Hey i was wondering if any of you guys could offer me some advice?

So i just bought a 1978 dodge w150 360/727 trans 4x4, for 2400. When i bought it i knew that it had a tranny leak and the seal needed to be replaced. So i have dropped the tranny and t-case and pulled out the motor. I am at a point where i am not sure what to do with it. I could just rebuild the origional motor and tranny, motor cause it needs gaskets etc. but i would really like to but a 12v cummins in it.

Im a student and sort of on a budget, so any suggestions. Would it cost alot more to put a 12v in it v.s rebuilding the old 360 bomb/vise versa

 

My advice would be to stick with what you have, either rebuild/replace but keep the drivetrain.

First consideration, when you figure the costs for a major mod, you should always double it (if not triple the amount) because it always costs more in the end,

Second consideration: Weight.

The 12V weighs around 400 pounds more than your 360, and is a lot of weight on a 1/2 ton.


A 4BT would be a better option for a Diesel in a 1/2 ton.

Having done some drivetrain swaps and a lot of mods, my advice is to keep it simple for now.

Once you're done with school, have a good DD and some expendable cash for doing mods, that would be the time to tackle a major mod like a Diesel swap.

Good luck!

 

I would not have bought a project truck if I was still a student. Lol

 

Ok thanks, and its not really a project, it needs a main seal on the tranny to get it running. I bought it cause i got a great price. Also the body and frame are mint. No rust at all on the body and very minimal surface rust on the box side of the frame

 

Right now im off school until the summer so i got nothing but time to work on the truck and work at my job and make some money. I am a student but i do have some money put aside for a vehicle etc.

 

So funny it hurts...

I work for a living, and it only took 8 years to get my '92 RC road/trail worthy.

A '78 will be a little simpler, and probably a lot less stressful, since I fixed mine up with a wife & 4 small kids, while holding down a job. Git 'r' running, pick up parts as you can, work on it as you're able, and EVENTUALLY... it will all come together!