Best late model for Cummins conversion?

[lvin4jc]

Ok, so I bought my Cummins 3yrs ago with no diesel knowledge/experience whatsoever. Now diesels are my life, I spend every free second and dollar enjoying my truck. But my family needs a bigger cab and I want to go back to a Ford anyway. Also, I want to own my next truck for a long time, a very long time. I'm pretty old-school and i'm not interested in this emissions junk, the idea of topping off my exhaust fluid makes me shiver with intolerance of government reg's.

So here's the long-term goal, 2000-2006 Ford Double Cab 4X4 (of course) with a built trans (Allison 1000?) and a 2003ish Cummins Common Rail powerplant.

Is there any year of truck that is any better than another one in the '00-'06 range and why? (If I buy a pre-'05 truck I will swap out the headlights to the '05-'07 headlights). I'm considering buying a truck with no engine to do the swap, I'm hoping to pick up a blown 6.0 truck and buy a Cummins CR outright. TIA

[AaronATX]

I think the 7.3's are most commonly swapped out, so you're looking at 99-04's. i don't know if it's because they're easier to swap out or not, you might check out destroked.com for more info on that. if the 7.3's are indeed easier to swap out, but you like the looks of the 05-07's (which look better IMO), it's pretty easy to swap out the grill, bumper, and headlights. and all the minor modification necessary to update the look.

[Jarrod B]

its possible. but finding a psd thats blown for a swap will take some time to find. or you can get a gasser and convert to a diesel. that works too. plus the gassers are cheaper to buy.

is there a reason for the allison? the transmissions behind the 6.0 are rather bullit proof and can handle more power than the previous 4 speed transmissions.

[kst]

get an 05-07.....nicer interior imoa, coil spring front end, rides nicer turns sharper!

[lvin4jc]

Originally Posted by AaronATX

I think the 7.3's are most commonly swapped out, so you're looking at 99-04's. i don't know if it's because they're easier to swap out or not, you might check out destroked.com for more info on that. if the 7.3's are indeed easier to swap out, but you like the looks of the 05-07's (which look better IMO), it's pretty easy to swap out the grill, bumper, and headlights. and all the minor modification necessary to update the look.

I definitely like the looks of the '05-'07 front ends better I'm looking at getting a kit for the conversion from these guys - Fordcummins.com - 1999 and up Ford SuperDuty 24V Engine Mounting Kit

Originally Posted by bockhold

its possible. but finding a psd thats blown for a swap will take some time to find. or you can get a gasser and convert to a diesel. that works too. plus the gassers are cheaper to buy.

is there a reason for the allison? the transmissions behind the 6.0 are rather bullit proof and can handle more power than the previous 4 speed transmissions.

I don't think i'll have a hard time finding a blown 6.0. I didn't think the gasser trucks were built as tough as the diesels, dunno, I could be wrong on that.

Originally Posted by kst

get an 05-07.....nicer interior imoa, coil spring front end, rides nicer turns sharper!

Turning better would be nice, my old '90 long box was pretty bad and my dads '96 double cab PSD turns like two school busses welded together. But going '05+ will add to the cost...