[Tinkerinmatt]

I've got this crazy idea in my head to swap a 66-78 ford crew cab body or 73-79 chevy crew cab body on an 05+ ford coil sprung front end diesel frame. This all started with me wanting a newer diesel, but not wanting to lay down $15,000 or pay newer truck taxes. Don't want to swap drivetrains into a classic frame because of the harsh ride of old leafs and the frame that wasn't designed for 600+ tq.

I've seen guys do it with the duramax frame and GM used the same front frame on all body styles, and just slid different length frames into the front frame so guys cut the factory welds, shortened the frame, then slid it back in and rewelded.
1972 GMC Using 2003 Chevy 2500HD duramax Chassis - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Did Ford do that as well? Or am I stuck doing a Z cut?

The GM has the pros of the duramax and Allison, and soft ride of IFS, but I hate the way lifted IFSs look, and it wouldn't look right to have an IFS on a classic body, plus zf6 duramaxs are hard to find. The dodge 12 and 24 valves are cheapest, and the cummins is great, but I don't like dodge frames because the 94-02s cracked in the rear and the 03+ rusted out, plus it would have to be a stick (which I don't mind but limits potential candidates) since dodge autos are junk. I don't want the battleship turning radius of a leaf sprung crew cab 7.3.

05+ fords are very common, and all over copart.com for under $5000. I want a rolled 05+ crew cab or ext cab long bed and ill shorten the frame, driveshaft and brake lines, and keep everything else the same. Use the stock guage cluster, steering column, pedals, electronics, everything, just weld on new body mounts and core support.

Now here's the questions:

Pros and cons to using a 05-07 6.0, 08-10 6.4, or should I pony up and watch out for a scorpion? With the body off, head studs, EGR delete and oil cooler replacement on a 6.0 is easy, the 6.4 or 6.7 would get all deletes and just a turbo back exhaust and a tune for mpg and towing.

It would be used for towing up to 8000lbs, across the Appalachians to different tracks for my Camaro, and towing the boat, and daily commuting in rough weather when I can't drive the bike or Camaro.

What are the MPG differences between a deleted and tuned for mpg 6.0, 6.4 and 6.7? It will be on as skinny of 33-35" tires as I can find, either 255/85/16s or something to look like the old high boys.

Thoughts?

 

[96coal449]

I'd get the truck you want and retro fit the cummins in it. Like you said it's the cheapest option, but only because it's done so often. Find a 6.0 truck with a bad engine. 6.0's are some of the cheapest out there and easier to convert then a gasser. Besides your hauling in the mountains. IMO you'll love the power of a straight motor.
Keep us posted and give us a build thread I can subscribe to

 

[Tinkerinmatt]

I like the cummins idea down the road, cummins in a ford frame, but for now I'd like to cut into the electronics and frame as little as possible and just run it. I see a ton of 6.0s make it over 300k, haven't seen as many 6.4s. I know the 6.4 has its problems too, and I can't decide between those 2, might come down to price of the doner.

 

[dannanw]

elite diesel did this a while back (actually twice) it was in diesel world or one of those mag's, if you want pictures I'd look up the old editions. Neat idea.

 

[96coal449]

I love conversions. Especially the straight 6 engines. They make gobs of torque with relative ease! :scuffy Painless wiring makes a complete engine harness for common rail cummins, but your better off with a complete dodge donor truck. Most of everything needed will be there. What you don't use you can re-sell, recouping some of your expenses. The only mods to the Ford frame is a small notch in the cross member for the A/C compressor, and the factory frame engine mounts.

 

[96coal449]

I like the cummins idea down the road, cummins in a ford frame, but for now I'd like to cut into the electronics and frame as little as possible and just run it. I see a ton of 6.0s make it over 300k, haven't seen as many 6.4s. I know the 6.4 has its problems too, and I can't decide between those 2, might come down to price of the doner.

Sorry, I just read the "down the road part" after re-reading post. But if you have the time and place it can be made easily affordable with careful planning. Ultimately you would spend the same for a good condition, reliable runner compared to buying a donor (think collision salvage) and a solid body diesel superduty.

 

[layson]

Kind of similar.... LOL

 

[96coal449]

layson, do you have a build thread on this ride? IF not gather up some pics and start one! Killer job!

 

[layson]

It isn't mine but it is at my friends shop. It is actually on an excursion frame. I think OUO actually has a kit to mount the body and bed on the excursion frame.

 

[Tinkerinmatt]

What would be the consensus, 6.0 or 6.4? I'm leaning 6.0.

 

[96coal449]

You'll find more 6.0's then 6.4's, but don't limit yourself to one specific generation. When you see the right truck for you it'll boldly stand out from the rest. :thumb: