hypothetically... what would be easier?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: on the road again...
hypothetically... what would be easier?
i'm pondering dropping a diesel in my rig at some point in the future... wondering if it would be easier to find and acquire the motor/trans/associated electronics and install them... along with all the fabrication and custom work that goes along with such a job, or to find a rolling chassis with engine/trans/everything else still attached...from a wrecked truck (say... late 80s-early 90s F-250/F-350) or something, and just swap the body? (i understand this would also be a fair amount of work also, but if i get the same frame length, and not a late 90s model that flares out at the front more than the older ones, would the body mounts be a straight swap?)
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Joined: Jul 2015
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From: CT
A roller with the engine and transmission you want is not a simple task, neither is a body swap.
When doing a engine/ drivetrain swap things to consider are driveshaft lengths, how will your speedo operate, all gauges work? custom fab, what from your 460 can you reuse etc etc
Body swap is more electrical intensive, things may/may not line up, bumpers, all body mounts, bed/cab at the same height?, will your gauges work. It may not drive like your dent with newer steering box/ pump. possibility of more reliability. I don't think 4x4 is what you're looking for but you could swap onto a 4x4 frame.
When doing a engine/ drivetrain swap things to consider are driveshaft lengths, how will your speedo operate, all gauges work? custom fab, what from your 460 can you reuse etc etc
Body swap is more electrical intensive, things may/may not line up, bumpers, all body mounts, bed/cab at the same height?, will your gauges work. It may not drive like your dent with newer steering box/ pump. possibility of more reliability. I don't think 4x4 is what you're looking for but you could swap onto a 4x4 frame.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: West Virginia
Depends on what you're good at. Bodywork and welding? Buy a rolled truck and cut the floor and firewall out, and graft your cab on.
If you're good at electronics and electric wiring, either of the options you stated are decent ones. Newer trucks just have a ton of wiring and sensors, and figuring out how to integrate them and keep them happy can be tough.
If you're good at electronics and electric wiring, either of the options you stated are decent ones. Newer trucks just have a ton of wiring and sensors, and figuring out how to integrate them and keep them happy can be tough.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
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Easiest? Build a 460 gas stroker and save yourself the hassle of all the wiring, smelly diesel fumes, long warmups, expensive fuel, rattling engine and turbo plumbing.
You can build a big block ford stout enough to embarrass most diesels for a fraction of a diesel "swap".
No offense, just a thought.
You can build a big block ford stout enough to embarrass most diesels for a fraction of a diesel "swap".
No offense, just a thought.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Central Florida
Easiest? Build a 460 gas stroker and save yourself the hassle of all the wiring, smelly diesel fumes, long warmups, expensive fuel, rattling engine and turbo plumbing.
You can build a big block ford stout enough to embarrass most diesels for a fraction of a diesel "swap".
No offense, just a thought.
You can build a big block ford stout enough to embarrass most diesels for a fraction of a diesel "swap".
No offense, just a thought.
Hold on to your lug nuts!
Attachment 288662
btw: I own or have owned every
diesel truck, 7.3, 6.0, 6.4 and the 6.7's....my fav's are the 7.3 and the 6.7. If your a diesel head (nothing wrong with that at all) I believe there are several who have made these swaps, it is possible. Your real question is just how much work are you ready to do or how much money are you ready to pay?Would love to see your end result, please keep us posted!
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From: on the road again...
The reason I was looking into diesel is I haul a trailer, and this old truck is my daily driver. That 10mpg driving around town and 6mpg hauling hurts my wallet. I don't need a horsepower beast. My current 460 was replaced in the 90s and is still very capable.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Central Florida
No matter how you slice it though, non-hypothetically, horsepower will cost you somewhere. Gas or Diesel...pick your poison.I wonder what/if one of those V-10's would be a option for a Dent? I heard they are just as bad on fuel but would give a early diesel a run for their money? Just thinking....
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: West Virginia
You would have to control both the engine and the electronically shifted transmission. The 2 valve ones aren't that great and the 3 valve ones are newer, still expensive and come with a better but more complicated 5r transmission. You could build a 460 to make the same power for similar money. Plus the mod motors like rpm, feel like you're wringing them out. And the aftermarket isn't great for v10 specific stuff.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Central Florida
You would have to control both the engine and the electronically shifted transmission. The 2 valve ones aren't that great and the 3 valve ones are newer, still expensive and come with a better but more complicated 5r transmission. You could build a 460 to make the same power for similar money. Plus the mod motors like rpm, feel like you're wringing them out. And the aftermarket isn't great for v10 specific stuff.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Moro, Oregon
my general plan is to find a "cheap" 94-98 cummins as a donor and take what i need. for my plans i should be able to get most everything i need from the donor, i will probably end up ordering a bolt in aluminum radiator that fits my cooling needs and core support.... just a thought
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