Hello all. I recently bought a subaru legacy, and totally got hosed on it, lost alot of money on the deal (it was an $800 car, but i made the mistake of spending money to fix it.) The guy that sold it to me totally lied about everything. Anyway Im just going to sell it. Before this I had a dodge ram that I really liked. I wrecked it unfortunatly. I really liked the way it drove and all, I think I will try Dodge again. Im am so tired of driving junk with mechanical problems around though (the ram had issues). A buddy of mine has a SWEET lifted 4x4 diesel ram, and I am wanting to go for something like that. The problem- I don't have much money. Some people on the subaru forum I am on said that the better way to get a cheap vehicle than what I did would be to buy something that has an obvious problem like no motor or tranny for like $500 and throw an engine in it instead of buying the cheapest thing that moves. You guys agree? Anyone done it themselves? Any advice on how to go about it? I am after a diesel for many reasons, but major thing being they supposedly run forever (500,000 miles, is this unheard of?) Anyway I live in an apartment complex but my uncle out in OK has a shop and all the tools and would help me with the project. So I would also like to hear about actual experiences doing this and how much it costs? My goal is to have something 4x4 running and dependable for $1500, dont have to be pretty. Also any warnings about these trucks, what to look out for, better engine to buy etc. Got lots of questions hope yall can help me out.

 

Diesels that are properly maintained will last well over 500k... I would honestly just look for something cheap to drive around that you dont need to put a motor in or a tranny in.. Buying anything that needs a motor or trans will most likely cause you more headache and be alot more expensive then just buying something that already runs.. Buy something cheap and running and save up to get a truck of your liking.

 

I've been planning to do the same thing. The 12 valve Cummins is what you want. A MILLION miles seems to be common with those engines if you don't drive like a bat out of hell. They are very reliable, but very heavy. So find a 3/4 ton if you can. They do have some issues, like the killer dowel pin, but not a hard fix. Motor mounts line right up on our 2nd Gens. No electronics to worry about. Just fuel plumbing and brake/power steering systems. Better to find a donor and swap it all over. But $1500 is gonna be difficult to have as a budget. Most decent engines run $1500, not including transmission. I don't believe the swap is all that difficult if you research and have everything you need before hand. Check out:

Www.4btswaps.com

Theres a 6BT swap section.

And www.competitiondiesel.com

Also has a swap section.

In some cases it can be cheaper than buying an already running one, but unless you come across some badass deals, it may not be that cheap. Good luck!

 

Thanks guys! So, I did a little craigslist searching, I found a cummins engine and transmission for $1500. So, although that is technically a good deal, I will have to wait for some really good deals. My plan for now is to get as much information on how to do it as possible and save. (maybe find a better job) And im putting to put some 20w50 and "stop leak" in my junky subaru and hope it lasts me until I can get this under way.