Hello all,

I have a stock (no body or suspension lift) 1988 4 door flatbed F350 4x4 460 with a ZF5.
I will be swapping in an intercooled first gen 12v VE pump Cummins out of Dodge PU. I am looking for reliability, improved MPG and better towing. Primarily going to use it to carry a cab-over camper for the family.

I would like to post my progress here and ask questions.

One of the first questions I have is about the AC. Mine works great now and I would like to keep it that way. Is there anyway to get around opening up the system? Was anyone able to leave it hooked up and just push it to the side? I am under the impression it will be much easier to just use the 12v compressor and that will involve new lines and or fittings--I am okay with easier--thoughts?

Also, my truck is currently a gasser so I need to do something about the fuel tanks and lines. I am planning on running new lines and filter setup. Is it possible to use the existing fuel tanks as long as all the gas is removed? I heard someone say no if they are galvanized because the diesel will react to it--I have no idea if that is true. Either way, I would like to just do a single large tank--larger than the current stock rear tank. Any thoughts?

Am I going to be okay with the stock exhaust manifold from the 12v? Conversion sites want to sell me an expensive new manifold. Do I need/want it?

More questions and some photos to come. Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

Maybe check out DeBoss Garage on YouTube, I don't know if they cover that, though.

 

You can use your ford a.c. compressor, you just have to make a high mount for it. It will use the 3 bolt holes on the Cummins intake shelf , you may have a picking eye there now but just remove it.
the factory exhaust manifold will work with your a.c. box. It is best to flip it upside down for more clearance. If your engine is nonintercooled and you don't want to change the turbo to intake piece then leave the manifold in the stock orientation and heat shield the box so you don't melt the vaccumm box on it.
the engine mounts are easy to make and I have an extra set and can get you measurements if you need.
what tranny are you going to run

 

Sure is a lot of work to replace one of the best engines ever built. You must have a bunch of time and money to waste.

 

Was the 460 the best engine ever made? Noted

 

 

I used a Bronco rear tank and went with one tank and a Air dog fuel pump set up.
you can use the stock exh manifold you may have to flip it but it worked for me in the stock location
I went with the DCS A/C adapter fitting and used the Dodge A/C compressor it made it an easy swap

 

lol Thanks, I do watch DeBoss love his channel. He has not done an OBS swap yet that I am aware of.

 

Thanks, I am considering making my own, do you have any pictures of your build?

I feel the same way, 460 is an awesome big block gas engine, but with an awesome fuel bill to match. And the 12v is soo much better for towing. Thanks!

Thank you, I was thinking about the bronco tank--what years are best, is it bolt in, and are you able to keep your spare under the truck? Cheers!

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-my-truck.html

Here is mine. It's junkie but fun.

 

Wow, crazy cool build! Thanks for sharing.

Can I get the specs for the mounts you made? No hurry, I just started. I am going to take it slow, this build is going to be my daily driver.

 

Which mounts? Engine or a.c..

 

Both if you have them, that would be awesome, thanks!

 

just realized that you are the "goober and a welder" guy lol.

 

Guilty. How you doing