POWERSTROKE 7.3 / LANDCRUISER CONVERSION

[BRAD ROLSTON]

Hi Everyone....

I am located in the Kalahari region of SA close to the Botswana border.

Down south here, we have very few options when it comes to pick-ups. None of the class pickups that are made in the US are available here. The best option we have here in 4WD, is the Toyota Landcruiser.

I have fitted big block gasoline V8's to all my previous Cruisers.

To my latest one, I plan on fitting a 7.3l Powerstroke - will be the 1st diesel I have ever owned.

It will be arriving in SA in about 4 weeks - a used motor from the US, along with transmission wiring and computer box. Motor said to be in good running condition. Will not be using the transmission.

I will be fitting it to the Cruisers 5spd manual transmission.

I would like to ask for any help and advice you could give me for this conversion - anything at all.

Some of the specific questions I have:

1. Where can I get a conversion bellhousing for the Powerstroke to Cruiser 4wd transmission.? ( This is my biggest problem )

2. Where can I find detailed info about the motor - everything from basic facts, to diagrams and pictures.?

3. Are there any parts I should consider replacing before fitting the motor.?

4. What aftermarket parts should I consider, to improve reliability, and get HP up to around 350.?


Many thanks in advance.


Best wishes.

Brad

BRAD ROLSTON AFRICAN HUNTING
159 VAN TONDER STREET
P.O. BOX 506
STELLA
8650
KALAHARI
SOUTH AFRICA
TEL: 082 574 9928
FAX : 086 672 6854
E-MAIL : bradrolston@iafrica.com
WEB : Brad Rolston African Hunting

[jesilvas]

For a 7.3, the best type of mods you can do would be to use a Ford AIS intake. I'm assuming it's very dusty there. These filter the best and flow great too.
Get a free flowing exhaust as well. For power, you can start with a custom burnt chip from Beans, Tyrant, Swamps, Tony Wildman, PHP, Gearhead, and others.

[dieselcrawler]

these motors are about as reliable as you can get right out of the box... basic oil changes and keeping filters clean will keep them going a long time.

The reason you might not be able to find an adaptor from the motor to the trans you have is that it might not be avalible. It might not be made, due to the trans not being able to handle the torq of the motor. You might want to concider using the ZF-6 trans that came behind the 7.3, then adapt it to a usable transfercase, as this might be more easily done. Granted, this might mean buying more parts (ie: transmission and hydrolic clutch parts) but might be a more reliable set up in the end.

Good luck with your conversion, I'd love to see the finished product!

[NoRalPh]

Plus, you know this thing weighs more than any BigBlock gasser too!

You're gonna have to beef-up the FE for sure! I doubt there's a full bellhousing out there. You might end-up having to create some sort of adapter ring or find a ZF and TC to go with it...

[terryknight]

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

Plus, you know this thing weighs more than any BigBlock gasser too!

You're gonna have to beef-up the FE for sure! I doubt there's a full bellhousing out there. You might end-up having to create some sort of adapter ring or find a ZF and TC to go with it...

this is what i was going to say the motor will be about 1000 lbs.

350 isn't a hard number to hit. depending on what truck it came from (OBS vs SD) it could be as simple as a chip, or you may need bigger injectors and HPOP (high pressure oil pump.)

these should help you out with some info

7.3 Tech Files - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

[BRAD ROLSTON]

Jesilvas, Dieselcrawler, NoRalPh, and Terrynight – many thanks

A few things I have found out:

I spoke with Craig at CRS in Australia – says he can build me an adaptor if he can find a 7.3 engine

Also, according to him, my manual transmission can handle around 600hp............???


I have Old Man Emu springs and shocks in the FE. My local suppliers says he can send me a set of springs that will handle the weight – will this be enough.?

What exactly is a “custom burnt chip”.? Do you perhaps have any pictures.?

What is the difference between OBS and SD.?

I have a small machine shop at home – will I be able to build my own free flow exhaust, or do I need specific machines or materials.? Also what diameter pipes.?

Is the ZF 6 a manual transmission.?

Exhaust manifolds – do I stick with the factory ones, or are there high performance ones available.?

Where can I find a drawing or diagram for the exact bellhousing pattern.?


Thanks again.

Brad

BRAD ROLSTON AFRICAN HUNTING
159 VAN TONDER STREET
P.O. BOX 506
STELLA
8650
KALAHARI
SOUTH AFRICA
TEL: 082 574 9928
FAX : 086 672 6854
E-MAIL : bradrolston@iafrica.com
WEB : Brad Rolston African Hunting

[mxfever090]

OBS - Old Body Style (94-98)
SD - Super Duty (99-03)

Yes the ZF6 is a manual transmission. There is a sticky about the ZF6 swap.

Auto to Manual Converstion

Hopefully the pictures will give you some idea of what things look like.

My first thought when I saw your thread is weight. The 7.3 powerpack is tough on 3/4 and 1 ton front end components. I can't imagine with it will do to a landcruiser. Props to you for trying though!

[BRAD ROLSTON]

Thanks mxfever..........

Pictures were great – will help a lot. Your truck looks great, wish we could get them here.

I see the ZF runs with a seperate transfer case – the Cruiser 5sp is all in one.

Is there a difference between the OBS and SD motors.?


Thanks again.

Brad

[AzPatMan]

Originally Posted by BRAD ROLSTON

Is there a difference between the OBS and SD motors.?


Thanks again.

Brad

Depends on the year - but for the most part - no.
Pretty much anything from 97-03 for the 7.3's are the same.
Only thing that comes to mind right off would be the Rods, as some were
forged, and powder-metal rods (PMR-Forged).
Starting after 2001 (I think?...)

[mxfever090]

OK so the better question is what did the engine/trans you are getting come out of? That will give us a better idea of what it may/may not have.

For what it's worth, that isn't my truck in the link about the transmission swap, thought the pictures could be helpfull though.