4B into '02 1500

[jmeehan]

My other truck, that my wife drives, is an '02 1500 4x4. I'd like to replace the thirsty 360 v8. It's getting around 13 mpg, would a 4B get 18 or better? Are there other engines I should consider?



Could I use '03 2500 motor mounts to make it a bolt in? I'd probably go with an older, non electric, auto transmission so I wouldn't have to make the computer work.



Are the mounts on the 4B block in the same location as the 6B? I don't know if the oil pan sump will clear the front suspension. Can anyone give me some measurments as to the location of the sump? Such as rear of block to forward edge of sump, front of block to forward edge of sump.



I know there are other questions I need to ask, but I don't know what they are, so if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.

 

[moparguy]

J, I can't answer you questions on the specifics of the proposed conversion. But I do like the way you're thinking. From years of reading posts on the little Cummins I'd expect mileage in the mid to upper 20s, depending on driving habits of course.



From what I've gathered from others, I'd look for a doner truck in the 94 to 95 range for the transmission and other drivetrain componets. The best 4bt would be a late model with the inline pump.



Good luck, RJR

 

[LAlessi]

you ever get down to baton rouge? you can drive my 4bt rig. 4. 56 gears and 38" tires i get 30mpg+ at 55, 24mpg at 70mph

 

[moparguy]

LAlessi, just checked your homepage, nice work.

 

[LAlessi]

thanks mopar guy... . if you ever wanna drive it... email me. i plan on a hot springs trip next year



iirc the inline pumps are REAL hard to find... ... rotary works for me!

 

[jmeehan]

LAlessi, thanks for the offer, though I don't know when I'll ever be down that way. Sounds like your truck turned out great.

I plan on going with a rotary pump, due to the scarcity of the inlines. I've read that some of the 4B's have counterbalance shafts to help with vibration. I'll need to find out more about this.

I may just hunt up an engine, since I want to install one in something, weather it's this 1500 or something else. Then I'll be able to get a better idea about fitting the engine in particular vehicles.