Anybody ever look into swapping their gasser for the smaller cummins 4cyl?

Looking into it before I start pulling the trigger on my 360 build

 

Jeff Garmon in Georgia does full on 12v 6bt swaps into 1500s. I guess they are pretty well insane! The cabs and such are the same, I'd say go with a 6bt!

Travis

 

I have a 4bd1t (almost the same thing, but more power + quieter) and the only real reason I havn't started my swap is finding the NV4500 I want is a challange. You will need a standalone tcm and the proper adapters ($600 for the kit if memory serves). Or an adapter + 5spd of your choice.

 

thought about doing a 4bt swap in my 2wd S-10 pickup would be one bad S-10 with a diesel in it.

if you want diesel in your ram, just get a 12v or 24v inline 6. upgrade your front springs to handle the weight, and call it good.

 

I've been doing some research on this topic..but soon grew intimidated by the amount of work it entails..I eventually just told myself that if I ever wanted a diesel project truck I would be better of just getting an old w250 or a wrecked '96 - '98 ram 2500

 

I would go with the 12 valve also. With a half ton you can expect 20+ MPG. The 4BT, really high mileage can be expected, but I think its still a little underpowered for a full size. Don't get me wrong, its much more powerful than your gasser, but I've heard their reliability sucks once you try to turn them up. And to push that full size, your gonna want to turn it up. Go with a 12 valve, it bolts right up. Find a NV4500 or a 47RH and mate it, and you'll have a sweet ride. I might be lucky enough to inherit a 12 valve pretty soon, and would be willing to rid of the NV4500 because I want an automatic just depends on when. I can get it. I'm thinking of doing the swap myself someday...

 

6bts are a little heavy for half tons..suspension mods would have to be made.

 

Just a spring swap. Everything else would be fine. You could upgrade your steering to heavy duty stuff to help with turning. And box the frame. I've heard the Chrysler 9.25's hold up fairly well too.

 

Exactly. But I would put Dana 60s front and rear to be on the safe side cause lets be honest that 12 valve wouldn't stay stock for long if it was me.

 

Lol I agree. Being lighter than a 2500, 400 HP in a 2500 would FEEL like 500 HP in his halfer lol.