I know they're not as powerful as the 12 or 24 valve but did you consider a 4bt swap?

It would be a hell of a lot easier to swap in this diesel. Its lighter, mounts almost right up and you can keep the same axles I believe.

 

True. The problem with 4Bts is they are VERY EXPENSIVE.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cummins-4bt-...item19cc734641

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cummins-3-9-...item1e6a0a54b2

As compared to-
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1989-1993-Do...item416113f538

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-ram-d2...item43ac612812

 

An interesting idea, but, even though the 4bt was commonly used in a variety of commercial vehicles, they can still be fun to find for a reasonable price...... I seem to remember reading someones' 4bt swap though.....

(4bt is basically the 5.9 liter minus two cylinders.)

 

The other plus about the 4Bt is it's almost the same weight as the 5.9 gas. So you really have no issues there. Just motor mounts and trans work.

IIRC, a stock transmission can be made to hook up with some custom work, but it will not handle the torque of a 6bt. A 4bt? It could work.

 

Motor mounts for a 12 valve are the same as a Magnum. I wouldn't recommend keeping your 1500 axles, because you are going to figure out real quick that a 12v's output can be doubled for under $100. Then your axles will be useless. Also, you are not going to be running small tires. That will put tons of extra leverage on the axles. I am on a goverment computer and cannot open the ebay link, but if it's a 12 valve with a nv4500, you're on the right track.

I wouldn't go earlier then 94, since 1) it will be the same truck, making things simpler, and 2) the getrag 5spd's suck compared to the nv4500's.

 

but a nv4500 swap is a complete bolt on, no modifiaction req

 

That's what 2x1972 is saying. Cut a hole in floor, bolts right in with the 12 Valve. It will last longer anyways. The autos suck unless fully built. Stock NV4500 transmissions can handle alot, with a stronger clutch that is.

 

I see a LOT fewer problems with the 47 and 48 series transmissions than with the 46 fellers in the gassers..... not sure just why that is, there really isn't that much difference between them, aside from internals being a tad meaner. I am not even entirely sure there are ANY differences in the O/D unit.

 

Gutting your interior to cut a hole in the floor, yanking your steering column all sound like not fun.

 

Gutting? More like, cut the hole in the carpet, cut the hole in the floor, call it a day...

Either way, I'm pretty sure Evan is not worried so much about wrench time... Were talking about a Cummins swap. Large time investment is a given.

Thanks, yes that's what I was getting at.