A buddy of mine that I work with is toying with the idea of dropping a 12v into his older 1500(think its a 98 or so) and wants to know what all will be involved. We already know the obvious, transmission(he wants a manual, anny recommendations?), beef up from end...what exactly needs done here? 3/4 ton front and rear ends? New transfer case? We have to tools and equipment needed to do everything, just not sure what all needs to be changed out.

Also, where is a good place to find used parts other than a junk yard?

Thanks guys!

 

Simple... buy a Ram 2500 and rebadge it.

 

Ahhhhh, the voice of common sense.

 

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Is he starting with a manual? Just find a 12V with a NV4500 behind it and a transfer case complete. Less headaches. Just swap it in and get it going first. If leaving it at stock power levels, leave the drivetrain alone.

The classifieds on here is a great place to find used parts, as well as the other diesel forums...

 

Buy a wrecked 2500 so you will have all the parts you need. Sounds like a fun project.

 

Sounds like a fun project. I would love to have a reg cab short bed 12 valve with 1 ton running gear for plowing snow up here in the winters. I would think it would be a fairly simple swap just beef up the front end to take the extra weight.
Evan

 

What he said...don't mean to sound like a party pooper but if he's needing a 1/2 ton, why not put a 4bt in there instead? That's around 850 lbs instead of 1200+. Cost vs. benefit (especially in time and procurment of parts, etc)
it just makes more sense.

 

That's a good idea. That's probably what I'd do. He can probably get 30+ mpg out of a 4bta and 1500 while still enjoying the power and sound of a Cummins.

 

easiest swap i have ever done. been driving my 82 for over 6 years. no problems none. 9.25 rear has stood dragstrip and 9 in slicks still no noise. heavier springs and shocks are the only suspension mods. i did. absolutely a blast to drive. never use anything but high gear in daily driving. 3.21 posi.

 

How about finding a wrecked 2500 CTD with a good frame and just do a body swap. More work than rebadging it but still easier than a conversion.

 

Sorry, I don't mean to be sarcastic but I think there are better swaps out there.

CTD --> newer Ford = excellent
CTD + Allison --> existing CTD 2500/3500 = nice
4BT --> any 1500 series or Jeep = cool

But a CTD to an old half-ton just seems like a lot of work for an end product that's less robust than what already is coming out of the factory.

 

Go to pavementsucks.com and contact a guy named Superhawk2002. He bought a wrecked '94 2500 and put the Cummins in his '97 1500. Couse he also put about 20" lift, 2.5 ton rockwells, and made it a dually on 46's.

I'm sure he can tell you all about the diesel swap into a 1500 though.

 

there seems to be a lot of opinions on this. best thing to do is what ever you think will work for you. i have 4 grand in my 82 and it aint for sale. i love it

 

also dont forget your gonna need the appropriate guages and all the electricals and mechanicals that go along with it. will probably have to upgrade the fuel lines and several other things. getting the engine/trans to fit will be nothing compared to all the little things that will eat his lunch.