So I am considering swapping out the 4.6 that I have in my F150 to a 3.9 4BT Cummins, I am hoping for some better gas mileage, and it seems if you do the right things you can get decent power out of the seemingly small package. So I have no Diesel history so if ya'll would please bear with me here. What all would I need to do this swap? and how much am I looking at? By the way, I know I need the engine for the whole swapping part to take place, so anybody know where I could find one at a reasonable price? I wouldn't mind rebuilding it either.

 

The 3.9 4BT is expensive. You will have to swap out the fuel system also and it will probably be a nightmare with the amount of computer controlled stuff in your '05. Getting the guages to work could be a trick too.

On another note, you will have to get it to get VERY good mileage and drive it for a long, long time to ever get the amount of money you will likely spend on this swap back before you are out of the red. Now if your just wanting a diesel in it then by all means go for it. IMO, you would be better off swapping a 3.9 into an older model of your liking to get away from all of the wiring that is in your truck, it can be a pain to deal with.

 

Check out this guy-

2.7 LITER CDI MERCEDES IN A 04 F150 Page1 - Diesel Power Forums at Diesel Power Magazine
I have been trying to track him down but have not seen anymore posts from the other forums he has been on. Anyway I think the OM 612 would be a great engine to have in a 1/2 ton truck.

4BT's are not expensive and there has been 100's f150 swaps on here. But I haven't seen any in a late model truck. You would have to change out the instrument cluster, and get rid of the ABS, Maybe even the axles with it. If you got the 4BT with allison 1000 from a Fed Ex truck then you could use the whole set up.

 

X2 on the computer nightmare part

 

why would you have to get rid of the abs and the axles? couldnt you just pull the bulb out for the abs light and call it a day?