CAT into Highboy
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 97
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From: Liberty, Utah
CAT into Highboy
Hi everybody. the otherday my uncle was telling me that you can put a cat diesel into a 73-77 highboy. He didn't remember which cat model it was. I was just wondering if anybody has done this or heard of it done cause i think that would be awesome!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 403
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From: Story City, Iowa
I have never seen it done, but there is a guy running around town that has an old John Deere diesel from a combine in his '76 F250. Just something about it doesn't sound right, but at the same time sounds cool.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Fellas have been running these for years. Industrial fords actually came with Cats.
The 3208 is common though kind of a pig, in my opinion.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...8-implant.html
The 3208 is common though kind of a pig, in my opinion.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...8-implant.html
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 2
From: Alvarado, TX
No way dude. I've driven plenty of 3208s and they do just fine till about 30,000 lbs without a turbo. In a pickup it would scream. I've toyed with the idea for a few years because they're not that big and it has been done. In fact there was a thread a while back about a dentside service truck on ebay with a 3208. It looked factory. Unfortunately the ad is long gone so searching for it would be pointless. I say go for it and I'll follow your lead. Of course that's coming from a trucker with a lot of spare time these days. Big block Fords and Cat diesels are the only engines to have. 
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
i have seen where a guy about 2 '68s and made his own supercab truck, and put a 3208 bolted to an allison in this thing. talk about SWEET!! turboed and all, it was pretty awesome lookin. if i recall right, he did have to move 1 part of the fire wall back about an inch or 2.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
No way dude. I've driven plenty of 3208s and they do just fine till about 30,000 lbs without a turbo. In a pickup it would scream. I've toyed with the idea for a few years because they're not that big and it has been done. In fact there was a thread a while back about a dentside service truck on ebay with a 3208. It looked factory. Unfortunately the ad is long gone so searching for it would be pointless. I say go for it and I'll follow your lead. Of course that's coming from a trucker with a lot of spare time these days. Big block Fords and Cat diesels are the only engines to have.
I am fairly confident that without plenty of gear options the engine will fall short on rpm, and not do real well in such a light vehicle. It would never bog down, but the combo might not be best suited for the light truck application.
What do I know, I am a gas guy..........
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 2
From: Alvarado, TX
I'm not exactly sure what your concern is but keep in mind a 3208 will spin 3 grand all day long, OK the tag says 2850 but I used to wind them up tight in short geared trucks all the time. Consider a basic setup of 35s, 4.10 gears and an OD trans from the donor truck and you'd be doin 75 at about 2500 rpm. Not to shabby.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
I have a couple of spare chassis. Lets build one! Im not one to argue (much) but I believe there might be more suitable options.
Again, this is not my cup of tea, so,,,,,,,,I would have to drive one to be certain.
I really considered this as a better marine engine than anything else, but I guess that is more of an uneducated opinion than anything else........
Again, this is not my cup of tea, so,,,,,,,,I would have to drive one to be certain.
I really considered this as a better marine engine than anything else, but I guess that is more of an uneducated opinion than anything else........
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 2
From: Alvarado, TX
That sounds like a blast. I can't believe I may have found a subject where I might have more experience than you
. Damn where'd I put my .
. Damn where'd I put my .
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
real life office, real life employees, no warehouse. cant keep my toys over there. Too far from home, lol. Toys stay at the shop up here close to me.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 788
Likes: 0
From: Cascade, ID
You guys must be neighbors..........
I think you guys should get together and build one. If 75F350's involved it would be pretty quality. Fordworth your truck looks pretty sharp so you must have some good skills also.
I think you guys should get together and build one. If 75F350's involved it would be pretty quality. Fordworth your truck looks pretty sharp so you must have some good skills also.