Duramax question

[andrewmp6]

Cummins isn't built for dodge its just dodge uses them,A 12 valve came in some fords the f600 and l600 from the late 80s early 90s,The reason i brought cummins up is its a easier swap they sell parts to do it and a lot less wiring,And if you want mileage a 4bt which is a 4 cylinder cummins can get around 30mpg in anything.Its a little under powered but that is easy to fix too.

[CrewCabMan]

Something else to consider is the bigger trucks (4500-5500 4x4 topkicks) have a passenger side drop t case like the older trucks. But you might have a hard time finding one of those wrecked.

[Dieselwrencher]

Here is a bit of useful info for you. Destroked offers an adapter kit to use a 271 or 273 dodge cummins tcase. This might help you as the dodge tcases are getting pretty common to find.

http://www.destroked.com/prod_adapters.php

Also, the LBZ's will need aftermarket pistons if you ever plan to go over 5-550hp. I've seen too many of those things cracked/destroyed. Many people claim they'll live at 500hp, but with my luck I'd get to 499.8 and boom!

[Drewbee]

Wow thanks guys! Alot of cool information. And Dieselwrencher as cool as 500+hp would be I would be happy with the stock set up. I know I'll have my hands full in the future. The crappy part I got a biggggggg check but it is all going to the house for now.. ( But I am keeping up with the info everyone is giving. This is why I joined this website because of the people.

[dennislbrooks]

For sure I will be following this thread.

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by Drewbee

Wow thanks guys! Alot of cool information. And Dieselwrencher as cool as 500+hp would be I would be happy with the stock set up. I know I'll have my hands full in the future. The crappy part I got a biggggggg check but it is all going to the house for now.. ( But I am keeping up with the info everyone is giving. This is why I joined this website because of the people.

I know how that goes. But once you get it running and you get EFI Live, your attitude will change.

[Oilbrnr]

Originally Posted by BlackhillsHD

And if you leave it long enough you get the "air cooled" t-case chain lol

That would make Ed Cole proud! Aluminum and all!

[Drewbee]

Guys, I may be having a change of heart.....I keep seeing these Cummins swap and they look sweet as well. And I grew up on a farm so it reminds me of our diesel tractors! haha If I'm wrong lead me back to the light!!!

[1972K20]

Drew, the Cummins swaps are cool, no doubt. However, it would be very cool to see someone overcome the obstacles of a Duramax swap and make it work.

[Drewbee]

I can't decide....guys I'm really leaning more to the Cummins. The sound of that beast just brings back memories Plus I just don't know if I have the ability yet to do all the fabrication that will be needed for the Duramax. You guys will still love me right?!

[BlackhillsHD]

Thats the way I would go. I mean I am a guy to the core, but I also dont want my truck tore apart for years, plus the $. I am still waiting for something cool to show up at work that I can make work one way or another.

[Drewbee]

That's what I'm thinking Blackhills. I really want to enjoy this truck. And I want to do a duramax swap maybe one day, but I can see it's going to take some serious time. I don't want my truck down for a 4+ years. I'd like to try to keep it under 2.

[BlackhillsHD]

Just put Dmax emblems on it and don't open the hood.

[Drewbee]

Good idea, but anybody that knows anything about diesels...you can't mistaken the sound of a cummins

[BlackhillsHD]

I had a freind who just put the badge on his H2. You wouldnt believe how many times he got asked "You have a Duramax in that thing?" Yeah Def no mistaking a 12 valve.

[Dieselwrencher]

Heck yeah do it! I like the thought of a Duramax in an older vehicle, but the cost is what gets me. On the badges, I put powerstroke badges on the ford repowers and you won't believe the people that can't tell the difference. It's hilarious!

[Drewbee]

Thanks Dieselwrencher, I have to say looking at your build thread for the longhorn has been inspiring. Now if I can only find a 6bt. Everyone wants 2000-5000k around here for one. i am trying to find one to rebuild. I figure if I am going to pay up to 5k find one I can rebuild.

[Dieselwrencher]

Keep checking craigslist and check out car-part. Around here, common rails bring $5k, but 12v's are around $2500 generally. If you want to drive to Iowa, I know a place that has about 6 or more complete engines still in trucks. He sells complete take outs for $2200-$2500.

[Drewbee]

Hmm what do ones run that need to be rebuilt? Just trying to get numbers down, it helps me figure out when I can actually get the stuff! ha Oh by the way did you have to do a body lift? I have read some threads saying in order for it to fit you have to lift the body up. I just want to put the engine in line up a nv4500 and a transfercase to the holes that are in the hump and go. Well I know its much more than that but you know what I mean.

[Dieselwrencher]

I try not to install body lifts if I don't have to. If you have a 4" lift you can get them in there. If you have a high hump floor you are even better. If you don't, then you will need to raise the center of the floor pan so the NV4500 will fit in there. A core P-pump 12v is usually $1000-$1400 depending on the place. Plan on spending $800-$1200 for a good engine rebuild kit. Plan on another $900-$1200 to get the injection pump rebuilt. Don't be afraid of 200k+ engines. I have many running around at over 400hp some almost double that and 80% of our work is on trucks with over 200k. They don't come back unless it is to go bigger.

[Drewbee]

That my sir is very good to hear. I wish you werent so far away in Iowa I could definitely pick your brain about all this since it seems you've done quite a few. And you know a thing or two about the cummins engine.

[Drewbee]

Oh you wouldnt have any thoughts on what engine stand to use to rebuild one of these would you? at 1100 lbs I dont want to play around, but dont want to spend 1000's of dollars either.

Any out there you can buy? some say stay away from the 2000lb harbor freight one, some say it works amazing.

[Vintage Windmills]

Originally Posted by BlackhillsHD

As for transfer cases, the factory aluminum cases normally behind the Allison both electronic and manual are notorious for wearing holes in the case from the pump.

Good point. The fix is pretty simple though as you can buy the upgraded clip and install in a day. The key would be finding one that hasn't been run dry and doing the mod before the hole is even worn through. My brother did this on his LLY. I hope my 01 6.0 2500hd isn't prone to the same issue.

To the OP: If you run a ford dana front end you'd be in good shape since the Older fords and Chevys had the same bolt pattern.

[Vintage Windmills]

Also, wouldn't the easiest way to get a Dmax truck be to take a rolled regular cab Dmax with the 133" wheelbase and swap a nice longhorn body onto it? Guess what the wheelbase of a longhorn is? 133". Imagine the amazing ride of the newer HD chassis, heavy 14 bolt rear, allison, Dmax, 4 wheel disc brakes, etc in a longhorn body. You wouldn't have to modify any chassis components, just deal with mounting the body.

Also the heavier frame on a Dmax is the same as any 2500hd or 1 ton truck. The frame is not just taller for clearance issues. Its heavier for increased payload and rigidity as well as clearance. They are way stronger than a non hd 2500 or any 1500 truck.

[Drewbee]

Haha vintage sounds like you've done some research. You thinking about doing this yourself???
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