I should be able to finally get building my truck the way I really want later this year, and I've decided to go diesel as it has a great many benefits where I live. Also after realizing that they do in fact make mufflers for diesel engines and I only seem to recognize the ones without in town [that has no exhaust noise laws].

I was just curious if anyone was running a diesel engine in their 48-56 truck. I know a couple members are but I figured there might be more. I'm mainly interested in what problems came up in getting it to work with your old truck. Things like fitting it, fuel tanks, fuel lines, even gauges. Bonus points if it's a turbo'd IDI.

Just trying to plan ahead on this. Pictures always appreciated

 

Not yet....but it's in the long term agenda. I'll run a small block until a diesel donor falls in my lap.

 

I am. Cummins 6AT. 6 cyl turbo, baby brother to the 6BT they use in Dodge trucks. Only 120 hp, but sure fits nicely. I just installed it in my '59 F350. It has been a really fun project and quite straightforward. Look at my diesel swap thread in the '57-60 section. It's called "kinda like a hot rod but it isn't hot". In this photo a lot of stuff is hooked up temporarily so I can work the bugs out before I reinstall the front clip. I'm thinking you want something with more power, but there is some info there that could help. Good luck

 

If you want a 5.9 cummins you will need to change the engine, trans, rear end.
I would look for a stepvan (fed-ex, laundry, tool truck) with the cummins w/starter on pass. side + 5sp + rear end with the 6 lug bud wheels so you can use your stock rims or the rims off the donor truck.

The dodge cummins would NOT make a good donor because the starter is on the drivers side and will hit the steering box. Plus you will still have to buy a rear end and a flywheel housing aka engine adapter with starter on pass. side.

Most of the med duty freightliner's I've seen have the starter on the passenger side.... So a Freightliner laundry truck with six lug wheels would be a good donor. You would have everything you need (engine,trans,rear end,fuel tank)
Use your oil and water temp sending units off your y-block on the cummins and your stock gauges will work.

Glad to see your thinking diesel again.... Best thing I ever did to my truck!