Diesel Bronco? Any Guru's in engine swaps?

[HorseMan]

Ok I hope no one is offended by this!
My work truck has a re-man 3.9 cummins and is just getting (54,000)broken in. I'm going to replace the work truck in a few months and was thinking of using this motor. It has an intercooler and turbo. From what i have read its "fairly simple". Never know an engine swap to be simple! The main reason for the swap would be to ditch the carb crap!
Was hoping that someone out there knew something about this swap?

Even though I think the sexiest thing under the hood of a bronco is a 5.0!! Without a second thought!!! I have 3.9 thats a good running motor in hand, and only needs three wires to run. As oppsed to rebuilding a 5.0 and wiring it in place.

I know that the frame must be notched and new mounts made. And the oil pan has to be modified.(I have no fabrication skills!) I was more concerned about the wieght (750#) Almost twice the 302. And then the bellhousing and trans, I have heard some 351 bellhousings work. Power streering? i guess new lines maybe more?

The plus side of it would Great torque(700)#! And thats useable. just might find where the other weak points are, better carry extra u joints.
The 3.9 gets great mpgs. I have heard stories of a few crusing Denver, and even a whisper of one taking on a 351?

[Entourage]

Sounds like an awesome project. I know that the 4BT is a popular diesel in the Broncos but not sure on the 3.9. What truck was the 3.9 Cummins Motor in?

[Kinder]

There is a ton of info out there, a couple of builds on CB.com, also some good info on 4btswap.com and fordcummins.com. I've researched it a bit and almost pulled the trigger on a old bread truck to grab the drivetrain out of it. What is the make of your work truck, there were several setups behind the 4bt, some chevy, some dodge and some ford. The Ford drivetrains had T-18 or T-19 trans and the small block ford bell housings.

[akaFrankCastle]

Two things I have heard about the 4BT swap in to a Bronco.

1) You're going to think you're driving a dump truck full of gravel once you get it done. That motor is HEAVY. Almost everyone I have heard that has completed the swap says by the time you get the springs figured out to support the weight, there isn't much bounce left in the front end for bumps in the road.

2) You're absolutely going to love the power and torque. So much, in fact, you're probably going to start looking for other things to drop a diesel in to.

I'd love to do a 4BT in a Bronco. But most of the motors I have come across for sale fall in to one of the following categories: a) generator/agricultural units; b) super crazy high mileage units for sale as cores; or c) plated in 24 carat gold with diamond encrusted injectors. Or at least that is the assumption I am making based on the price.

Pretty sure the Ford/Gruman units had a few NP435s mounted up to them as well. In either case, the great thing about the Cummins block is the ability to bolt on ANY pattern through the use of those adapter plates.

And the only thing that will offend us about your potential engine swap is the lack of photos. Hell, CoberlyShane is dropping a 5.9 Dodge V8 and tranny in to his uncut 1966!

[RJLougee]

I've always wanted to do a diesel swap, have had the same issues Zack described. If you decide you don't want to do it, talk to me. I have at least one very nice looking 5.0 in the shop

As for suspension, stay away from the progressive style coils springs (WH, Duffs), they will just collapse on you. Go with a fairly stiff linear rate (BCB), maybe Chuck can set you up with something. Otherwise, I think Jim Cole (Duffs/Cage/Bloody Knuckle Garage) does custom coil springs. There are a number of calculators that will allow you to figure your spring rate and ride height, if you want to play with it.

EFI swaps are surprisingly easy, if you have the time to invest in getting everything set ahead of time.
Joe

[Jesus_man]

I knew a guy who did the swap in a '67. It'd loud, but I think it was awesome. I'd love to do the swap someday too. Plan on lots of sound deadening for the cab and/or engine bay.

Anyway, my buddy seemed well versed in what he was doing and I might be able to contact him again, although it's been a while. Let me know. He lived in Arvada. Not sure he still lives there or not.

J.D.