Well I am brand new here, I have been looking around here for a while but just joined today. So here is the deal.

I just got my Grandpa's truck. It has been sitting for 10 -12 years. We have the means to completly overhaul this truck and plan to do just that. I am constantly working on a few projects, just wasn't planning on this one. It was totally unexpected that I would get this truck. Being sentimental as it is, it has become near top priority of my current projects.

It's a Reg. Cab Long Bed 4x4 (Sky Blue). My plans are to go through the whole truck as follows.

Engine: 94-98 Cummins 12 Valve
Trans: ZF5

New Paint, Grill, Bumpers, Emblems, Wheels & Tires, Brakes, New Interior, etc.

What I am asking of you guys is to really just lay it on me as far as anything you can tell me about what I will run into and what to expect from these trucks. I am really a Dodge Fan but ecspecially partial to the Cummins. (Hence the transplant)

One thing I don't wanna forget, is this truck doesn't have power windows, locks, etc. Can I convert to power farily easy? I am replacing door panels and all anyway so ?

 

If you plan on doing the cummins do yourself a favor and use a Dodge transmission because the adapter for using the ZF is over 700 plus you have to get or make mounting brackets for the motor and you can get those from cummins swap for 450. Your best bet for going to power is to swap to a door that already has one if you have the ability to get them cheap enough. Otherwise you can switch the parts over from a power door to a non power door. These are great trucks. Is your truck and F150 250 or 350?

 

Thanks Man, it is an F150.

Ya see my Father In Law has big Salvage Yard, car lot, glass dealer, body shop, mechanics garage, wheel tire, etc etc etc.

So basically that explains my constant projects, but I don't usually mess much with Fords. This one however is different. My Grandpa bought this truck brand new. It has 351 in it now but like I said has been sitting in a field forever and doesn't run. I am actually working on the road now and have yet to go fetch it so no telling what shape it's really in. I just havn't looked REALLY close at it in years. Wires prob. ate up by rats etc. by now, and on and on. lol oh well we will see.

Ya know I havn't seen very many trucks the color of this one. I figure when we repaint it, I will spray the Dodge ELECTRIC BLUE PEARL on it.

 

Thats the way my truck was when I first got it. Had sat in my friends yard by the barn for 10 years and surprisingly enough I had no wiring damage. Put a new starter and solenoid on her new battery, rebuilt the carb and she ran for me. Later on down the road I rebuilt the motor but all in all the 351 is a great motor. The other thing you might need to consider with the diesel swap is the extra weight you will have to account for.

 

Forget about putting a 6BT in a 1980 F150, look for a 4BT.

 

I have heard if he got the correct 4bt(one from a Ford chassis bread van) it would bolt into this truck after you swap in 300 six engine mount perches.

P.S. Correction; It would need a 300/302/351w bellhousing patterned tranny. He said he has a 351, so I am assuming that's a 351m, and that would have the wrong bell pattern.

 

Why a 4BT, I want the 6BT

 

6BT= ~1,000lbs fully dressed. 4BT = ~750lbs fully dressed. Less stress on the frame/suspension/brakes.
Not to mention the overall length of the 6BT *could* cause clearane issues between the radiator and firewall.
Also, the 4BT will have more than enough power/torque to move anything a F150 has the brakes and suspension to keep under control.

 

Where would I find a 4BT ? What about a tranny?

 

They came in step vans, bread trucks, and similar set ups.

 

I knew what they were in, anyone have any good leads on where to find them? Any companies etc.?