F150 to Diesel Conversion Q's:

Lockdown · #1 11-24-2003, 11:36 PM

Ok I did a search for this topic and read around for a good 30min - hour on this. So please don't tell me to search. Heres my questions:

1) Will any diesel drop into a 97+ F150 (Wanting to make a Lightning Clone... don't flame me

but with a kick, diesel.

2) Even if it won't drop in, then new motor mounts (no biggie) but what componets would I need (Fuel, engine, tranny)

3) If it won't directly drop in, then could I get say a Cummings or what would be the advice of the Diesel experts to drop in if I have to do motor mounts?

4) I understand the extra weight in the front, no biggie, heavy duty springs, control arms, etc.

5) If anybody has any info on a running f150 diesel please give me a link here or at mclocklin@sbcglobal.net

6) As a thought, would this new f150 diesel engine that is coming out for the 04-05 be a thought (Think it'll drop in?)

7) If you can give me some costs on this swap (no labor, just parts if you can)

Thanks for reading this. I tried to spell this out as clearly as I could.

Johngs · #2 11-25-2003, 12:55 AM

I think your main concern is going to be will it fit?

I dont know what size the other diesels are, but the 6.0L and 7.3L engines are HUGE! We have a 7.3L and the thing is monstrous. I mean this thing would take up most of the bed of my short bed F150...not to mention, you need to have 2 batteries, more radiators, the list goes on. You simply need a larger body. I suppose if you really work at it and cut out some stuff, make things as small as possible, you could do it. But then you get into whether it's worth it or not. Keep in mind, I think Ford intended to put a 4.5L into the F150 right? Or was the 6.0L supposed to go in the 150? I forget...I havent seen the actual 6.0L engine, so Im not sure how much different it is as far as size goes compared to the 7.3L...

If you manage to pull that off, I'd really like to see the outcome as well as steps. TAKE PICTURES!!!

Also, Id suggest checking out http://www.thedieselstop.com and browse/post their forums.

J-150 · #3 11-25-2003, 08:45 AM

I think the only diesel availabnle to you that would fit would be a VW palnt out of a Jetta.

Any of the existing truck diesels would be too large to fit.

And Ford has put the 4.5L baby Powerstroke on indefinite hold.

ViperGrendal · #4 11-25-2003, 10:05 AM

The 4.5L was meant to go into the new bodystyle too. You might be able to fit a smaller diesel in there. There's tons of different manufacturers of them. I don't know if Cummins makes one small enough.

You'll probably have to switch the tranny out. If you got the 4r100 it might hold up. I think it's the same tranny that's in my brother's F350 diesel. I know his felt the same as my Expi with the 4r100 down to the clunk it makes. I don't know if anyhting is different though.

Cost I have no idea. At least 10K- 15K I would imagine if you could pull it off. You'd need 2 batteries for the truck engines. New electronics and guages. All the engine bolt ons are probably different except maybe the alternator and AC pump.

You'd probably have better luck looking at diesel engine manufacturers for cars. You might do some research on who was/is supposed to make the 4.5L diesel. They might offer a similar engine to the mass market.

Edit: you might ask the guys over at The Diesel Stop http://www.thedieselstop.com/ They might have a better idea and a lot more knowledge of what it takes to make a diesel engine.

kschaper · #5 11-25-2003, 11:57 AM

It could be done. Cummins makes a 4bt which you can find in bread trucks and such. It's a little 4 banger that can be turned up quite easily. Many people have put them in jeeps. Check out www.turbodieselregister.com as they have a cummins conversion section. I too thought about it and did a little research. The motors can be had for very little money and they are mechanical so there are no electronics. I believe a chevy tranny bolts up to them as well.