Hey guys. I recently bought a 1994 reg cab long box 5.9 12 valve automatic for the purpose of strictly truck pulling. The cab is finished so I pulled the cab off and before I put the better cab on, I want to work on the motor. This is a complete project so any advice would be helpful. How should I rebuild the motor, tranny, what gears are best for truck pulling? Thanks guys.

 

What class are you planning on running in? What size tires are you going to run, does the motor need to be rebuilt?

At this point I can only suggest pulling the head and checking the cylinder condition, replacing the freeze plugs, getting head studs and possibly o-ringing the head.

 

doubt it needs any rebuild...

head studs and O-rings are a good idea...

tune up that pump, get some big injectors, and a silver bullet 66... oughta make good power

 

Well I wanna go pretty big. Most likely in the SS class and as for tires, probably a wide 33 in the rear? The motor doesn't need a rebuild, she purrs like a kitten, but I'm just tryin to get all the hp I could out of it. Thanks for your replies

 

might want to hit up cumminsforum and the 94-98 performance parts section..

also I would highly recommend DFI-performance injectors...Chris the former builder of SDX injectors is now the builder for DFI-performance. He builds some of the very best injectors out there and has people like Weston (AKA "smokem" on compd) to advise him.

 

Okay thanks I will look into it. What about gear ratio?

 

whatever is in it will likely do...just make sure you have a dana 80 rear end..dana70's will fail around 400hp...

diesels aren't like a gasser, they will pull hard with both 3.54 and 4.10's...costs a small fortune to get the ratios changed having a dana 80 rear...about a $3000 swap for both axles because the dana 80 needs carrier swap too.

you will want to make sure it either has factory posi in it, or get a locker for it...traction is key to sled pulling...1 legged wonders don't do as well as posi trucks..

 

Go get a dana 80 out of a dually, or better yet an AAM 1150 dually out of a newer truck. Run the duals, get spacers if you have to, and run some decently wide tires. Good tires make a huge difference.

Put a set of bump stops and ladder bars on it. Then either get a spool or weld up your differential. If it's a dedicated pull truck, it doesn't make sense to get a limited slip because you're going to want it locked up.

I'd do those before spending money on making power.

Then go through your injection pump, injectors, turbo, etc. Put an airdog or fass lift pump on it with 1/2" lines, and don't skimp on the pump.

Then you're going to need to get a built billet transmission after you destroy your stock one the first time out... Expect to drop a good $5k+ on it.