Anyone thinking about a diesel swap, look here...

[DieselSJ]

http://www.cumminsstuff.com/conversion.htm

These guys may get me to change my mind and go after a Cummins 4BT instead of the GM 6.2/6.5.

[FSJeeper]

Originally posted by Mark in WA:
http://www.cumminsstuff.com/conversion.htm

These guys may get me to change my mind and go after a Cummins 4BT instead of the GM 6.2/6.5.Mark, I would take a Cummins over a GM 6.2/6.5 anyday of the week. No comparison except the GM is dirt cheap, tons of spare parts on the surplus markets dirt cheap, and about the same weight and size as a BBC.

If you go 6BT, you will have to completely redesign and upgrade your Jeep to handle the torque and weight.

I have a friend who built up my GM diesel, did everything possible that can be done to it, no expense spared, and when he got a line on an affordable 6BT, sold me his GM and rebuilt his whole M715 to accomodate the 6BT. He is pushing 500HP and 900 ft lbs. Has busted the frame, driveshafts, and all kinds of other parts. A lot of money and time later, he has it down pretty well and does not break. BTW, he had to upgrade to a custom Dana 70 front, Dana 80 rear and that stopped breakage so far. In the end, he should have gone with duece axles.

[ColeTrickle]

I've been thinking about a diesel swap...especially with all the latest talk of it on this forum.
So picture this. Of course this would be for a little longer wheelbase then say a Waggy.

Take a later model D300 or early model 3500 series LWB Dodge truck 4x4 with a Cummins. Chop all the body mounts off it. Fab new body mounts at the correct locations for a LWB J-series truck.

No need to swap in new axles. No need to reinforce the weaker FSJ frame.

I'd figure for the price of a wrecked body 1 ton Dodge, you could probably have less work on your hands and may come out alittle cheaper.

So what do y'all think? Any opinions?

[ September 05, 2003, 09:25 PM: Message edited by: ColeTrickle ]

[TexasJ10]

Coletrickle, I think your method would be the easiest, but where's the fun in doing it economical and not forcing incorrect parts to work?

FSJeeper, How much weight difference is there between the various diesels?

[Maynard]

I am always looking for a 3.9 4BTA. I found that they weigh 773 pounds, 140 hp and 420 ft/lb of torque. And if I can find an old bread truck with an auto, all id have to do is build motor mounts and slap it in and then find out whats going to break. Of course if I got a 6.2, wouldnt even need to build motor mounts.

[FSJeeper]

Cole Trickle, I know several M715's where the bodies were just put on a modern chassis. I have seen this on Chevys, Fords, and Dodge. Absolutely the fastest, cheapest, easiest way to upgrade for strength and modern equipment. It is still not an easy job though and you need to have fab skills.

[ColeTrickle]

FSJeeper, would you happen to know if these M715 guys/owners happen to hang out at the M715zone.com?
If so, I may start posting over there to pick at their brains.....
If not, would you happen to know any of these guys that wouldn't mind discussing this further?

I'm gonna place it upon myself to search and learn what all this will take.
I'm sure its easier said than done. ;)

[DieselSJ]

Originally posted by Maynard:
I am always looking for a 3.9 4BTA. I found that they weigh 773 pounds, 140 hp and 420 ft/lb of torque.Careful - From what I have read so far, the 4BT/BTA comes with many different HP/torque ratings. I saw one advertised at 80hp and 250ft/lbs.

Anyone know what the difference is between the BT and the BTA? I have searched the net but haven't found anything.

FSJeeper - if I do go with a Cummins, it will be the 4BT.

[mcinfantry]

a is aftercooled

engine ratings vary WIDELY