5.9L 12V Cummins in a 72??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bram · 01-24-2003, 01:22 PM

Well let me explain, I have a 98 5.9L 12V Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with the wiring and the brain box, and was wondering if it could be put in my 72 3/4 ton 4x4?
I'm wondering how much work, money, and time this would take? Let me know what you all think?

cableguy0 · 01-24-2003, 01:40 PM

it can be done but ur probably gonna have to fab up some mounts and get a much beefier tranny i would reccomend the dodge 5 spd manual and a really really good clutch especially if u turnt he screws to that diesel. or in ur case put it on the computer and tweak it out. anything can be done u just need the patience to do it.if u have the engine and electrical u got most of the cost involved covered. go to a yard and find a 5 or 6 spd manual out of a wreck and get yourself a good heavy clutch. then u will have to get a driveshaft made and get the correct u joints.

Bram · 01-24-2003, 01:44 PM

I was planning on using a NV4500 if I could make this all work.

MU72 · 01-24-2003, 02:07 PM

It would be a lot of work but can be done. I don't remember where, but in some 4x4 mag I once saw a 72 Suburban with the Cummins in it. I know some folks that put a Cummins in an old F-350 and also an old Dodge crew cab truck. Good luck and if you decide to go for it, keep us posted. I can smell the diesel smoke now

Durney · 01-24-2003, 02:10 PM

NOW were talkin!

My original intention was a Duramax HD in my 67 until I found out how rare she is then I switched to the restoration mode.....

Now I am thinking about another (these trucks are addicting arent they) with the Duramax (donated by a couple GM Powertrain customers). I measured and it'll be tight but will fit.

As far as the Dodge well....... only a Devil Dog would want that much punishment......but I agree on the 4500.

Rangers Lead the Way!

Longhorn Man · 01-24-2003, 02:56 PM

While I think it would be a pretty cool swap, there may be frame problems. THese frames were not ment to take all the torque that a dishes out. You've probably heard of dodge guys gettin PO'ed when they twisted there truck up. This is speculation...but it is waranted.
Also, front springs may be an issue too. Those engines are a little porkey.

Bram · 01-24-2003, 03:51 PM

The front springs will definitely have to be upgraded, as far as the frame I never thought about it not being strong enough. Thanks for bringing it up I'll ask some people I know about that and see what they say.

Durney · 01-24-2003, 03:59 PM

About 170# more than an iron head big block Andy. (the Duramax that is, I am not sure about the 5.9 Cumns.)

As far as twisting the frame well... some judicious cradle bracing was already planned (and already catia designed by a close friend) but actually I dont think it would need it unless you were actually doing heavy towing or trying to put ALL the torque to the pavement.

More of a daily driver/ show idea. I can just see the 2500HD Duramax door emblems on the side now....pretty neat.

Bram · 01-24-2003, 08:40 PM

Hey here's a good site on a fella that put a Cummins in a 72 Dodge. He's a real nice guy so if you have any questions shoot him an email.
http://fostertruck.com/cummins/

stelth2002 · 01-24-2003, 09:34 PM

Possible? Heck yah. I would jump on it. And by the way how did u come accross the cummins. The 98 12 valves are pretty good as they have the p7100 injection pump. Which will make better power eaiser. Im going to be putting in a 3.9 liter cummins in a jeep this next summer. You will definatly need a five speed or a 4 speed with some 3.23 gears for your 14 bolt or whatever. And bigger tires. Gearing in those is everything. So you'll have to tell me how things go. I would do it this summer, but i am still lacking parts and dont really have the time with only my summer cause of college.

Stano · 01-25-2003, 12:18 AM

There's a fella here in town that has like a 85 chevy 4x4 dually that has a Cummins diesel out of a dodge in it. It was done with a conversion kit and has a TH400 behind it. Pulls a BIG stock trailer and flat bed trailer with it. Loves it says it is as good if not better than the Dodge was that he kept the motor out of after he wrecked it! Over 100,000 miles and no problems yet!

Benrs86 · 01-25-2003, 12:36 AM

i think the cummins 5.9 weighs about 880 lbs. me and my dad are putting a 66 four door dodge body on a 89 dodge frame with the cummins in it. i think a cummins in a 67-72 would be awesome. good luck, Ben

72C10chevy4x4 · 01-25-2003, 12:42 AM

that was a great point about the frame twisting-I agree that the will probably be a problem. seeing that you have a 4x4, if you intend to do any off roading that will make it that much more necessary. I'm not impressed with the frames on these trucks (in terms of strength beyond stock)- boxing in the frame and adding crossbraces would do the trick though.

