Can this be done, and be useful?

[RustyNCA]

Vague Title I know, but here goes with what I am working on.

I am working on picking up an old 52 Studebaker Pickup. It actually is a 1 ton truck chassis with a pickup body on it from the factory.

Anyway, I am planning to build a sort of rat rod out of it, but I want to be different than the pack. Generally they are setup with a small block chevy in them.

My idea is to get a late 80's to 90's Ford Diesel truck and either transplant the Stude body onto the truck, or transplant the Ford running gear into the Stude's frame. I like the idea of the body on the Ford's frame, I would think I would get better brakes, steering etc. that way. I am also trying to decide if I want to run duals in the back and leave the long bed or cut the bed down to a short bed.

I haven't measured the two frames to see how they match up.

But I wanted to hear if this is even a feasible or reasonable idea?

Which motor's, transmission, rear ends, etc. are best and what to look for? The Stude cab is a stick setup right now. It already has what appears to be a International small block V8 in it possibly, hard to tell it's such a mess.

Also maybe an idea if a two wheel drive Ford can be lowered and how far can it be lowered.

Anyway, any help, opinions and resources are welcomed.

Thanks
RustyNCA

[purplehorn1977]

anything is doable with the right amount of money and the right tools there is a guy that took a 60's ford truck and installed a 6.0l powerstroke in it. there has been alot of older vehicles that have been modernized with new electronic engines and amenities. really the sky and your pocket book are the limits

[RustyNCA]

Originally Posted by purplehorn1977

anything is doable with the right amount of money and the right tools there is a guy that took a 60's ford truck and installed a 6.0l powerstroke in it. there has been alot of older vehicles that have been modernized with new electronic engines and amenities. really the sky and your pocket book are the limits

Thanks for the comment, guess I didn't phrase my question well.

Are the 6.9 and 7.4 motors good motors for ease of use and options?

How do those trucks run, I am not looking for a high horse power 12 sec ride, just one that runs good around town and down the freeway if needed, has decent brakes, also one that I can get as low as possible.

This is along the lines of what I am thinking for a visual reference, but with a long bed...




Here is one photo of the one I am trying to get my hands on. So Imagine that with the Ford Diesel in it.

[cc.mud slinger]

whether or not you want power i dont encourage you to go with an idi, a powerstroke or even a 2nd gen cummins would be a good motor to go with i had a friend who did this kinda transplant and put a cummins in a chevy 2wheel like a 40's not sure what year but anything can be done just draw up some plans and go from there. you got a cool project. hope it goes good have fun.

[bud_at_os]

I happen to love my IDI. They are durable, very simple engines. All you have to do is turn them in a circle ad 12v to the fuel cut-off and they run!!!! and run and run.

You won't win any races, but the right gearing and maybe an overdrive unit you can cruise along pretty well.

I have an 08 6.4 F450 and an 89 F250 7.3 IDI. I love driving my old beast, after this winter's upgrades I'll drive it a lot more I think. It's just fun cruising around in old iron with no computers to get in the way of diesel rattle and shake.