I have a 49 panel in great shape but no motor or trans. I've restored quite a few rides and want to go with a small diesel on this one. Does anyone know of a small FORD diesel in the states I can try to get? I really don't want to over power the truck with a 7.3 turbo which I currently have 4 to choose from. I'm afraid something like that will need a much heavier front suspension and I want to go stock ride height with the truck. I keep seeing 2.5 diesels but they all seem to be in England. Did Ford make a small diesel (that was any good) in the states? I'm a strong believer in Ford powered Fords and Chevy powered Chevys so don't answer with "try a freightliner or a volvo". Worst case I'll put a 7.3 in.
Up for suggestions
Thanks

 

I think the only small diesel Ford had was in the 80's Ranger. They were only around for a couple of years and I don't know how reliable they are though. If you still have the stock suspension in the panel, get some front leaf springs from a F-3 truck. It may raise the truck 1 inch but would easily handle the weight of the 7.3L and it bolts right in.

 

how much do the 7.3's weigh? I would think it being a panel, that the suspension might be a big more hd? dunno though. I would love a 7.3 ,besides the headache of wiring, etc. But, just think the torque Plus, being a non turbo'd engine, I would imagine it over powering the truck. We've got a 400bb @ 6.6l in our truck w/ a volare (police) suspension and it handels like a dream. I know the 7.3 weights a lot more, but as you mentioned your going for stock height, why not just add some heavier springs, leafs ,etc.. like the above post, seeing the engines weights a bit more, added hd springs would compensate and most likely level out rather than lifting (im so dumb with old suspension tech). just a thought.

 

The 7.3 is slightly over 1000lbs. He has the Powerstroke version so there would be some wiring involved unlike the older IDI which just needs the glow plug relay wired in.

 

If I remember correctly these engines were made by Perkins. The only small diesel engine made by Ford was in the F6000 in the late 80's and early 90's. A 6 cyl that wasn't too heavy. The 6.9, 7.3 and Power Stroke are really not Ford engines, they are made by International (Navistar).
I'm putting a 5 cyl Mercedes turbo diesel in my 53. Ford actually used a Mercedes diesel in some Lincolns back in the early 90's, but most were exported.
Jeff

 

I believe that the frames on the F1/F2/F3's were all the same and that the only difference between the F1 suspension and the F2 and F3's are the springs and the hubs/brakes.

Hopefully one of the big truck guys will come along and verify that.

Good luck with it and welcome to the board!
Bobby

 

The frames are different under the F-1s than the F-2&3. The F-1 has a shorter, lighter frame. The front axle is the same, that is about all, chassis wise.

 

Thanks for setting me straight Bob

 

The 7.3L Powerstroke weighs in at 932 pounds dry which is about 140 pounds more than a big block Ford. Size-wise they are about the same. Ford's 7.3 and 6.0 diesels are made by International, which used to be Navistar as posted earlier. Overseas, they sell the Ranger with a small 4-cylinder diesel but not in North America. A smaller diesel engine won't be coming for several years in Ford F150s. It will probably be the V8 built in their new engine plant in England.

I'm planning to go with the 7.3L Powerstroke in my F1. The 6.0L has had too many problems to be reliable for me. I want the diesel option and that "other" brand is out. A six cylinder won't fit when you have to add the intercooler and A/C condenser up front. I'm using a Dodge Dakota front suspension from Industrial Chassis under the Powerstroke. Steve and I discussed, yesterday, which springs to use and his experience has been that the V6 springs will work well under the weight of a big block engine. Shocks are the more important choice.

That's my $0.05 worth.
Phil

 

Phil,

That's worth more than two cents!

 

thanks for the returns on this. I've asked many people in this area and mostly get a dumb look and a "why" We have two small diesels in our branch which are getting 30 to 40 MPG in loaded (light) vehicles and they have all kinds of pep, so I'm going for the power and the fuel mileage at the same time. The three 7.3's I have at this time are '85 E-350's and all have the Turbo's. I figured they are still early enough to put in as they don't have as many sensors to deal with.

I was afraid having too much power and twisting the body. I've been told the Panel's are the same as the 1/2 tons except the rear of the panel is attached at the top of the winshield posts. I figured a pickup allows for twisting where as the panel would not.

Don't get me wrong I'd love the power of the 7.3 but I also want a street rod I can drive anywhere. She'll have the TV's, radio, leather, air, etc. but I want to drive her when she's done. My Mustang got too big and I sold her because I couldn't drive her anymore (under 70).

I'm glad my initial measurements of the 7.3 were accurate and that you all think it should fit. I'll keep reading and hope to start on her this spring.

Thanks again

 

You must mean a 95 E-350 since the first year of the 7.3L was '87 and it got the turbo in '94. The Powerstroke version is almost a totally different motor than the earlier IDI's.

 

yer right a 95, thats why I work on the old stuff, they have more character than the new stuff

 

I don't know who made GMs diesels but I seem to remember a 5.7 liter that was put in some mid-70s Olds 98s. That might be lighter and a more appropriate size for your panel. I had a friend who owned one and claimed to get about 30 mpg with it. That's pretty good for a large heavy car...

 

The GM diesels were built by GM and although nice when they were running, were most notible for self destructing. They were an engineering nightmare. It was based on the old GM 350 gas engine and was not suitable for diesel useage! This engine is why GM basically KILLED the US diesel automotive market. STAY AWAY FROM THEM!