Potential Newbie Conversion
 

Hi, let me just say up front that I don't own a diesel. I was just wondering, how hard would it be to do a generation correct 5.9l cummins swap into a 1989 d150? What would I need to do to keep the frame from twisting? What suspension changes would need to be done? Is there any wiring harnesses that would need to come with the engine? I don't want to start with a high performance dyno destroyer, just a good starting point to get that way. If no 89-93 cummins are available, what would needed to be done to get a vp44 24valve cummins swap? I don't really care for the 4bt's, but any info would be helpful.

Why not trade your truck for a similar truck that already has a Cummins in it? Are you wanting to have a unique Cummins 1/2 ton truck? With all the time and expense it would take to do the swap, you would be far ahead to find a truck that already has a Cummins in it. That said, you do see swaps but more often it's going to be into a Chevy or Ford.

Also, you would be better off to start off with a 3/4 ton truck due to the stronger transmission and stronger axles. All those little things to get your truck ready for a Cummins transplant would add up quickly.

I assume you want a short bed cummins? Since you're open to different engines, I also assume you don't have a 6bt in front of you just looking for a home..
I'd get a parts truck. The radiator supports look different to me. The gasers have much smaller radiators in them and the mounts are welded to the support. Boxing the frame on the 150 couldn't hurt (can't say it's needed). The front springs won't do well with the extra weight. If you keep your foot out of it, the 1/2 ton axle might be able to stand up to the torque.
I don't know about the emissions where you're at..... It could be nice to have a VIN from a non-catalyst truck. Shortening the frame and trading the beds onto a cummins would be the easier route.

i just performed this swap into a 87 d150 2wd short bed. Find a donar truck like i did i ended up swapping more than i originally thought. It was a surprisingly smooth swap and is definatly a fun toy.

Uh guys the 1/2 ton to 1 ton frames are exactly the same until 91 if I remember right. They are all the 6" tall frame with the exception of some cc's having an 8" tall frame but reg cab or ext cab half ton to one tons used the exact same frame untill atleast 91 I know that for sure.