conversion Questions?

[98slushbox]

I have been thinking about doing the ol cummins swap into a chevy truck. From those who have done this, i guess first i should ask which would be better and easier, keeping the IFS or running a straight axle? Next, if using the straight axle would it be easier to put a straight axle under a 90's model or take an 80's model chassis and put a newer body on it? thanks,

Lance

 

[CumminsBurban]

I would stay with the IFS. I see no benefit to going with the straight axle.



Shane

 

[GOLIATHGMC]

Have a Plan FIRST!

Lance,

You dont mention here if you already have a truck or engine lying around, so before you do or buy anything, the best advice I can give is to make a plan. Begin by asking yourself some questions about the finished product, such as "What will I use this truck for?", "Is this truck more tool or toy?", and the all-important "How much do I want to spend?". After you have worked out some ideas about purpose and prices, you may already have answered the "better" and "easier" questions. "Better" really depends on the trucks purpose, and "Easier" is a silly question because it usually depends on your level of ability, and is RARELY easy at all.

That being said, here is my take on the subject, based on my own ongoing project. I already have a solid axle '85 GMC gasser, and its a 3500 Crew. The natural choice for me was a 6BTA conversion. I know my own level of ability: this conversion will be a good blend of things I know and dont know, and I dont have a HUGE fear of the unknown.

If your end result will be mostly street driven or a tow rig, I might lean towards an IFS truck. IFS is known for giving a smoother ride quality. If your end result will be used more off-road, consider that a solid axle truck could be built somewhat lighter, is less complex, and IMHO a lot stronger (but I am a bit biased ).

Kits are available for converting IFS Chevys to solid axle, but that adds to the complexity and cost. Back to the original questions.

Swapping bodies between generations of trucks is possible, but depends on your ability to do the work or your ability to find and pay someone else to do the work. Back to the original questions.

I would recommend that you use a 1-ton truck no matter what you decide, since you are using a very HEAVY and POWERFUL engine. Having a strong foundation is definately a good place to start.

After that, it really comes down to preference in styles. I have always had a soft spot for the '73-'91 GM Square body style.

Also, the rule of conversions says something about the cost and timeframe always being twice what you think it is before you begin - this is ALWAYS true :-laf . Despite what I see on OVERHAULIN', I dont think even Chip Foose could pull this off in a week .

Again, all of this is just my opinion. Hope it helps!

George

 

[CumminsBurban]

I totally agree with what you said. Mine took almost 3 times longer than I hoped. Honestly, about the time I expected but a lot longer than we were hoping. I spent slightly more than I budgeted but not much more. One reason for that was that I bought a lot of stuff used.

 

[FordCummins]

Cummins conversions can be done quickly, and correctly, but the cost goes up exponentially when you are up against a deadline... ..... dont ask me how I know. Like GOLIATHGMC said, depending on what you want to use the truck for, will dictate what suspension to keep. If you are gonna undertake a Cummins Conversion, and invest all that time and money, you might as well build what you want.



That being said, I converted my 99 F350 to Cummins power in 2 weeks. This included a complete rebuild of the motor and a new interior as well. 2 guys working 12-14hrs a day got it done. Would I want to do that again against a deadline? Probably not. But it was well worth the effort.

 

[98slushbox]

Alot of great ideas and replys. I think that is one problem for me, not knowing exactly what i want yet. I like the truck that i have, but its only 2wd and i've always had and liked 4wd better, and i would love to build a chevy with a cummins. To me that is the best of both worlds(only my opinion). I think if i built one, it wouldnt get off road too much, just on the farm a bit, but i'm not one to leave things stock too much, so i wouldnt think the IFS would hold up. The work shouldnt be a problem for me. I would do it all myself with the help of some friends. I guess i need to do some thinking though first like you all said and make sure i know what i want before i go jumping into something I may not want to finish. thanks for the info.

Lance

 

[TravisG]

Man, am I glad I live in Arizona right now. Spent way to much time in that garage and stayed up way to late w/ your brother working on his truck.



J/K Lance you know I would help out if you need it.

 

[98slushbox]

Thanks Travis, Yeah i'm sure you did spend more time than it was worth helping Owl Eyes out on his truck, and then he just goes and betrays us and buys a d-max. Atleast if i buy a chevy truck i'll still have the good power plant, CTD!!! thanks for the help offer. Dont know yet what i want to do. Its either keep my 2 wheeler and keep going on upgrades with it, or sell it and build a chevy with a cummins. hmmmmmm????????

You are still in AZ, not movin up north anymore?

Didnt make it tonight, but talked to some guys who watched Dave race at Gateway tonight. 12. 6 @ like 112mph or somethin i think. You probably already knew though.