Hey guys,

Before i ask the question I know its easier to buy a new truck but here are my reasons for considering this. I am 6'5" and trying to drive a manual in a reg cab short bed is a pain and the way i have to position the seat give me back pains after a while that last for a few weeks (doesn't help the lumbar is broken). It would be much easier to have an auto instead of a manual in my case although i do like driving a stick. Also i can find parts easy and cheap so it may even be cheaper to convert.

My main question is what is really involved in this swap? I have a friend that is selling his 351 with an e4od (2wd) attached to it out of a 93 F350 C&C which i could buy for cheap. I dont know what electronics would come with it because it has no cab attached its just an engine and transmission mounted to a frame. Also the junk yards near me have nothing but auto 92-97 trucks so parts are easy to find. What would i need other than the pedals and ECM to run the auto? Also can i switch the tailshaft out of the M5OD with the E4OD so that i can reuse my transfer case and retain my 4x4?

 

The best way to do it is to find a donor truck of the same configuration as yours, just automatic. You will have everything you need all at once.

 

I had thought about that, is it possible with the engine/transmisson combo I could buy from my buddy to keep the 4x4 its a manual tcase btw. I could check the junk yard for a similar truck. If I could get a list of parts I could search for a truck in the yard with everything I would need.

 

just swap the damn cummins in it already

 

Actually that's an idea does the dodge tranny not need a computer to run? Its a stand alone correct? Also will the 150 frame hold up to the cummins? I've heard the engine is too strong for the frame size.

 

Is there a list of parts that anyone cna throw up or point me to that i can use? I can basically get a dirt cheap 351w and E4OD that runs I just have to find out what electronics are gonna come with it. Will i need an ECU as well as PCM? do i really need a new radiator i have read yes and no. Also its out of a 93 and i have an early 95 so will there be any weird complications swapping in an E4OD, i read that the pin-outs changed in 95.

 

Im 6'3 in a reg cab auto and I feel your pain! I want to put a E40D in place of my C6 so im letting you work the crowd and taking notes. Mine will be easier im sure I have both trucks. I will say your going to likely need drive shafts and all. They are different in my two with the same Tcases. GL with your swap and I hear the chants Cummins, cummins, cummins... box the frame and risk it !

Also if you want to ask and feel like a drive to gardner there is a kid out here (works for new england truck design in sterling) that has done the cummy swap into this era truck and then into an 05. Hes the one to ask this stuff sure he would help for a few cold ones too... Long term I will do it also. just looking for the donner!

Jeff at 117 used auto parts (lancasater) has a few of these to take from also. Just dont take all my goodies...

 

Thanks man, I'm debating on doing a cummins swap or not into this truck, I'm definitely doing it in my 04 but for a dirt cheap 351w and e4od i might just beef up the 351 a little, not sure yet though. I just talked to my coworker and he said it will come with all the harnesses and electronics so basically i have everything to do the swap, even the frame mounts which i hear are different for v8's vs the I6 mounts (towers i think they are called). If anything ill do this swap and then later sell the 351 and get a 4bt, not sure what my real goal is for this trucks power train yet but I'll figure it out. I mainly just want an auto instead of a stick now to make my life easier.

 

a cummins will do just fine in there. keep power modest, and enjoy. 4bt is always a great option in 1/2 ton also.

 

Only problem with the 4bt is they are a PITA to find for cheap and in good condition. My plan now is to get the 351 with the auto in and probably sell my 300 and m5od to make up some of the money. Once i do that I will run with what i have for a little while then swap in a 4bt when the time comes. i dont feel like buying a whole bread truck to just remove the engine but it may eventually come to that i guess if i really want a 4bt. dos the 4bt require firewall modifications? Also the 4bt and 6bt use the same transmission bolt patterns correct?

 

yea, you'd think 4bt's were made of gold with their pricing. ive lost out on some seemingly great deals in the past (1500 complete), but i ended up cutting up a box truck for mine. i didnt want to do all that, but when i was ready for the engine i didnt have one.

4bt wont require firewall mods, the 4.9's that fit well in these trucks are pretty big themselves. 4bt and 6bt do share same trans bolt pattern, its literally the exact same engine as a 6bt with 2 pistons cut off.

 

Good to know, yeah i have a $1300 option which is a van in the next town over but i dont have the space to do that now lol. I will deal with the 351 until a good option presents itself though, i will probably keep the e4od and do some small upgrades because i will be mainly looking for mileage in this truck.