O'l Buck · 01-25-2003, 02:32 AM

My cousin is in the process of putting a 5.9 Cummins from an 89 3/4 ton 4x4 dodge into a danged old 77 F-250 4x4. He's got it in and moving. I'm not sure if dodge used a different style master cylinder and brake booster, but I know Chevy did with the 6.2's. (Diesels don't create enough vacuum to supply the booster).....hafta have a vacuum pump.

Duallie · 01-25-2003, 11:46 PM

I stretched the frame on my C30 to 222" wheelbase and didn't like the amount of frame flex I was seeing, so I boxed the original frame from the engine cradle aft to beyond the cab, where the 13" tall frame rails from a 2 1/2ton 6X6 took over.
Before I boxed it and during construction, the front bumper and bed wouldn't stay parallel if the BARE frame was parked on uneven gravel.

Benrs86 · 01-26-2003, 12:50 AM

the dodge deisels dont have any vaccuum because of the turbocharger right? thats why i figured they had a vaccuum pump.

HOTFUN · 01-26-2003, 02:38 AM

I have been researching this very thing for several years and after checking and comparing drivetrains I seriously would consider looking for a 90 to 93 reg cab Dodge diesel and changing the bodies over. I think it would be much easier and more accomandating fitting sheetmetal mounts versus building and mating drivetrain components and such. One problem that I noticed was you could squeeze the intercooler in front of the radiator support on the 72 Chevy but I don't see how the ac condensor would fit in front of that too. But then that was by measuring mine and several Dodge's as I haven't found the amount of time it would take to build this thing myself.
Keep us informed as I would love to see a nice 72 conversion!
HF

u2slow · 01-26-2003, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Benrs86
the dodge deisels dont have any vaccuum because of the turbocharger right? thats why i figured they had a vaccuum pump.

A diesel has no appreciable vacuum... turbo or not. Dodge stuck with a vacuum booster, and therefore needed a vacuum pump.

GM diesels used hydroboost. They only had a vacuum pump if the truck had AC or a TH400.

01-24-2003, 01:22 PM	#1
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	5.9L 12V Cummins in a 72??? Well let me explain, I have a 98 5.9L 12V Cummins Turbo Diesel engine with the wiring and the brain box, and was wondering if it could be put in my 72 3/4 ton 4x4? I'm wondering how much work, money, and time this would take? Let me know what you all think? __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

01-24-2003, 01:40 PM	#2
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	it can be done but ur probably gonna have to fab up some mounts and get a much beefier tranny i would reccomend the dodge 5 spd manual and a really really good clutch especially if u turnt he screws to that diesel. or in ur case put it on the computer and tweak it out. anything can be done u just need the patience to do it.if u have the engine and electrical u got most of the cost involved covered. go to a yard and find a 5 or 6 spd manual out of a wreck and get yourself a good heavy clutch. then u will have to get a driveshaft made and get the correct u joints. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

01-24-2003, 01:44 PM	#3
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	I was planning on using a NV4500 if I could make this all work. __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

01-24-2003, 02:07 PM	#4
MU72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Maryville Mo Posts: 122	It would be a lot of work but can be done. I don't remember where, but in some 4x4 mag I once saw a 72 Suburban with the Cummins in it. I know some folks that put a Cummins in an old F-350 and also an old Dodge crew cab truck. Good luck and if you decide to go for it, keep us posted. I can smell the diesel smoke now __________________ 72 Cheyenne 1/2T LWB original ochre/white 09 Silverado ECSB 76 International ScoutII

01-24-2003, 03:51 PM	#7
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	The front springs will definitely have to be upgraded, as far as the frame I never thought about it not being strong enough. Thanks for bringing it up I'll ask some people I know about that and see what they say. __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

01-24-2003, 02:10 PM	#5
Durney Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 158	NOW were talkin! My original intention was a Duramax HD in my 67 until I found out how rare she is then I switched to the restoration mode..... Now I am thinking about another (these trucks are addicting arent they) with the Duramax (donated by a couple GM Powertrain customers). I measured and it'll be tight but will fit. As far as the Dodge well....... only a Devil Dog would want that much punishment......but I agree on the 4500. Rangers Lead the Way!

01-24-2003, 02:56 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	While I think it would be a pretty cool swap, there may be frame problems. THese frames were not ment to take all the torque that a dishes out. You've probably heard of dodge guys gettin PO'ed when they twisted there truck up. This is speculation...but it is waranted. Also, front springs may be an issue too. Those engines are a little porkey.

01-24-2003, 03:59 PM	#8
Durney Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 158	About 170# more than an iron head big block Andy. (the Duramax that is, I am not sure about the 5.9 Cumns.) As far as twisting the frame well... some judicious cradle bracing was already planned (and already catia designed by a close friend) but actually I dont think it would need it unless you were actually doing heavy towing or trying to put ALL the torque to the pavement. More of a daily driver/ show idea. I can just see the 2500HD Duramax door emblems on the side now....pretty neat.

