Ok, so now you have started a serious project. All I can ask is, please finish it. And by the way, if this works out well, I will be doing an engine swap wicked fast.

 

This is my third diesel conversion and we do electric conversions for a business so I fully intend on finishing it.
We have figured out how to fool the canbus on the Ranger EV conversions so I'm hoping it will also work on the Dakota so we can keep the stock cluster and computer.
Yes some front end work will be in order but to start with I just need to get the engine sitting into the frame rails and design mounts.
I'm not a stack guy, they are cool on rigs and sled trucks but I'm not a fan of them on street trucks.
This is not an all out off road truck so the IFS will stay, I hope.
Yes a fair bit of surface rust for such a new truck. It will be gone once we get it cleaned up and repaint the frame.
A few pic's are up on flickr and I will try to keep it up to date but this is going to take a few months since its not a full time job.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75125279@N02/

BFN
Randy

 

Way to go! I wish you the best of luck with this new endeavor. I hope that everything works out great!!! Id love to do the same with my truck, but i just aint got the money to do it.

What did that motor come out of? Are you gonna upgrade the transfer case?

 

im so jealous.....now makes me wonder 6.4 hemi or a 5.9 24 valve......anything is possible.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1usg0...ture=fvwp&NR=1

 

Oh yea, you're the guy who already did a dually diesel flatbed conversion on a gen2. I saw your website and the EV stuff you do. Can't wait to see this coming along, I'd say good luck, bit you probably won't need it.

 

Oh I think I will need all the luck I can get on this one.
The Gen2 https://ca.tdconversions.com/dakota-isuzu-4hf1
just got a new rear axle (14 bolt) complete with air bags off a big rig.
We took out the leaf springs and built swing arms that went from the front leaf spring mounts over the axle and out the back. Then mounted the bags on platforms that were welded to the beams.
Had to add a track bar but it rides much nicer and still packs 2 yards of gravel.
It went over the scales last year with 2.5 yards of drain rock and weighed in at 12,345lbs!
Hope to get the engine and trans out of the Gen 3 Friday, that's when reality will set in and I realize just how crazy this is.

BFN
Randy

 

Wow, that's all I can say. Its an awesome project! Subscribed!

 

Similar to what I plan on doing with mine, I'm choosing a different diesel to sit between my frame rails though.

Unfortunately, I have about 4 projects in line first, one being an EV conversion of my 1985 GMC Jimmy.

I'll definitely be interested in what you have to do to keep the stock cluster and other electric/electronics that are not a part of the drivetrain.

 

Had an awesome day today.
Got the whole gas drive system out of the truck.
Engine, trans, transfer case and fuel tank are all out.
Lots more room in the engine compartment than I thought.
Had a call from the machinist and the new bell housing/adapter is ready so next week we can start installing the Diesel.
Unfortunately regular "money making" jobs will take over the shop next week so assembly will be slowed.