So easiest route would be find a wrecked 12 valve? a 1997 12 valve?

 

is there anyway to use my axles?

 

I'd go older than that. Get a non I/C'd 89 or 90 12 valve, that's what I was considering.

Keep in mind the weight difference between even the older 12 valve and the 360. It's about a three hundred pound difference. That's a lot of stress on your front end componants. I've got a 3/4 ton truck and I've already talked myself out of this. I have a feeling it's one of those projects that looks simple, but once you get started it goes down the toilet.

So, you will need-
Motor
Fuel tank and lines
Transmission/transfer case
New motor mounts
Diesel front springs
Diesel cluster
Exhaust system

That's just off the top of my head.

 

-Axles??? Do I need 8 lug axles
-Wiring

 

Give me your opinion on buying this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CUMMINS-5-9L...item33704be47f

 

Any chance you have a video of that thing running? I would love to see that! Was it a 250 or 350 at least? Those body styles were way nicer than the 150 of that year. Found it looked girly.

 

How far away from you is it? Also note, Reserve not met, and a buy it now of 2600 bucks........

How much do you think you could sell your truck for?

 

I've seen two 1500 diesel conversions without 8-lug axles.

That being said, you will break the stock D44s in short order for sure.

 

Eh. I'd wait and see if you can locate a complete donor truck for the same price, which you could probably hear the engine run in.

I know that in the fall of '10, I could have bought a 90 D250 Cummins 4x4 auto for $2800 running and driving with 280k on it.

If the guy has proof it runs, or can run it on a stand or something, then the price may well be worth it, but that's a long drive for a crapshoot.

 

Yea I agree. You wont be able to just swap that engine and transmission and call it a day. Your gonna be out more money to find a vacuum pump to run brakes, getting power steering all set up, etc. You could invest in a FASS fuel setup and keep your stock fuel tank, with the exception of installing a draw straw, and a diesel fuel filler neck. There would be little wiring to worry about, but you'll still need a harness. Basically what im getting at, is find yourself a donor pickup. Your going to be all over the place, spending more money trying to find parts, when you could find you the whole pickup you could swap everything out of.

But don't throw the idea away though can you imagine how fun a 400 HP Cummins in a light half ton would be? Your mileage would be incredible. Im guessing in the high 20's on the highway...