Cummins swap '78??
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 137
Likes: 31
Cummins swap '78??
Hey guys,
I have access to a 90’s cummins 12 valve that my neighbor is selling. I also have a 1978 Ford F-350. 2wd, dually with a box. I was looking to remove the box and make a flatbed. Then I would drop in the 6bt, and an nv4500. I am looking for a patina look, which the truck has, so I would not be touching the body.
would 2wd be a problem for doing this swap? Would the front end be able to hold the motor? What type of modifications, or problems am I going to run into?
i have never done a project quite like this. While I’ve swapped motors, and manual swapped vehicles, I’ve never put a motor in a vehicle that didn’t belong in that vehicle.
if anyone has done this before, or is able to help me out by answering some of those questions, that would be great. I’m 19 years old and looking to make something cool.
I have access to a 90’s cummins 12 valve that my neighbor is selling. I also have a 1978 Ford F-350. 2wd, dually with a box. I was looking to remove the box and make a flatbed. Then I would drop in the 6bt, and an nv4500. I am looking for a patina look, which the truck has, so I would not be touching the body.
would 2wd be a problem for doing this swap? Would the front end be able to hold the motor? What type of modifications, or problems am I going to run into?
i have never done a project quite like this. While I’ve swapped motors, and manual swapped vehicles, I’ve never put a motor in a vehicle that didn’t belong in that vehicle.
if anyone has done this before, or is able to help me out by answering some of those questions, that would be great. I’m 19 years old and looking to make something cool.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,263
Likes: 5,822
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Google Cummins swap, now days they sell the cross member and motor mounts. Unless you want to cut/notch a bunch of yours (for the oil pan to clear) and then box weld the cross member back up. Next is the trans cross member, if you did not get it with the motor, you are either going to build one or find one in a kit. Or get one from a JY.
The F350 front suspension can handle the weight. Is your truck a DRW or a SRW?
Best diesel swap thread ever. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...il-burner.html
The F350 front suspension can handle the weight. Is your truck a DRW or a SRW?
Best diesel swap thread ever. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...il-burner.html
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 55
Likes: 16
I agree with 77&79F250 – Great thread.
Another great one is from Jason867 https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ger-4x4-4.html
I’m doing the exact same thing as you with a 77.5 F250 4wd. Same age too! I have a thread going but I’m not as near complete as those guys are.
I used Battle Born Brakes 05 Super Duty front coil spring suspension kit to fit 05 SD axles in the 77 frame. Also went with the engine mount kit from Auto World Conversions.
That fixed any future axle issues and eliminated any brainwork needed to fab up new mounts for the Cummins. Just some advice, I would think about what exactly you want to do with your truck and go from there. Whether that be pulling – bullet proofing it or daily driving – its best to get a clear idea before you start spending money.
Another great one is from Jason867 https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ger-4x4-4.html
I’m doing the exact same thing as you with a 77.5 F250 4wd. Same age too! I have a thread going but I’m not as near complete as those guys are.
I used Battle Born Brakes 05 Super Duty front coil spring suspension kit to fit 05 SD axles in the 77 frame. Also went with the engine mount kit from Auto World Conversions.
That fixed any future axle issues and eliminated any brainwork needed to fab up new mounts for the Cummins. Just some advice, I would think about what exactly you want to do with your truck and go from there. Whether that be pulling – bullet proofing it or daily driving – its best to get a clear idea before you start spending money.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 137
Likes: 31
Is there any problems I’m going to run into as far as doing an inter cooler or fitment issues from the motor(aside from the cross member) like will the trans sit close enough to come up through the pre existing hole in the floor after I fab up a cross member?
and it’s a dual rear end. Hoping to not have to touch the rear. I’m trying to do this but keep it as ratty looking as possible. I don’t want another “nice” truck. Too much time and money into my obs. would love a patina look with a good ol 12 valve. Im young, and my income is decent…but I also don’t want to screw myself for moving out in a couple years. Just trying to do this with the right parts, but not go over the top.
Thanks for the advice on the forum. It gives me a good idea of what to expect. The whole process is a little scary but I’m not totally dumb I think I can get it figured out… I hope
and it’s a dual rear end. Hoping to not have to touch the rear. I’m trying to do this but keep it as ratty looking as possible. I don’t want another “nice” truck. Too much time and money into my obs. would love a patina look with a good ol 12 valve. Im young, and my income is decent…but I also don’t want to screw myself for moving out in a couple years. Just trying to do this with the right parts, but not go over the top.
Thanks for the advice on the forum. It gives me a good idea of what to expect. The whole process is a little scary but I’m not totally dumb I think I can get it figured out… I hope
Trailering
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Magnolia, TX
I'm interested in this too. Do you have any links to his posts and vids? Thanks.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 485
Likes: 51
From: Lincoln, Nebraska
F350 cummins swap fordification:
The chronicles of Lou, '70 F350 dually Cummins project - The FORDification.com Forums
I’m not finding youtube links at the moment but they might be in the forum link.
The chronicles of Lou, '70 F350 dually Cummins project - The FORDification.com Forums
I’m not finding youtube links at the moment but they might be in the forum link.
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