Depends on what OBS body style you buy if you buy a 6.9/7.3 diesel pre powerstroke before 95 they have a pedal with a cable so you will be set. The powerstrokes have an electronic pedal with no cable and cant pull back the fuel valve on the 12v injection pump. Like for my dual tanks i am keeping the front tank and replacing the back tank with a 38 gallon bronco tank adding a fuel sump and airdog to bypass all my small fuel lines. Later i will run a small transfer pump from the 15 front tank to the big back tank and pretty much use the front tank as storage. You dont have to do it this way but it helps with performance later down the road. I think if you wanted to keep everything stock engine wise the stock ford diesel lines will suffice. Are you still needing to buy a truck? And a powertrain?

 

First off, thank you for answering my question on the pedal and fuel tank. When I do get a 12 valve Cummins, I plan on getting it up to about a 300hp daily driver.

I have been thinking of buying an extended cab dodge diesel for quite some time now, even before I started this thread, and doing a 12 valve conversion in some older truck after I get into diesel mechanics school. I figure I would drive the goat until I graduated. I figured I would then buy a conversion project truck and then put the cummins in it out of the goat I would be driving through school. I do know of a certain area that is full of pre-powerstroke diesel Ferds that are for sale, so I know where to get one should I do this conversion.

Here is my question; would it be better to get a 6.9 or 7.3 pre-Powerstroke?

Sorry for the long post and many questions but, to me, the only stupid question is the one not asked.

 

Yeah man no problem.

A 6.9/7.3 diesel pre powerstroke which came in the years between 91 or 92 to 94 and these have the normal obs front end your wanting. They are easier to do the conversion in terms of the easy stuff because the coolant tank and wiper fluid resavoir are on the driver side and allow the air filter to the turbo to be easliy placed behind the battery on the passenger side. You do not have to move both batteries to the drivers side like on a powerstroke conversion. It also is a plus to have a 6.9/7.3 pre powerstroke diesel because they have a cable pedal and also the radiator hose inlet is on the same side as the thermostat which makes doing the water plumbing way easier. Speedometer is taken care of becuase it reads speed off the rear diff and your able to put what ever transmission you want behind it. What trans are you wanting to run?

 

I think the Ford is what I will go with if I do this conversion. By front end, do you mean the front axle or the hood and front fenders?

Also, I plan on keeping the Ferd transmission and use an adapter plate from fordcummins.com or destroked.com if I can be sure it will handle it. Will the tranny hold up to the cummins, or will I have to beef it up? If I find out it is too much cash-ola to beef up the ferd tranny, I might put an allison behind it if possible.

Also, will I have to fabricate the inner fender wells to make that cummins fit? How about the grille, hood latch, radiator support? What about the front axle and suspension? Do the engine mounts just need to be moved, beefed up, or replaced with the Dodge ones?

My mind is filling with questions at an alarming rate.

 

I meant front end as in there are two different body styles of fords the OBS everyone talks about then the front end that is flat with flat headlights (84-90/91). The 92-97 is the body style is the one in my avatar. No adjustment is needed body wise except hitting the firewall back 2 inches. You will only need to cut two holes in the core support (rad support) to fit your intercooler. Every auto tranny will have to be beefed up in every circumstance except the allison. Front suspension is fine i would get a f350 go big or go home. Hood latch grill all that stuff is fine no modifications. Order everything from Autoworld, MT or destroked they have a good reputation. Heard bad things about fordcummins not fitting right. you have to order custom motor mounts from autoworld they bolt strait up to stock crossmember location. This is really everything you need to know pretty much.

 

Thanks for answering the question. I would prefer the OBS 92-97 because I like the spacious cab and the look of the body. Also, if I ever need OBS interior or body parts, there is 4 OBS Ferd half tons, 8 2nd gen dodge half tons, and 1 2nd gen Cummins all at my favorite U-pick and pull junkyard that is less than ten minutes from my home. Does anyone else have ideas or suggestions?

 

I know this is an older thread of mine, but I was once again bitten by the cummins bug, and I need more advice!! I am still considering an 80s Chevy, But I think I will wind up doing the OBS ford.

I found this ol' ferd

The truck is a 4door. It has 143000 miles. It has a 7.3 diesel, and a standard transmission. It runs and drives good. Thats all all the ad said. 2500 dollars OBO, but desparate to sell.





Here is another truck I found that might be a good candidate:

Or this:









89 chevy dually clear title in owners name with a recent black paint job. The rear fenders are extended for big dually rims so they dont stick out
has a 454 and th400 that come with it but are not in the truck. A/C works just add freon. Has 4 bucket seats out of a later model chevy power windows and locks. 2 Grand

I love both of these trucks equally, and I don't know what to do. What do you all think? Also, check my thread how beefy is that front end?. It tells more than the title makes it out to be.

 

i like that chevy but lose the rent and roll twankies, those black steelies are the $hit, somebody said go big or go home, hey dont knock a single cab shortbox 1/2 ton with a cummins till you tried itits funny thinking of a 96 ford as "old body style" you will be pickin up girls at the tasty freeze in that rig

 

I agree on the wheels and on the tasty freeze, but you cant leave without both of your tasty freezes!! MMMMMM Cherry!!

I still find trucks simialer to both of these in buetiful and beat to the dirt condition in this price range. About a month ago, I found a 4wd manual 92 Crew cab dually with alcoas like this one with no motor or tranny that would have been great for this conversion for $500

Here is an EXACT replica, but the one I am talking about had 2 cow kick dents:; one inthe rear bumper and one in the tailgate, but I plan on pipe bumpers anyway. Too bad the thing sold.