Diesel Engine conversion?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Diesel Engine conversion?
I have a '77 f-150 4x4, 400m, 4speed. I think the engine is totally worn out. It uses about 1 quart of oil for every 40 miles of driving. Some of it leaks out but most of it is coming out the tailpipe. I have another engine, it is a 6.9 diesel currrently sitting in a 92 international cube van. I am going to scrap the van but the engine is still good. Does anyone know anything about putting one of these diesels in an older truck like mine? Can it be done?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Ditto that, it's a popular swap if you can work a welder and fabricate, even though gas seems to have settled at around $3.80 and diesel is around $4.40, when the diesel is getting twice the mileage as the gas it's hard not to at least consider the diesel swap, a lot of guys have done it, personally speaking i'd do it too were were my highboy a daily driver, but it's a weekend truck with a FE that sucks down 8mpg and i'm ok with that, i have a '83 ranger with a 2.2L diesel that pulls down 35mpg (40 highway) for my daily driver.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 13
dang.... gas is 3.55 and diesel is 4.09 here. tis also why im looking at the 7.3 swap. 9mpg@ $3.55 or 17mpg $4.09. Not to mention that a 7.3 will run great for about 250k miles whereas you can expect 100-150k out of a gas
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
You maintain those diesels and they'll treat you well, keep up on the oil/fuel filter changes and you can get upwards of a half million miles out of em, i got 359,000 on my ranger and no signs of needing a rebuild yet (knock on wood) i've toyed with the idea of dropping a cummins in my highboy but i just can't bring myself to yank that FE.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I know the 7.3 and the 6.9 are virtually the same. Will I need an adapter plate, I want to keep the original transmision.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,466
Likes: 2,798
F250 yes, F150 no. Weighs too much, and you'll be patching up with heavier springs, bent parts etc.
Rebuild your 400 into a high-compression better cammed better carbed overdriven 351.
Just a suggestion.
Rebuild your 400 into a high-compression better cammed better carbed overdriven 351.
Just a suggestion.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Let's assume I'm determined to drop this diesel into my 1/2 ton, I can beef up my front springs, what else do I have to do?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,466
Likes: 2,798
Figure it weighs 800-900 lbs. a bit more than the 400's 575. Add the extra battery, oil, bigger radiator, maybe you end up almost 500lbs more.
Box in the frame, change to F250 axles and steering gear.
Or, just do the springs and see what happens.
Box in the frame, change to F250 axles and steering gear.
Or, just do the springs and see what happens.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 13
well if you leave the D44 in there you will most likely be changing wheel bearings twice a year.. especially with bigger tires.... best way... get a D60 or equivalent axle convert it to leaf springs, and go crossover steering. Dont forget youll need something stouter than a 9" for all that torque too.... so once again.. youre looking at a donor truck. in this position, id get a set of .040 over pistons with some dome on em, some bigger valves a nice hefty cam, a set of headers, an intake and a 650/670cfm carb, and haul that wore out beast down to the machine shop. If you were dead set on putting a diesel in there... id go over to the engine swap forum and find the guys who have put the 3.9 cummins in thier trucks.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
I'm all for the 5.9 (6bt) cummins, but if you are REALLY concerned about the 1/2 ton truck deal then the 3.9 (4bt) is a great idea. It's an easy swap that will have decent power and get great gas mileage. Plus a motor can be found for cheap in an old bread/Frito lay panel truck.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, MN
I know a guy who put a 5.9 cummins in a 92 F150. Worked good, just put in heavy duty "Snow plow" springs from JC whitney. Oh and he destroyed the rear pinion while towing. Keep that part in mind......
I vote to do it.
-J