I am interested in swapping out the original 390 motor out of my 1973 ford with a 94 12 valve cummins. I need some input on either buying just the motor and getting the rest of the parts places or buying a truck with a good motor I can take all the parts off I need. Any suggestions?

 

Buy a complete donor truck. Since you have a divorced t-case, even a 2wd donor gets you a usable trans.

Nothing wrong with the 89-93 cummins either. The non-intercooled saves you space in the engine bay. They all make great power... lots to be gained from basic screw adjustments.

 

I'm having a hard time finding a truck with the things I need that isn't over priced. The body could be all messed up for all I care. What is the cheapest you think I can do this swap for? Any ideas were I could get a donor truck at?

 

Swap can be done for cost of donor plus $1-2k. That's a 'making it work' approach; with lots f time on your side; some minor fab and modifying parts in the process. Not rebuilding the whole truck or hotrodding in the process. No intercooler or AC simplifies the swap.

I got my '90 D250 5spd for $1000 with a broken rear end. My buddy is looking at a '92 D250 5spd for $1200. Me and a buddy scored a beaten '95 3500 4x4 for $1500.
Those are the deals mind you.... $3-5k is more typical. This is from CL and whatever online ads you have in your area.