I really like that idea. A 4BT would be a far better engine for what I want. I'm not sure where to find one in my area though. I've been keeping my ear to the ground for a while an haven't seen anything. What's a reasonable price for a 4BT?
well i personally dont think its out of the realm or reasonable to pay 2k for a good one. yes i know they are smaller less power all of that but they are escentially the same engine and a good 6 cyl is worth about 2k so i think for a good 4 its on the high side but still fair. as far as where to get one you might find one out of the right year bread trucks they used chevy tans in them and 4bts but those are usually low power 80 to 100. i would keep an eye on ebay and look for one there the 4bts ranged from around 60 horse to 130 horse. ive noticed that the higher horse versions are newer and have a p pump which i like better then the ve pump so look for that too. i think you could probably get a soild 4bt shipped to you for around 3k just look around and see what you find then evaluate it for what you want.
Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like all good advice.
As for brakes and diff go though, I know the brakes and rear end on a early 80's 1/2 ton are identical to those on a late 70's C body and those C bodies weigh in at over 5000 lbs... far more than any half ton, and, the brakes on a 1996 half ton have got to be "better" than those on a 1984 half ton for example. I can't see brakes, or even the stout corporate 9. 25" rear end in a half ton being a huge weak link. This isn't going to be a towing machine after all. Even if I did want to tow though, I've towed a 8000 lb load for 1500 miles at 60 - 70 mph and no issues in a 77 New Yorker with a 440 and the same 9. 25 rear end as a half ton... actually a worse ratio diff for towing than a half ton would have. I can't say it's a "weak" rear end. I'm not trying to be argumentative, I just like to get discussion going so I can learn.
As for the frame, is it actually weaker than a 3/4 ton?
The reason I don't want to buy a diesel as one poster suggested is, you can't get a diesel in a std cab short bed, which my 96 is.
roadhogg your probably right the brakes are big enough to stop the truck well enough on a stop to stop basis however i dont think they will do it for very long. your right the brakes are better then they used to be but they dont really hold up any better. whats been done is the brakes respond better require less pedal effort to engage and other things that make the brake feel better to the average driver. however the engineers have calculated all this stuff out and while they feel better the trucks are lighter and smaller then before and so smaller brakes are acceptable. these brakes are not going to handle the 1000 plus lbs of a 6 cyl cummins for very long. yeah new brakes and you smash the pedal the truck will stop within reason but they wont do it for very long(read they will wear fast)
as for the axels the corp. 9. 25 is a good stout axel and they can handle a lot of weight for a semi floater however the monster torque these 6cyls put out will twist everything up. the splines in the axel just arent meant to handle the big torgue that can come on so instantly at the bottom end like these engines can do. taking off from a stop is the highest torque load the axel is gonna see and gassers ease into the power band the cummins starts in the power band and produces a lot more power. if you do go with the 6cyl i would suggest a whole new powertrain the 1/2 ton trans wont take the abuse the rear end might hold up for a while but in the end something is going to look like a pretzel the torgue is just too much even driving nicely which cant always happen.
i do think it would be kinda sweet to see a 6cyl in a small 1/2 ton but id want it as a drag racer or street toy. im thinking about what you said and wanted to play devils advocate to give you food for thought either way it would be a cool truck.
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