Diesel drivetrain options...

[uglyjeep]

I've been (slowly) working on setting up a 6.2 and 3053a (military 2.5 ton trans) for my truck. I've known that I'd need to have this setup balanced, but I had also figured that it’d be under $200 to have it done. I just got told by the machinist, at a reputable shop, that he thinks the work will probably run between $200 and $400 ! I was doing this swap because it was going to be cheaper than swapping in a Cummins, but now I’m thinking that I can sell my 6.2 and use the money I’d have spent on the machine work (plus some more) and get myself a 6bt or something.

So the way I see it I’ve got several options – 1) have the machine work done and run the 6.2/3053a. 2) Sell the 3053a stuff and spend $1000 to have an nv4500. 3) Get rid of the 6.2 and squeeze in a Cummins 6bt (I can’t afford a 4bt). 4) run a SBC or BBC on LPG or CNG.

I’m good at scrounging parts and being very patient to find the best deals. I have also seen several complete 6bt drive-trains for $1000 or less. I have not found any NV4500’s or 4bt’s in my range. I also have a very limited budget.