I have a '95 F-150 4x4, 300, 5-spd, 233,000 miles, reg. cab, long bed that I will be using for the recipient of a '97 5.9L Cummins along with an NV4500 out of a '98 Dodge. I was going to put this engine and trans. in my '78, but I'll probably end up selling that truck back to the previous owner. He is going to turn it into a mud drag truck. Does anyone have any leads on a 14-bolt rear axle and a Dana 60 front??? I feel these would be substantial for my truck. What would be the best transfer case to run in this? I would like to use an NP205, but what other options do I have?? I will probably strip this truck down to the frame, add some crossmembers, box it in some more, etc etc. I am not sure about the 1/2 ton frame, but I have talked to some people that have done conversions like this, and they have put the 5.9's in 1/2 tons, broncos, Dodge Dakotas, etc etc, and they have held up fine.

 

Look for the model year change where dodge went to the drivers side t-case. Just buy the whole thing in one fell swoop if you can. If you are dealing with a 2wd tranny, I would go with the divorced 205 out of a 70's highboy.

 

Don't do it, frame isn't strong enough it will break just like the early Dodge /cummins trucks. You need a stronger chassis.

 

That cummins will tear your frame apart. It would not only need boxed it would need a ton of crossmembers. Ford doesn't even put diesels in their light duty F250's THey are all Heavy duty. Also you will have to really really beef up your suspension. Your talking about a thousand pounds sitting there.