6.5 diesel in 4x4 1970 w/no body lift??

[Keep on Trucking]

Hey people. I want to put a diesel in the 70 4x4. A Cummins or a 6.5. I have both that I can use, but am leaning towards the 6.5.
My question is: In a 4x4 67-72 has anyone done it without any lift or atleast without any body lift?
I have a big block in it now and to make it fit I had to modify the firewall and use 3" body lift.
I want to remove the body lift and install a 6.5. Will it fit?

[thirdstreettito]

I would put it in now, and then see how much room you have left with the lift.

Also, can I have the Cummins?

[kwmech]

The 6.5 will fit without any mods if it has the sepentine belt. I put a 6.5 in a 68 4x years ago without any mods what-so-ever. No body lift, no firewall mods. Same dimensions as the big block. Used the big block radiator and shroud.

[Keep on Trucking]

Originally Posted by kwmech

The 6.5 will fit without any mods if it has the sepentine belt. I put a 6.5 in a 68 4x years ago without any mods what-so-ever. No body lift, no firewall mods. Same dimensions as the big block. Used the big block radiator and shroud.

Well a big block won't fit in a 4x4 without modifiying the firewall and or a lift kit? So if a 6.5 is roughly the same size I don't think the cab will clear the valve covers on the diesel when the body lift is removed.

Did you move the engine forward on the 68?

[jeffspower]

Originally Posted by kwmech

The 6.5 will fit without any mods if it has the sepentine belt. I put a 6.5 in a 68 4x years ago without any mods what-so-ever. No body lift, no firewall mods. Same dimensions as the big block. Used the big block radiator and shroud.

I'd have to see it to believe it. No mods AT ALL? I have a '68 4x4, and you could try to make it fit seven ways to Sunday, it isn't going to bolt in without serious mods. I set a 6.2 in a '72 4x4 once. The driver's head hit the firewall before it was even close to the bellhousing, and the exhaust manifolds were sitting on the frame with the mounts far higher than where they would bolt to the crossmember, which the crossmember would not have worked because the oil pan was too big, and the clutch cross shaft was a no- go/ no- way...

[Keep on Trucking]

Originally Posted by jeffspower

I'd have to see it to believe it. No mods AT ALL? I have a '68 4x4, and you could try to make it fit seven ways to Sunday, it isn't going to bolt in without serious mods. I set a 6.2 in a '72 4x4 once. The driver's head hit the firewall before it was even close to the bellhousing, and the exhaust manifolds were sitting on the frame with the mounts far higher than where they would bolt to the crossmember, which the crossmember would not have worked because the oil pan was too big, and the clutch cross shaft was a no- go/ no- way...

You make good points.
Things that will help me.
1. when I did the BBC in it now I clearenced the firewall. When I did that I lost the use of the original clutch, so I went with a hyd throw out bearing and a master cylinder.
2. I put in the 1973 style engine xmember as the original would not fit with the oil pan I used.
I think the 6.5 SHOULD go in, in this case. I think a 6.5 is smaller overall size than a BBC.Anyone know for sure?
Oh yea I will be running a 4L80E trans with it.

[jeffspower]

Your mods should make it pretty easy. The '73 up crossmember "stands" should be replaced with 6.2 stands- they are slightly different. I think you can get the gas stands to work, I can't remember the actual difference, but I know I always had to swap them when going from 6.2 to 350.

Keep us posted w/ pics when you start on it!

[Keep on Trucking]

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

Also, can I have the Cummins?

If you can be here in the next five minutes, its yours.

[special-K]

A Detroit-Allison 6.2/6.5 has the same footprint as a BBC.So....

I know they`ll drop right in a 2wd.We know a 4wd is another story.

Not sure if you are aware,but if it`s a 6.5TD the heater and the turbo/downpipe will be fighting for space.

[Keep on Trucking]

By footprint do you mean bellhousing bolt pattern? Yes they are the same.

I also have Vintage Air installed with the flat fire wall, so I hope I will be ok there.
Thanks.

[special-K]

I mean all around & overall:height,width,length.I think they need pretty much whatever space a BBC needs.

[Keep on Trucking]

OK thanks.
Im going to start on this project next month when the weather starts to cool off. I will take lots of pictures.

[67_C-30]

I'll agree with Special K on that. The small block mounts seem to mount them too low. I am going to use either BBC or GMC V6 frame mounts on my '67 C-30.

[Keep on Trucking]

I have the 73-up xmember and the 73-up style engine mounts they are from energy suspension, the urethane kind.
Do ya'll see any problems with using those?
Im pretty sure this thing will just about fall in there with it allready having a BBC in it now, but its the little things that can sneak up and bite you/me.

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by Keep on Trucking

I have the 73-up xmember and the 73-up style engine mounts they are from energy suspension, the urethane kind.
Do ya'll see any problems with using those?
Im pretty sure this thing will just about fall in there with it allready having a BBC in it now, but its the little things that can sneak up and bite you/me.

They should be fine. In fact, another member on this board put a 6.5TD in a 67 C-20 and he had to use the 73 up mounts because SBC mounts made the engine sit too low.