OM617 or other possible engines : '87 D50 Dumptruck
 

Looking for possible Turbo Diesel conversion candidates for my '87 Dodge D50 4x4 Dumptruck (mounted to a 1977 Dodge W200 frame)

Something with decent power (truck originally had a 130hp 2.6L Gas Engine, 5-Speed and 3.90's) and decent mileage. I stumbled across the OM617 Turbo engine thanks to this site, but was wondering what my other possible alternatives were to broaden the search. Either available with a 4WD Transmission, or something that I can get an Adapter for to bolt it to an existing 4WD Transmission.

Here's the truck in question, this is an old picture though. At that time it was mounted to an S10 Frame with the D50 Axles & Suspension mounted to the S10 frame. That picture was taken after the truck was retired (it continued to plow snow until 2010 when the control arms and torsion bar crossmember finally rotted away) The Cab & Bed were fine though, so I replaced the frame/suspension/axles.

Attachment 37701

Standard Cab D50 4x4 with a 9' Dumpbed and a 7.5' Meyers Power Angle Snow Plow. It's now mounted to a 1977 Dodge W200 Frame with Solid Axles/Leaf Springs (D44-HD / D60). It's going to be a work truck/plow truck.

Ever since I lost the 2.5L (4D56T) from my '84, I've been craving another Turbo Diesel D50. I'm open to suggestions on 4 Cylinder / 5-Cylinder Turbo Diesels in the 100+ HP range.

If 125-145 HP and 180-200 ft-lbs will satisfy your needs, AND if you can fit an inline 5 cylinder under the hood, then the OM617 turbo would be a good choice. Though the front sump may create issues with the 4WD front axle and steering. A 4BT turbo or one of the 4 cylinder Isuzu NPR truck diesels might be a good alternative....

Front Sump shouldn't be an issue, the 2.6's run front sumps as well. I had a 2.6 in my '84 for about 30 miles, before changing the engine again, and the front sump sat forward of the axle & engine crossmember.

The engine sat up high enough on that truck (even though I dropped the entire engine/trans down 3" to lower the center of gravity) that it would have been impossible for axle/draglink to hit the oil pan. :yeah:

Anybody know how Long a OM617 is from end to end? Width isn't an issue, nor is height.