Gen 2 vs. Gen 3 frame

[burrism]

Good morning. I have a 2001 Tahoe lt 4wd and am interested in swapping a gen 3 frame and drive train underneath it. I am interested in the 6l80 transmission and MP 3023 transfer case. From what I have read, the GMT800 and the GMT900 series frames are very similar. Wiring aside, are there any major differences in the two frames? I am handy with reasonable fabrication (I.e. if I have to move a body mount or two). I have been offered a 2008 ltz and given my frame is rusting, I would like to tackle this project if it is reasonable. And yes. I prefer my gen 2 body over the gen 3.

Thank you.

 

[mikeyss]

The main difference between frames is the front section. Your 01 has torsion bars and a different steering box, while the 08 has struts with rack and pinion steering. I think you could swap frames though, but I'm not sure how that affects the front fenders and radiator support of your 01. From the front pillars going rearward, I think the mountings are the same though. Keep in mind that the 08 will still have a 4L60 transmission though. ( Unless it's the really rare 6.2 LTZ, then that would have a 6L80.)

 

[burrism]

The main difference between frames is the front section. Your 01 has torsion bars and a different steering box, while the 08 has struts with rack and pinion steering. I think you could swap frames though, but I'm not sure how that affects the front fenders and radiator support of your 01. From the front pillars going rearward, I think the mountings are the same though. Keep in mind that the 08 will still have a 4L60 transmission though. ( Unless it's the really rare 6.2 LTZ, then that would have a 6L80.)

Thank you. The 2009 was the first year the 6l80 was standard, if I am not mistaken. Yes, the one I am looking at is an ltz

 

[mikeyss]

Yeah, all 09 Tahoe's got 6L80's. The other issue with using an 01 body is the electrical architecture. The 01-02 used a completely different operating system than the 03-06. The 08 will also be different due to can bus system which I think can be integrated to work with the 03-06 class II serial data system. As far as I know, nothing plays nice with the 01-02 operating system. Everything is different, right down to the window switches.