Crew cab project help

[Chionos GMs]

I have a potential project truck that I can get for dirt cheap it is a 1984 crew cab 1 ton 2wd 6.2 diesel dually. It was my granfathers truck he was original owner. My questions are: How hard would it be turn the dually longbed to a shortbed dually? How hard is it to go from the diesel to a gas engine? I had an idea that GM guys didnt like I wanted to put a 7.3 Powerstroke in it . Last question I have seen some clear tail lights and was wondering where I could get a pair?

[csa daddy]

i wouldnt do the power stroke at all ive road in them an if i was going to go threw all the trouble i would do a cummins or a durmax or even a 6.5 turbo but not the powerstroke. an as far as cutting it down to make a short bed it aint nothing but to get out there an figure out how much needs to come out of the frame to shorten it where you need. then just cut the short bed sides for the flares check out my build in the project section

[Dieselwrencher]

If you wanted to be different, I'd use a 7.3 psd no problem. They can make nice power and still get good mileage. Just get a complete donor truck and use everything from the donor truck. On the frame, I'm sure you need to take some out of the front and rear to make the tire centered in the wheel well.

[Chionos GMs]

I was goin to cut down the bed I already have. Is it worth it or just use a shortbed?

[Chionos GMs]

I was goin for something different thats why I was thinkin of Powerstroke

[Dieselwrencher]

Ok, I'm wrong. Go here and you can see where the frame was cut to shorten the frame. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=407743 I'm guessing this is where everyone cuts these to make them short beds. I'd say you would be way farther ahead just getting a short bed unless you are a great welder and have a lot of extra time. And don't let the chevy guys discourage you on the powerstroke. They are made by international, not ford. They'll get over it.

[Chionos GMs]

I do have alot of free time till school starts for me. Im not a great welder but I know what im doing. I like the idea of the Powerstroke cause it is different and I have been raised around International trucks. Thought it would be cool

[csa daddy]

i know some of those power strokes had some major problems. an yes use a short bed to start will be alot easier cause if u use a long bed you have to cut the front an the back of the bed.but what ever power plant u use it will be unique cause as far as i know this will be the only other shortbed dually besides mine that i know of

[Chionos GMs]

I like a 6.0 gasser, Cummins thinkin a newer one, or a dmax. But I was thinkin to put a 6.2 or 6.5 and make it like Chevy would have from the factory!

[csa daddy]

myself personaly i like the 5.3 it has about as much power as the 6.0 but gets a little bit better gas mileage. now as far as the dmax an cummins both will be a major undertakeing to do. the 6.2 an 6.5 shouldnt be hard to do at all

[Chionos GMs]

6.2 and 6.5 will be super easy because it has a 6.2 in it right now

[csa daddy]

why dont u just turbo the 6.2 its about the same motor as a6.5 i think you might need the heads of the turbo motor to do it not real sure

[Chionos GMs]

Yeah I have 2 of these 6.2 but this engine is no good. so it needs a new one

[csa daddy]

right check out http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=63 an they probly can give you the best info on about any swap you could want to do