Cummins into V3500 need info

[MTBLAZER89]

This is a swap I really want to do to my 89 V3500. I am thinking a 12V Cummins and would like to go with a manual behind it. I would like a 6 speed from the newer Dodges, but if that is rediculous expensive then I'll deal with the 5 spd. I thought the 6 spd kight add a bit of the "cool" factor along with a little economy.

The truck now has a 454/400/205 which will all get transplanted into my K5 with the addition of a doubler along with this diesel swap.

1. I know nothing about theses engines so any pointers.

2. What kind of fab work can be expected during this?

3. Are there any writeups on this swap?

I know there is a member on here with this engine/truck combo, but cant remember the name. Somebody point him in my direction.

 

[blowedupmotor87]

crewcab59 has lots of info, IIRC, he does swaps, just search for his name and a world of Cummins swap posts shall open up for you!

 

[ARAMP1]

This is a swap I really want to do to my 89 V3500. I am thinking a 12V Cummins and would like to go with a manual behind it. I would like a 6 speed from the newer Dodges, but if that is rediculous expensive then I'll deal with the 5 spd. I thought the 6 spd kight add a bit of the "cool" factor along with a little economy.

The 6 speed will only add to the cool factor (and a wallet that's $1000 to $1500 lighter). The first gear of the NV4500 is 5.61:1 and the first gear of the NV5600 is 5.63:1. Both are 0.73 overdrive.

Check out the Diesel section here, and also check out cummins-conversion.com.

 

[zero cool]

The 6 speed will only add to the cool factor (and a wallet that's $1000 to $1500 lighter). The first gear of the NV4500 is 5.61:1 and the first gear of the NV5600 is 5.63:1. Both are 0.73 overdrive.

Check out the Diesel section here, and also check out cummins-conversion.com.

I had a 2001 Dodge with the HO and 6 speed. They space the gears differently between the 4500 and the 5600. I found that having the extra gear in the middle with a shorter gap between them was really good for towing because it kept you in the power band better. But daily driving with no load, it was a hassle going through every gear enough that I often skipped (2-4-6) when I was getting on the highway.

 

[rjfguitar]

MT, do you have a 12v yet? I have a P pump 12v and NV4500 still in a wrecked '94 2wd Dodge 3500.

I also really want to do this swap to my K30 crew, especially since I drive it so much and it weighs 8,400lbs.

You'll need at least 4" of lift to clear the oil pan, you have a 6" kit IIRC so you're good there. If you can mount the enigne low enough due to the clearance that the lift provides, no body lift should be needed.

You'll want to harvest the motor mounts out of the Dodge and fab them into the GM frame along with building a front crossmember that will clear the engine. To retain the A/C compressor you will need to either notch the frame on the passenger side to clear the pump, or come up with a certain bracket that Kenworth used in a series of medium duty trucks that relocated the A/C pump at the top of the engine due to similar clearance issues. With that though, I have not seen anyone use the Kenworth bracket and don't know if that then moves other components also and could cause interferance someplace else. With that, I planned on trying out that bracket myself. The part number is in the diesel forum in the main sticky.

Custom A/C lines will need to be made to make the A/C work again.

You will need to fab up mounts for the Dodge radiator and intercooler, I'd go with the Dodge radiator, I don't know if a GM 4 core could keep a Cummins cool or not on a warm day pulling a grade.

If you came up with a 2wd NV4500, you could swap the output shaft for a GM 4wd application and just use a GM NP205, otherwise you will need a harder to find NP205 out of a 91-93 Dodge HD pickup that is still passenger side drop.

I'd love to drop my 12v motor I have into my K30, but with as many big projects I have lined up already this winter for 2008 crop year, I'll never have enough time to do this swap and do it right and cleanly. I also don't want a wrecked Dodge in my way for 2 years, let me know if you are interested in mine.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Bobby,

No I dont have the motor yet. I havent even really looked around yet. I looked on ebay a little bit in the past, but noting recent.

 

[1-tonmudder]

Two words-Bread truck.

They came with the 4bt which is just a four cylinder version of the Dodge Cummins motors,and will have the motor mounts you need.Some came with the TH400's but are 2wd.

The Cummins Th400's have a special case but you could swap the 4wd Th400 output in and be able to use your 205.You will have to get the Cummins to Th400 motor plate/starter/flexplate/spacer in order to get it to bolt up and start it.These parts with a buildable Th400 will bring $600 or more.

I hope to start on a buggy this winter and it will have a 4BT in it.

 

[rjfguitar]

I don't think I'd bother with a 4BT in a crew cab 1 ton.

 

[1-tonmudder]

I wouldnt either.I was just saying that some of the parts can be found there.