Diesel Conversion...

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 6, 2008 | 07:56 AM

LilredWagon

Thread Starter

Cross-Country

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 82

Likes: 6

From: Delton, MI

Diesel Conversion...

I was wondering if any of you guys had heard of anyone trying to convert one of the 97-03 lightduty bodystyle gasser's to a diesel. I've been driving a '98 F-250 LD (7700) 4x4 regular cab 5.4L with E40D automatic transmission, long bed for about 2 and a half years now, and love the way the truck drives, but I really want a turbodiesel. I don't particularly care for how the superduty trucks ride down the road empty, so I was curious if anyone has ever tried to drop a powerstroke of any year into one of these trucks. Also, does anyone know what the diesel engine weighs in comparison to the 5.4L? I know the engines are considerably more stout to withstand the impact and vibrations of diesel combustion, but I don't know what the weights are of either engine. Anywho, I was just wondering if anyone had heard of anyone doing something like this and what the outcome had been.

Chris

Feb 6, 2008 | 12:46 PM

Trevor1

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 163

Likes: 0

From: Louisiana

the front end of even a f250 ld would not support the weight of the powerstroke diesel

Feb 6, 2008 | 03:18 PM

drakul20us

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 203

Likes: 0

With the amount of work , time and money involved in this kind of project, it would be more cost effective to sell your truck and buy a stroker

Feb 6, 2008 | 03:42 PM

slowr w/o blowr

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 121

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor1

the front end of even a f250 ld would not support the weight of the powerstroke diesel

Why not? They came with a snow-plow prep package. 7.3 arent that heavy. Ive pulled a couple out of some ups trucks, I would say they are around 8 or 900 pounds. thats my guess. If you take a 5.4 w/ a snow plow, you will be way heavier than a 7.3. I would venture to say that a 7.3 and a snow plow would be over-weight. The bad part of the conversion would be the oil pan, radiator and charge air cooler, they would be a tight fit.

If i was going to do a diesel conversion though, i would look into a 4bt cummins. Pretty much the same as working on a 6bt. A 4bt would be plenty of motor for a half ton, and would pull decent fuel mileage. I am not sure on the balance shaft. i dont think all 4b's came with a balance shaft. You could probably find a used one with the shaft out of a generator set. Those motors have to run smooth otherwise they would vibrate off the slab of concrete they are sitting on.

Feb 6, 2008 | 06:10 PM

hush210

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 186

Likes: 0

Check these guys out. http://automotivesolutionsraleigh.co...onversion.html They put a 4bt in a 2wd f-150

Feb 7, 2008 | 04:30 AM

slowr w/o blowr

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 121

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by hush210

Check these guys out. http://automotivesolutionsraleigh.com/4B-Conversion.html They put a 4bt in a 2wd f-150

Nice find!!! too bad they didnt have any literature on the fab work.

Feb 7, 2008 | 10:33 PM

hush210

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 186

Likes: 0

Ya I know. I spoke with the guy one time on another site but i cant for the life of me remember where. I know they used the stock 4r70w tranny. Custom fabed the motor mounts. Sounded like it wasnt really that big of a job. They have some contact info on there, Maybe try callin them?