Question for the Cummins Converted guys

4wydnr · #1 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 08:30 PM

So I'm tossing around the idea of throwing a 12v cummins into my 77 F-250 4x4 and making it my daily driver. I know it's a difficult conversion that can be done I'm just looking for some insight
I'm just curious if anyone has made there conversion a daily driver and what they think of it. I was just looking at how much my 01 has depreciated in the last two years and I'm not diggin it. So I'm thinking of selling it and running the 77 because that won't change much in value not to mention it's a bada$$ truck. Thanks.

jimlj · #2 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 11:53 PM

If you can weld and use a torch, it's not too hard, just takes time.
You can buy the engine and parts, but I would buy a whole donor truck. It saved me hundreds of dollars in the little parts you won't get with just an engine. I used the engine and transmission from my donor truck, and sold the parts I didn't need for over half as much as I paid for the truck to start with. There are user galerys here that have a lot of great pictures and information that helped with my install. When I have time I will get my gallery updated with pictures and discriptions. While it's not my daily driver, I've put more miles on it in the last year than I did in the previous 4 years I owned it.

shoot4fun · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 10:57 AM

I agree with jimlj. If you can fabricate, you can do it. I'm in the process myself. We have one already done, although it's in a '96 F350.(We didn't build it, but it gave me the idea to do mine.) As jimlj said, you'll be far better off to find a complete donor truck to get all the goodies you'll need. If you're doing a complete engine/tranny/transfer swap you'll cut down on your headaches as well.
I'll shut up now, before I become a troll...

4wydnr · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 02:33 PM

I'm not worried about fabrication and installation. I run chevy drivetrains in my ford demo cars. (I would just have to refine the truck more). I've been lurking around here reading everyting I could find on this topic and have a real good idea on what is required to make it work successfully.

What I'm asking about is the practicality of using the truck daily like I use my 01 Powerstroke. In the winter I tow a 6,000lb gooseneck with an 8,000lb skid steer every time it snows. In the summer it's the skid loader and a demo car a few times. I was looking for input on how the useable this conversion would be. Thanks.

shoot4fun · #5 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 02:48 PM

Practicality depends on your fuel prices. Where I'm at it's near $4 a gallon. There is another option you might consider if you have the resources... Waste Vegetable Oil. If you can spare the cash to buy the processor, and can find a reliable & constant supply of used oil, you're looking at about $1 a gallon finished product, and it has higher cetane rating than petro diesel, can be run 100% straight(with additive for winter of course). Something to consider...
As for the rear brakes, I went with diy4x dot com's conversion kit for the Dana 70. Uses standard '73-'87 chebby 3/4 ton 4WD front calipers and pads. That's as far as I've gotten on the project so far, but I'm getting ready to start back on it in a week or so.

4wydnr · #6 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 02:55 PM

Well I'm planning on a 5.9 with a 5 speed that should net 18mpg with the 4.10s in the truck and that puts it ahead of my powerstroke so that part should be covered. And I would probably change the gears to 3.73s, better mileage while still having some torque, in time. I was thinking of finding a sterling rearend out of a superduty for 4 wheel disc brakes sometime down the road also.

maxedoutford · #7 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 04:30 PM

it is very easy, you can buy adapters and mouter mounts . I have converted my 79 and love it. I have also converted a 02" / 01" / 99" superduty to 5.9's.
if you have any ?'s just ask I will help ya out.

perky · #8 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008, 12:44 AM

You still have good power with 3.55 that is what is in my old Ford and my brothers 93 Dodge and my sons 2000 dodge when we pull the inclosed trailer we are grossing 21.000 to 24.000lb and hhave plenty of tq.with the inline diesels and get better milage.

Dale

MitchPeters · #9 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008, 07:33 AM

Why not the 7.3 from the 2wd you are selling?

4wydnr · #10 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008, 10:05 AM

That was the original plan but after I buy a manual trans and turbo for the 7.3 I'll be real close to what I'd have into a donor truck with a cummins. And it will require about the same amount of work to put in either engine.

7.3=$1800truck+$500trans+$800 for good turbo totaling $3100
Cummins=$3500 for good donor (I'm patient)

Hey Perky I just looked through your gallery and you don't dick around on anything do you? That truck is awesome.

Thanks to all for your input I appreciate it.

shoot4fun · #11 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008, 10:38 AM

And besides the cost, you'd still just have a powersuck... Sorry. Not a big fan of the 6.9/7.3 Or the newer ones...

Of course, the new Cummins 6.7L is looking like a turd too...

perky · #12 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4wydnr

That was the original plan but after I buy a manual trans and turbo for the 7.3 I'll be real close to what I'd have into a donor truck with a cummins. And it will require about the same amount of work to put in either engine.

7.3=$1800truck+$500trans+$800 for good turbo totaling $3100
Cummins=$3500 for good donor (I'm patient)

Hey Perky I just looked through your gallery and you don't dick around on anything do you? That truck is awesome.

Thanks to all for your input I appreciate it.

Thanks for the complment I you look around you can pick up wrecks cheap
my brother and I got a 93 4x4wecked and a 96 duelly 2x4 bothe automatics for 1500.00 .just have to keep your eyes open good luck.and have fun.

Dale

jimlj · #13 (**permalink**) 04-23-2008, 11:01 PM

To make a daily driver and work it like you plan, I think you will have to upgrade the drive lines and rear axle.

I think you could find a good donor for less than the $3500 you have figured. I paid $1200 for a '89 Dodge W250. It had a brand new NV4500 transmission when I got it. The body was shot, but the Cummins engine was in great shape.

I think the 6.9 and 7.3 are great engines, but the Cummins (IMO) is better. Add that you are putting it in one of the best trucks made (again IMO) and you will have one cool truck.

perky · #14 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perky

Thanks for the complment I you look around you can pick up wrecks cheap
my brother and I got a 93 4x4wecked and a 96 duelly 2x4 bothe automatics for 1500.00 .just have to keep your eyes open good luck.and have fun.

Dale

Sorry I forgot tomention that boothe truck were 5.9 cummins
the 93 was a w250 and the 96 a 3500was front clip burnt.The 93 motor is ina 1972 chevy c10 2wd and the 96 motor is being built for a super mod 2wd for the DHRA

Dale

4wydnr · #15 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimlj

I think the 6.9 and 7.3 are great engines, but the Cummins (IMO) is better. Add that you are putting it in one of the best trucks made (again IMO) and you will have one cool truck.

My thought's exactly. Like i said before I will probably change the rearend out for a sterling and definetly will swapp the 44 for a 60. If I get a new enough dodge they use 60's in the front and I would just have to do some welding to set it up for the leaf springs. Thanks.

Perky I assumed they were both cummins.