01-24-2003, 08:40 PM	#9
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	Hey here's a good site on a fella that put a Cummins in a 72 Dodge. He's a real nice guy so if you have any questions shoot him an email. http://fostertruck.com/cummins/ __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

01-24-2003, 09:34 PM	#10
stelth2002 Young Gun wth Fast Inline Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,475	Possible? Heck yah. I would jump on it. And by the way how did u come accross the cummins. The 98 12 valves are pretty good as they have the p7100 injection pump. Which will make better power eaiser. Im going to be putting in a 3.9 liter cummins in a jeep this next summer. You will definatly need a five speed or a 4 speed with some 3.23 gears for your 14 bolt or whatever. And bigger tires. Gearing in those is everything. So you'll have to tell me how things go. I would do it this summer, but i am still lacking parts and dont really have the time with only my summer cause of college. __________________ 1967 Chevrolet LWB with built 292! 415 ft. lbs of torque, 4 speed :O with 27% overdrive too, 3.73 Posi. Frame and body done... getting painted!!!

01-25-2003, 12:18 AM	#11
Stano Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Mo Posts: 963	There's a fella here in town that has like a 85 chevy 4x4 dually that has a Cummins diesel out of a dodge in it. It was done with a conversion kit and has a TH400 behind it. Pulls a BIG stock trailer and flat bed trailer with it. Loves it says it is as good if not better than the Dodge was that he kept the motor out of after he wrecked it! Over 100,000 miles and no problems yet! __________________ New daily driver 96 Chevy K3500 crew cab dually 53,000 miles 350 Vortec 4L80 Nice ride 67 Chevy C-10 LWB Built 350 TH-400 Wifes ride and family rig: 2001 Furd Expedition 5.4 Liter Kickin back in Rolla,Mo. USA "Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain" Mark Twain

01-25-2003, 12:36 AM	#12
Benrs86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Brandon, SD, USA Posts: 1,292	i think the cummins 5.9 weighs about 880 lbs. me and my dad are putting a 66 four door dodge body on a 89 dodge frame with the cummins in it. i think a cummins in a 67-72 would be awesome. good luck, Ben __________________ Brandon, SD 69 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd wide long bed with wood 3 on the tree 350 engine 4 bolt main rv cam AIM = Alphray04

01-25-2003, 12:42 AM	#13
72C10chevy4x4 UK Wildcat Fan! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 515	that was a great point about the frame twisting-I agree that the will probably be a problem. seeing that you have a 4x4, if you intend to do any off roading that will make it that much more necessary. I'm not impressed with the frames on these trucks (in terms of strength beyond stock)- boxing in the frame and adding crossbraces would do the trick though.

01-25-2003, 02:32 AM	#14
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	My cousin is in the process of putting a 5.9 Cummins from an 89 3/4 ton 4x4 dodge into a danged old 77 F-250 4x4. He's got it in and moving. I'm not sure if dodge used a different style master cylinder and brake booster, but I know Chevy did with the 6.2's. (Diesels don't create enough vacuum to supply the booster).....hafta have a vacuum pump. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

01-25-2003, 11:46 PM	#15
Duallie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nikiski, Alaska Posts: 477	I stretched the frame on my C30 to 222" wheelbase and didn't like the amount of frame flex I was seeing, so I boxed the original frame from the engine cradle aft to beyond the cab, where the 13" tall frame rails from a 2 1/2ton 6X6 took over. Before I boxed it and during construction, the front bumper and bed wouldn't stay parallel if the BARE frame was parked on uneven gravel. __________________ Just as if I knew what I was doin'



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01-26-2003, 12:50 AM	#16
Benrs86 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Brandon, SD, USA Posts: 1,292	the dodge deisels dont have any vaccuum because of the turbocharger right? thats why i figured they had a vaccuum pump. __________________ Brandon, SD 69 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd wide long bed with wood 3 on the tree 350 engine 4 bolt main rv cam AIM = Alphray04

01-26-2003, 02:38 AM	#17
HOTFUN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,145	I have been researching this very thing for several years and after checking and comparing drivetrains I seriously would consider looking for a 90 to 93 reg cab Dodge diesel and changing the bodies over. I think it would be much easier and more accomandating fitting sheetmetal mounts versus building and mating drivetrain components and such. One problem that I noticed was you could squeeze the intercooler in front of the radiator support on the 72 Chevy but I don't see how the ac condensor would fit in front of that too. But then that was by measuring mine and several Dodge's as I haven't found the amount of time it would take to build this thing myself. Keep us informed as I would love to see a nice 72 conversion! HF __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed"

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