1978 Ford F350

[Kickin Y2K]

A friend and I are going to do a Cummins conversion on his 1978 F350. Anyone done one here on TDR? My main concern I think will be doing the intercooler, not sure what we can get to fit.

 

[britannic]

These guys are really helpful: Ford Cummins Conversions, ask to speak with Roger.

 

[ranger1]

I'd have to second that. Roger is a wealth of information... Grass Valley - Nice place. Right there in the gold country. Spend much time in Downieville? A CTD would be great in a 78 1 Ton. How would you get that past the Calif smog inspections? Ranger

 

[Kickin Y2K]

britannic, already talked with them a few times already.

Ranger 1, yeah, it's a nice place but getting way overcrowded Haven't been to Downiville in quite some time, mainly because I have no time. Smog is no problem, when the smog comes due for the gas engine you simply set up an appointment with a referee station who will verify that it is a diesel, and since the motor came from a newer model year will be no problem. I do believe I'l located a few intercoolers though, just gotta see which will fit and who is cheapest.

 

[ranger1]

Kickin - Glad the smog won't be a problem. When you do the conversion, please take pictures. There's a lot of us who want to do that same installation. Talk to Randy at Reliable Diesel in Mesa Arizona. He's supposed to be real good, having dropped a lot of CTD's in Ford pickem ups. . Good luck with the intercooler. Ranger

 

[Scot]

I am going to tackle the problem as soon as my intercooler comes in. I will be running a '93 Dodge radiator and a '94 up 12 valve intercooler.



The radiator will fit between the verticals on the core support 2 out of 3 times. I have one '78 c/s and 2 '79 c/s's. The book shows them to be the same but the '78 measures about 1/4" wider.



It appears the intercooler will mount upside down and should fit in the recessed area on the front of the c/s. The hole measures ~18" and the i/c is ~16 1/2" tall.

 

[Kickin Y2K]

We're getting pretty anxious to get started on this thing, but want to do as much research as possible before hand so things go smoothly when we do the actual conversion. Can't wait!

 

[Kickin Y2K]

well, we went out and picked up the 12 valve motor from another TDR member today. Got lots and lots of stuff, it's going to help make this an easy conversion. I'm anxious to get started.

 

[willyslover]

Bill. . let me know when your having a work day . . maybe I'll mosey on up and drink a "soda" with ya... look over yur shoulder and swap a lie or two... .

something to do as if I didn't have a thing or two going on myself

 

[Kickin Y2K]

Gary, will do. It'll be a short trip, we'll be doing it over at my friend Bob's there in Mountain Ranch. He wants to find a Dana 60 front for the truck before we start though. It's gonna be fun!

 

[SLinse]

Scot,

Do you know if a 98 radiator will work?? I've been wondering about the intercooler and radiator stuff. As soon as I find a good donor truck, I'll be starting one myself!

 

[Kickin Y2K]

No worries there, talked to Bob last night and it's definitely well protected from the elements. Actually the skies pretty well cleared up about the time we passed the feed store. I gave him the number for my contact at Cummins West so hopefully we'll know about the side cover today.

 

[Scot]

Originally posted by SLinse

Scot,

Do you know if a 98 radiator will work?? I've been wondering about the intercooler and radiator stuff. As soon as I find a good donor truck, I'll be starting one myself!

I have not measured the '98 radiator. The 91. 5-93 will work on 2 out of 3 of my core supports. The two '79's are about 1/4" narrower than the '78. I used the '78 and hammered it slightly.



My '94 intercooler came in today and I should have mounts worked out by second week of March.



FWIW, I have some pictures of mine posted over on www.fordtrucks.com in my gallery. Same user name.

 

[Kickin Y2K]

Did some measuring yesterday and it looks as if the Dodge intercooler will work pretty good. The Powerstroke intercooler will fit but the height would make things a bit tight.

 

[Kickin Y2K]

Just put some pictures of the begiining of the conversion in my readers rigs gallery.

 

[Scot]

The '94 i/c will fit sitting upside down. Put it in the recess about 1/8" from rubbing. I have the top mounts built and have an idea for the bolt mounts. They are about 3 1/2" off the core support. I have thought of a bunch of configurations for the mounts but may have finally come up with something that is not too Mickey Mouse looking.



I am also going to put a small support at the bottom to take the load off the bolt up mounts.



The next project will be welding up some intercooler tubes and 4" exhaust.



At that point, I should be able to make the engine mods and put the body on.

 

[Kickin Y2K]

Thanks Scot, any help is appreciated. Posted some pics of the hydraulic clutch install today.

 

[Kickin Y2K]

Just posted some more photos of the conversion process. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get out of work to go help

 

[Scot]

I have the i/c mounted and the pipes built. The exhaust is built but not welded all the way to the back except for the turn out.



Need to call Piers to get a few more stock parts for the engine before I move the body over.

 

[Copterdoc]

f-350

I lifted my body 3 inches. It helped alot. Fords sit to low anyway. There are pics in the readers rides. pm me if you need anything. I have over 2 years and 40k miles on my 93 f-350 with no problems. copterdoc