Has anyone seen the show Trucks on Spike tv? They are doing a project called super dually, they are taking a 1978 ford crew cab and putting it on a 96 dodge 2 wheel frame and using the cummins motor and running gear. I have a 1977 ford crew cab 2 wheeler that I want to do the same thing to , but I want to put it on a 4x4 frame. I have done alot of fab work and gas engine conversions in the past but no diesel's yet. I was wondering what years of dodge truck would be easy to use for a swap. I also would like to know what trans you guys would use, I would like a 5 speed, but an auto is fine to. I just want the milage and reliability of the cummins, i dont need to make huge power just would like a cool truck to hall the family around in that gets better than 7 miles per gallon. The fabbing isnt a problem I hate computer controled cars and want to keep it simple. Also what is the difference in the pumps on the differnt years of dodge trucks. Well thanks for your intrest in my question and thank for making a place where you can ask these kind of questions and get the answers.

 

89-98 years are the easiest, all have auto and manual options. There were 2 different pumps used, The VE was used from 89-93 and the more popular/desirable is the Bosch P-7100 inline pump used in the 94-98 years. Both would be great for your application since the P-7100 is most desired for its capability of supporting big power. Also, during 89-92.5 models years, they did not use an intercooler although one can be added later if you wish.

 

yah your probably best off using the earlier engine if your not looking for economy and not to make big power, plus it'll be alot cheaper too

 

Thanks for the feed back. What kind of milage does the earlier engine get. My dad had a new 97 ctd and he got 22 on the hiway is that possible with an earlier engine. I was also told that you only need a couple of electrical wires to make these engines run is that true? And are the autos in these years stand alone or do they need a computer to work? Thank you for all your help.