Converting 4BT into a W150

[JGoss]

I have several questions that need to be answered before I get started, so here goes. I have a 1983 W150 with a slant six and a 4 speed. It is a 4x4, with 3. 55 gears. I don't know what the transfer case is but I'll look. The truck is in excellent shape for its age and runs ok. I get about 10-12 mpg and 55mph is about redline. I think a 4BT in this truck would work well. Obviously a 6 BT will fit so there will be plenty of room. What is a good transmission and transfer case for this application. Will my 4 speed work? I'm going to look at an old Fed Ex truck this weekend so I'll know more about that later. I've been researching this for awhile and have only found 1 truck like this on this site. On the www.4btswaps.com site they reccomend a mid 90's Ford F-150. I'm NOT doing that. Maybe I'd be money ahead with an 80's model Chevy 1/2 ton. I'm sort of on a budget with this project too. The wife says the money I'll spend converting will buy a lot of gas, which it would. I think the 4 BT's get pretty good milage so thats my excuse. Hopefully you all will give me some pointers on my future project, thanks.

 

[GDMRTN]

I'll throw in my thoughts here. You should use a 5-speed (nv4500) and a transfer case from second gen truck. I think that should work quite nicely. I'm in the process of doin a '95 chevy 3/4 ton 4x4. Narrow frame rails on them years. Very tight fit. So I'd say if you want to buy a truck stay away from late 80's to mid 90's.
My advice would be to stick with the truck you got and repower it.

 

[Steve Graham]

I'll second the NV4500. Unless your content to do 45mph you'll need an overdrive with the 3. 55 gears to get up to freeway speeds. Definitely keep the Dodge.

 

[JGoss]

Thanks for the suggestions. I just passed up a cheap nv4500 not to long ago too! It will be a few months before I start b/c it's calving season now, and row cropping in a few months. Hopefully I will round all the parts up by then, and have 1 more cummins powered truck. Thanks