deisel 4x4 ideas/suggestions on 55 advanced design?

[my55chevy3100]

Hey what's up guys I have had my 55 AD for 3 years on how I want to start my build. I am leaning toward a lifted deisel 4x4. Just wondering what everyone's opinion is on going 4bt or 6bt, transmission for economy, or for power, t-case choices and such. Since I bought her all I have done is sand, paint and put the nose back on then stare at it.

[andrewmp6]

I would think about putting it on a 1 ton frame gm dodge or even ford.4bt vs 12 valve i would go 12 valve if you can fit it under the hood of that.The 4bt would be better on fuel but they are pricey to find now and they do shake more.The 12 valve is cheaper to get and run a little bit smoother.Trans best would be a stick something out of a dodge diesel would do fine.T case cheapest would be the one off a dodge diesel best would be a np205 but that will take a adapter kit probably.Either way just make sure the t case has the right drop to match your front axle and is strong enough for the diesel.

[whitedog76]

One of the biggest problems with Diesels are their size and weight.

With a stock bodied truck, you would need to move the firewall ball to accomodate a 6bt. AD trucks already have leg room problems. Moving the firewall would only make them worse.

Secondly, I don't think the frame on an AD truck would hold up well. Lots and lots of boxing would be needed. Or even a frame swap.

A 4BT would be a viable option or even a GM 6.2/6.5 diesel. Of course there is a million other things to do too. Not a simple swap.

Go to Stovebolt.com and lookup a guy named Grigg. He's done a couple diesel swaps into AD trucks.

[gerfunken]

There's been a number of trucks that have undergone the gas to diesel conversion, and they're fairly well documented on the forum:

Engine & Drivetrain | Diesel Conversions