Alright guys, so im on the hunt for an OBS single cab long bed F350 4x4.
Im partial to the idi because I have one, and I think a 93 turbo single cab would actually ahve some decent power (compared to my N/A crewcab).
But there is only 1 or two years that they came turbo, unless someone slapped a turbo on a 92. Pretty narrow range I got to find me a SCLB F350 OBS(which seems rare enough).

Been thinking what if I expand my search past the IDI and even past the diesel to a 5.8. Ideally I want a cummins with an NV4500. Can get a P pumped 12v for ~1500, then another 1k for trans and Tcase I assume.

How bad is the 5.8 on fuel? how bad is the PS vs IDI fuel econ? Cost to service the PS vs IDI? Diesel fuel is about 60 cents more expensive than regular gas now too.

I assume a gasser truck will be cheaper to purchase too?

Let me know your thoughts guys.

 

i should mention that if i gt a gasser its getting a cummins swap asap.
Once i buy a place this year (hopefully) i will have the space to 'fuge WMO which is always a reason i wanted a diesel.

Just wondering if its easier to find/cheaper a 5.8 gasser F350 RCLB 4x4 OBS?
Really dont want the 7.4 gasser..thing will eat me alive driving it abck from FL or texas or GA whever i get it from.

 

Sounds like you should find a 5.8 / 7.5 F350

 

over on OB a member was saying the 5.8 F350 will have a smaller core support, and have lighter springs, and smaller MC?

like I said, id like the 5.8 if it comes down to it, vs the 7.4, because I will lose my shirt in fuel on the 7.4 in the time it takes me to get the Cummins stuff going.
Also I need to account for getting diesel tanks and pickup tubed for a diesel if i buy a gasser.

 

460 (7.5) doesnt get THAT bad if driven decent in a smaller truck, i would expect 12-14, 5.8 will only get 13-15 IDI / PSD should do 18-20, obviously the IDI is cheaper to buy operate and maintain. Our 94 460 gets 11 and thats a CCLB 4x4 w/ 4.11s, i might also add thats with an empty fire tank and 412k on the ticker. The 5.8 might have smaller stuff, but i doubt it, in a 250 yes, but in a 350 im not so sure, either way they will swap right across as its a 350 frame regardless. The odds of finding a 5.8 F350 are pretty slim anyway i would think.

 

Got a lead on a 5.8 F350 white(i want that color) auto pretty good condition, 1996. In talks with the seller, well see what happens.

 

go with the 460. it will get the same gas mileage as a 351, and have way more power.
you think your NA IDI is slow, just wait till you get into a 350 4X4 CCLB with a 351!!
don't limit your search to a 93-94 turbo diesel, many of the 88 to 94 NA trucks have had turbos added to them.

 

I seem to have reached a new conclusion after typing a bunch. Basically looking for a 92-97 OBS F350 SCLB 4x4 gasser. because they are cheaper than their diesel counterparts. The reason im looking for a gasser, is to do a cummins swap!

 

So you're set you want a cummins over an IDI no matter what?

You were all about finding the allusive IDIT/ZF5? If that' what you still want and just can't find one that isn't too expensive why not just buy the best you can get and mod it. Can't find a stock turbo one, buy one with an aftermarket turbo, can't afford that add a turbo yourself. Can't find an OBS get a bricknose and swap front clips, etc.

 

think i got what i wanted. 96 f350 4x4 RCLB in white (my color!), very minimal rust on body (bottom door seams on the actual door), rear and front fenders mint, floor good. from PA. picking it up next weekend. 5.8 Auto.
engine has a fresh tuneup, says the trans wont upshift sometimes unless u let off gas but will upshift with the manual lever. Claims it doesn't slip. Imagine its the TPS sensor (when mine was out of adjustment on the diesel it would do this)
Alcoa wheels, good tires, clearance lights.
2k. Dude has some fines or something and no license.
Send me a vid of it driving so looks decent enough

 

Where are u located? Depending on where you are it may not be practical or legal to do a swap. Anything gasser 96 and newer is obd2, I Can imagine anything needing to meet emissions would be quite an expensive feet considering the sensors, computer and wiring to make the obd2 work.

 

The 351w has 40 more hp than an idi. Gas is cheaper. It's a good 80 cents less a gallon than diesel at the moment here at least. Core support is different than the diesel one. But, if you stick to 92+ getting a diesel core support while be super easy if you want to change over.

No obd2 on the 250's and up even if newer than 1996. OBD2 wasn't required on that weight vehicles at the time. Only in 2010 have heavy duty vehicles needed OBD2.

 

That may be true, but most if not all places require you to drop in a same year or newer engine when doing engine swaps. Even in the valley where we dont get e-checked its illegal.

 

same here in New Jersey. a law passed about 6 years ago states that a vehicle must be powered with what it came from the factory.
so you can not convert a gas to diesel or diesel to gas.

 

In that case you couldn't even swap in a different diesel.

We have similar rules here as well.

I imagine most states are like this but it doesn't seem to stop anyone. Federal law is the same as well if not stricter in this regard.