How hard would it be to switch a 71 body to a newer frame and motor?
 

Is it possible to take a 71 blazer that had a 350 engine in it, and put it on an 84 body with a 6.2 diesel motor? The 6.2 is a 24 volt military blazer with low miles. Or would the 6.2 fit the 71 trans? What would I have to do to make that work because i want the style of the 71 with the diesel motor. Whats the best way of doing this? Any recommendations? Thanks. -Mike

Re: How hard would it be to switch a 71 body to a newer frame and motor?
 

Anything is possible, but that's gonna be a lot of work. The wheel base and width are both different. None of the body mounts will align either. It would be easier to put the 6.2 into the 71. I think there is someone on the board who has done a similar swap.

Re: How hard would it be to switch a 71 body to a newer frame and motor?
 

I Actually Helped A Buddy Put A 93 1/2 Ton Ifs Frame Out Of A Silverado In A Mid Fifties Pick Up
And Let Me Tell You That Was A Chore To Make It Look Proper
And Work Proper
But He Was Wanting The Suspension And Motor Cause The Old Truck Ran And Road Bad
I Think Bouncy Is Right It Would Be Way Easier To Swap Motor To Your Frame
The 24 Volt Thing Shouldnt Be That Big Of Deal Just Add Another Batt In Series And Run The Motor With That And All Of The Truck Stuff Leave 12 V
Or Convert It Over To 12v
But Then You Would Lose Some Of Your Cool Military Stuff IE:water Proof Ignition Parts

Re: How hard would it be to switch a 71 body to a newer frame and motor?
 

So would the 6.2 diesel fit the 71 trans?

Re: How hard would it be to switch a 71 body to a newer frame and motor?
 

This might help you some:
http://www.race-track.com/news.asp?TOPIC_ID=532

Swapping in the diesel by itself will be tons easier.
You should consider doing a 12 volt conversion too IMO.

What gears are do you currently have in the blazer? Tires size?
Both will determine engine RPM on the highway and a diesel doesn't tach out as happily as a gasser motor.

If I were you, I'd find an online gear chart, determine the 6.2 diesel's operating range and do the math before going any further.

Re: How hard would it be to switch a 71 body to a newer frame and motor?
 

well right now I have a 1972 CST, I didn't really want to rip out the 350 because it is a nice truck and all # matching, so i was looking at a 1971 for sale locally. I'm trying to do the math before i buy anything more. The 1984 blazer is a 5,000$ w/ 58,000 miles and is a great motor. But for that price I my be able to buy a crate motor for cheaper. I'm starting to think there is more to the swap then i seem to know. The end goal is making the diesel run on veggie oil or bio diesel so its cheap and has the supreme style of an old school blazer. Any ideals?

Re: How hard would it be to switch a 71 body to a newer frame and motor?
 

Nice goal for sure.

If your currently running 3.08's, you'd be all set.
(and not towing)