can i do this to my truck

redneck9790 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 06:19 PM

i have a 1989 f150 gas and i want to convert it to a diesel. is it possible that i can do that or would i be better off buying a diesel instead?

havi · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 10:24 PM

buy the diesel. It'll save ya alot of diesel money in the end. Heavier frame, fuel lines, trans pattern, etc...

flareside_thunder · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 11:27 PM

I second that......

redneck9790 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2007, 11:57 PM

if i was to use the truck that i have what all would i have to do to it to make the change. i have access to a donor truck that is a diesel

85e150six4mtod · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 12:39 AM

OK, don't take this the wrong way, but the fact that you have to ask these questions indicates you do not have the skill level to accomplish this swap.

Unless you get some 4 cylinder paint shaker/wheezer (Cummins 4BT I think, a fine engine but...) a diesel is too heavy for your front end. Especially the V8 oilburners found in Fords.

Trade it off if you must have a squeeze fire motor.....

tankrsc · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 10:10 AM

Heres the deal on what you propose. Swaping engines that heve never come in a certain chasis is time consuming and takes alot of work to make happen. I aint saying it can't be done but what is it you want in the end? I have put a Detriot V6-71 in a '78 Econoline van bofor but it aint easy and was done more as a joke than anything else but anything CAN be done. For what it sounds like you want to do you will need the motor, trans, ALL electronics, fuel tank, probly gauges, ect... Once you have the all of this in the truck you will notice that you have also lowered your truck all the way to the bump stops so you will need to build up your front end to handle the weight (Cummins and Powerstroke are about twice as heavy as a 460). Like I said anything CAN be done just think about what it is you wish to accomplish and the time and money involved you may see it is better idea to go with a different motor or different truck.

Either way you go let us know.

flareside_thunder · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 11:06 AM

If you've got an entire donor truck....just drive the donor truck...If it don't got a title...just swap the cabs from your's and write into the tag and title office for a title alteration.

havi · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flareside_thunder

If you've got an entire donor truck....just drive the donor truck...If it don't got a title...just swap the cabs from your's and write into the tag and title office for a title alteration.

I agree. Believe it or not, this is one time where swapping bodies would be easier, or just doing body work.