission we have is a Getrag, but not the type you were hoping for. It is designed SPECIFICALLY for the Japanese engines (metric) and does not have a replaceable bellhousing. More than likely would not be strong enough, and the stock Kia tcase is DEFINITELY not strong enough.

Next in line (possibly should be first in line) will be the diffs. These will need to be replaced with something stronger as both front and rear are "4 pinion" types (2 side gears and 2 spider gears) not 6 pinion that would be needed in the size we have for strength. SAS would be the go.

Spend an hour or so using the search button, most of this stuff has been "discovered" before.

Ehh, that's what I thought with the trannsmission, and I know I was going to need to replace the transfer case, it's barely strong enough for our engine...

I'm not going to go SAS, but I'm actually redesigning my IFS right now with new arms, a bigger differential, new mounting, beefier and longer CV axles, steering knuckles... I figured a straight axles isn't as good in the desert and sand, so I'm just going to make a better IFS. The rear is going to be fitted with a ford 9" differential.

I'm rather stuck on what kind of transmission I should get, I'd rather have a manual 4 or 5 speed, that will take the power off roading from the minorly beefed up V6. I don't want to mess with the transmission tunnel too much either. What would your suggestions be, guys?

The Ecotec V6/4L60E/tacoma gear tcase is almost exactly the same length as our engine/transmisssion/tcase, less than 1" in it....

that would be better than putting a turbo on the stock 4 banger.
sas would be cheaper than ifs and easier to find parts for unless you pull an ifs set up out of another rig and adapt to the kia.

If you went with a 700R4 and a tcase out of a pre IFS Chevy K10 or Blazer the front tcase output is on the right side just like the Kia. With a 4.3 that would be a wicked combo.

Keep us posted, Dennis

I'm wanting to stick with IFS for several reasons: one, I go duning alot since I live 50 miles away from the Coosbay/North Bend dunes. The IFS setup will provide a lot smoother action on the dunes so I can keep speed with others on quads; Second, I'm not too into rock crawling, but if I were to go the, setup I'm drawing out will hold up against the other straight-axles quite well; Third, the IFS provides a better ride and better steering, IMO, on-road as as well as high-speed off-road situations; fourth, its a challenge to make, and I have the access to CNC machines at a place called Freeman Marine in Gold Beach.

Does anybody here know if the 9.25" GM differential is on the passenger side of the truck?