This truck was built by Cabriolet Truck and Van Specialists in Constantine Mi. To pull a fifth wheel camper. It came with a 460 EFI engine which I would like to replace with a diesel. I wonder if there is any one out there that could give me an idea on what changes, if any, would be necessary to install a ford diesel in this truck. Will motor and trans mounts have to be changed etc.? The truck was built back when 55 MPH was the law so, it has a C6 trans with 410 rears so RPM's are high at highway speeds. I am planning to either change the trans to a overdrive or install an after market high range unit to this trans or the rear end. The 460 runs very well but gets only 6 mile to the gallon. This truck only has 90,000 miles on it and is in very good condition. It is the most comfortable way to pull a fifth wheel camper that I have ever seen and feel that it would be well worth upgrading the drive train. I have already replaced all the brake (including emergency brake cables front to rear) and fuel lines, front calipers, and rear drums, rotors, pads, shoes, and wheel cylinders, serviced or replaced all drive line bearings. This is going to be a long summer project so if any one has any input or suggestions please let me know. There will be other upgrades down the line which I will explain as we proceed into the project. Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

Sure, its doable. Shop for an '89 - '91 diesel van, buy it and swap everything over to your Cabiolet. The '89 - '91 diesels were the same body style but had the E4OD 4 speed automatic with locking torque converter. You will need the complete engine, cooling system, fuel system, throttel linkage, wiring harness, transmission (and wiring harness), mounts and brackets. All should bolt up to your '88. You will probably have to have a drive shaft made for it. Once you have the OD trans with lockup converter the 4.10 gear will work just fine at highway speeds.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT