[TP from Cntl PA]

For a 5.9 you'll DEFINITELY need to do alot of suspension work to a 4x2 front end. It is probably the largest reason I didn't go with a 5.9, instead using a smaller 6 from Cummins, and its STILL right on the limits of the stock suspension even with the HD front springs. I talked with acouple guys that put Detroits and even Perkins in these trucks in the 70's, and they told me they got around it by mounting a leaf spring(Probably using a helper spring from a coil rear end) to take so of the weight. I was looking into air bagging the front end, but IMO its still alot of weight for the a-arms/mounting points. My next coversion is a 4x4, so I can add a few extra spring packs to get around this problem with little difficulty.

Like the others have said, you'll have clearance issues with the 5.9. Even with my little 6, its still tight between the front of the engine and the radiator, I am running a pusher fan between the grill and the radiator.

Go with an old mechanical injected 12V............You won't regret it!

Another word from my experience, swap the whole drivetrain in from a Dodge..........engine, clutch, trans, and driveline............POS GM's offerings for even BBC applications won't hold up.