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Cummins swap a half ton

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Old Dec 27, 2022 | 12:31 AM
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Default Cummins swap a half ton

I have a 1999 ram 1500 that I’m wanting to put a 24valve in and was wondering what all I needed I heard I would need to upgrade suspension and that stuff but I was thinking and was wanting to know if the gauge cluster plugs right in and if the wiring harness just plugs into the fusebox to connect everything inside the cab together. My buddy has a Cummins and everything looks the exact same as my halfton
 
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Old Dec 27, 2022 | 05:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Deven
I have a 1999 ram 1500 that I’m wanting to put a 24valve in and was wondering what all I needed I heard I would need to upgrade suspension and that stuff but I was thinking and was wanting to know if the gauge cluster plugs right in and if the wiring harness just plugs into the fusebox to connect everything inside the cab together. My buddy has a Cummins and everything looks the exact same as my halfton

I'll bet if you look at the front suspension, it will be heavier since the engine is so much heavier to begin with. You'll also have to change the fuel system over as it runs on diesel. It would be cheaper and easier to just get an oil burner to begin with.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2022 | 10:16 AM
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For the most part the wiring is plug and play to some extent. You have your connectors in the middle of the firewall for the engine harness, connectors at the pcm, all of which would have to be changed. new fuel system, a FASS lift pump with sump could remove most of that headache, hooking up a return line would be the major thing. You'll probably end up switching about 50% of the wiring. Wouldn't hurt to spend some time with wiring diagrams of your truck and diesel to verify wires are present where they need to be. The cluster will plug in, best would be to find a wrecked donor truck to swap out.

The front end is heavier, the springs are stiffer, but don't have to be changed, obviously the 3/4 is an 8 bolt dana 60 vs a 5 bolt dana44, and I could see a Cummins shredding the 9.25 in the rear really fast. Also transmission, transfer case and driveline all need upgraded. Again why a donor suits best.

suspension wise i never understand why people are so OMG its a Cummins, need big suspension, that engine will sit in that chassis just fine. Probably squat a little. A Cummins weighs maybe 400lbs more than a small block v8. No different then two bulky dudes sitting in the front seat, or hanging a snowplow off the front. If I did this swap would I then install a plow and gain 300lbs, no I would not.

Can and has it been done yes. Is it worth it for you is the question? People rag me all the time oh that's to expensive, its cheaper to just do this instead. I like the challenge, I like to learn, but its costly, I throw alot of money down holes ill never see again. but I enjoy the experience/knowledge I get. Some people go on fancy trips. I throw money down holes, spend it how you want to lol
 
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Old Dec 27, 2022 | 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by dodgetruck2
For the most part the wiring is plug and play to some extent. You have your connectors in the middle of the firewall for the engine harness, connectors at the pcm, all of which would have to be changed. new fuel system, a FASS lift pump with sump could remove most of that headache, hooking up a return line would be the major thing. You'll probably end up switching about 50% of the wiring. Wouldn't hurt to spend some time with wiring diagrams of your truck and diesel to verify wires are present where they need to be. The cluster will plug in, best would be to find a wrecked donor truck to swap out.

The front end is heavier, the springs are stiffer, but don't have to be changed, obviously the 3/4 is an 8 bolt dana 60 vs a 5 bolt dana44, and I could see a Cummins shredding the 9.25 in the rear really fast. Also transmission, transfer case and driveline all need upgraded. Again why a donor suits best.

suspension wise i never understand why people are so OMG its a Cummins, need big suspension, that engine will sit in that chassis just fine. Probably squat a little. A Cummins weighs maybe 400lbs more than a small block v8. No different then two bulky dudes sitting in the front seat, or hanging a snowplow off the front. If I did this swap would I then install a plow and gain 300lbs, no I would not.

Can and has it been done yes. Is it worth it for you is the question? People rag me all the time oh that's to expensive, its cheaper to just do this instead. I like the challenge, I like to learn, but its costly, I throw alot of money down holes ill never see again. but I enjoy the experience/knowledge I get. Some people go on fancy trips. I throw money down holes, spend it how you want to lol
I have this lovely hole in my back yard that could use some filling in.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2022 | 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by HeyYou
I have this lovely hole in my back yard that could use some filling in.


I can help some

Just trying to fight that, if you have to ask its not for you mentality. I sure wasn't born knowing everything, I learn best by doing. Sometimes that costly lol

 
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