Anyone ever ponder the possibility/probability of transplanting a Power Stroke Diesel into a full sized (e.g. mid 80's) Bronco? Could it be feasable? Any drawbacks? Swap in HD axles etc. Just looking for ideas.

~Shawn

 

You will need to use the search function on ths one. It has been discussed numerous times. The quick answer? The frame cant handle it.

 

OOPS Sorry. Didn't think about that or the search function.

 

Well its funny you ask. I just purchased a 1996 Ford Bronco with the 5.8L in it, for the purpose of transplanting a Diesel into it.

I plan on really doing my homework on this BEFORE I start to tear things apart.

I have been down to my local junk-yard looking at the 96 year F250 Regualr cab pick-ups. From looking I figure I will need to replace the front axle with a solid axle, get the wiring harness for the diesel along with the computer, I will also need to fab-up a custom exhaust, and I will need the gauge cluster from the f250. Of course this is a extremely condensed version of what is needed to perform the swap. But in my opinion I see no reason why the frame couldnt handle the diesel engine. The frame on the Bronco and the F250 are basically constructed the same, they are both open C-Channels.

If it is needed the Frame on the Bronco could always be boxed in easily. But I see no need for it.

Bascially, if you want to perform this swap, you need to buy a COMPLETE running F250 diesel truck and use that for parts and references while building the Bronco.

After doing some calculating I figure that this project will end up costing me upwards of $20,000 when it is all said and done. I know that sounds like alot for a Bronco, but I will own something no one else has.

Oh by the way, the only thing that I havent figured out yet is getting the truck to pass emissions. Even with all the smog equipment installed on the Bronco im not sure if the MVD will reconize the fact that I installed a Diesel in a Bronco. I guess I will just have to cross that bridge when I get to it. I plan to start this project in January!! Wish me luck.

 

You don't need to swap the cluster; the only thing that's different on the diesel cluster is the tach, but the gas tach will still work (it just won't travel very far). On the diesels the extra lights are to the right of the cluster on that little dash panel that looks like there should be something there.

It's a pretty well-agreed upon fact (even by a lot of fabricators) that a PSD isn't going to do well at all in a Bronco. Why not get creative and swap in a smaller, more reasonable diesel? There was a '68 F100 on Ebay a while back that had an Isuzu 4-cylinder diesel in it and the guy claimed impressive towing performance. Also, there is a shop that does Cummins swaps into Fords but they look like a pretty tight fit (since they're I6 layouts); see www.fordcummins.com

 

Thanks for some of the great ideas. I never thought about swapping in a I-6 cummins diesel. I like the cummins motor alot, I will definetly look into it. As far as putting a small diesel like the Isuzu you mentioned, I wouldnt do that. I just never was fond of those small diesels. I'm either going to be putting in a Powerstroke or a Cummins. I will keep you all posted as the project progresses.

P.S. I found a great deal on a 1995 Ford F250 4x4 automatic, with the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel. The truck has only 112,000 miles and the asking price is $5900. I might just buy it for my parts vehicle. I will decide by next friday. Ill keep you posted. Thanks for the ideas!

 

I would not put a computer controlled diesel in for this swap ether the IDI 7.3 turbo or a 5.9 cummins 1st generation.

 

Why not a computer controlled diesel? Putting a computer controlled diesel in is not all that more difficult that putting a non computer controlled engine in. All you need to do is swap wiring harnesses and the computers. Its actually pretty simple when its all laid out.

 

I just know couple of people who have been stumped on it. you adding more varibles with a computer controlled diesel. thats all all them sensers better be good and your oil level has to close to the line on the dip stick it runs your injecotors. unless you got the tools to check everything and really know what your doing I would not recomend it.

 

I have installed a 6.9 C6 into an 88 EB fullsize and it was actually a pretty simple conversion, only the larger rad support had to be used , It got me 20mpg w/3.50 gears and 31" tires, compared to the 5.8 getting 14-15. changed to 3.00 but didn't improve mileage, just lowered noise level. I would have prefered a 7.3/E4OD but I was using what I had. Had no problem w/front axle, used diesel coils after a few thousand on originals they sagged. I did change to an earlier 9" rear , but only because I planned on hauling a trailer a lot.

It made an excellent daily driver and sure made the Ford guys do a double take.
One of those ones that got away, when hardup for cash! Even saved the ad from the truck trader!!!!!!

 

What about a 6.8L v-10? I have always dreamed of doing that.

 

The old 6.9/7.3L Diesels from the '80's might be a good choice since they're relatively high-revving engines, with a 3600 rpm governed speed. And they're V-8's: measure the length of one of those Cummins I-6's before you get too excited about putting it in your Bronco - they are loooong!
And they don't rev very high, 2800 rpm or so, so you've got to have an E4OD or else a very high (low numerical) axle ratio.
Then you'd have to do hydroboost brakes, or else a vacuum pump for the booster. The interesting thing about a Diesel is that the highest heat rejection is a max power, while worst-case for a gas engine is at extended idle, so your radiator probably would not have to be any larger unless you are going to do lots of really heavy towing.

The radiators used on the old 6.9L's were vastly oversized, and there were NO reports of them overheating - except for one guy who used his F-350 to tow a 30,000 lb ore car up out of an open-pit mine!
Have fun!

- R