Cummins to 86 Ram 250 Swap

[JDancoe]

My brother & I are retrofitting a Cummins into an 86 D-250 that has a 360-V8.

The front suspension is rated at 3300 lbs. Anyone done a similar swap? Any suggestions about upgrading the front end? (Part no's would be appreciated if available) Any other tips or do/don't do comments also appreciated. I'd really prefer not to reinvent the wheel on this project. Thanks, Jack

 

[JHumphries]

Diesel World Magazine Article on the 1975 D200 Club Cab & Road Trip to Vegas Shoot

 

[Shadrach]

Don't forget to change over your steering center link as it is "dropped" for oil pan clearance on the Cummins. If you haven't got an engine already I strongly suggest you buy a complete 92/93 truck and transfer over ALL the necessary parts. Do you want to keep the 86 style grill? If not change over the rad saddle and use the CAC. If you want to keep it the grill will need mods. You can't just stick an 86 grille on an 03 rad saddle as the headlights are in a different spot. I set a 92 grill on my 84 to prove it wouldn't fit.



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Shadrach

 

[Dscholz]

Check out the Cummins/Diesel Conversion section. They will be able to help you with most of you questions. I moved my engine, transmission, suspension, wiring harness, etc. from my '90 reg cab to an '84 ramcharger and everything bolted right in so you should be fine on your '86 truck. I would advise putting a 3/4 ton suspension on it though. If you have any questions I'll try to help you out.

Dan

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The 3300 lb. front end is not strong enough. The factory always used the 4000 lb. version on First Generation Turbo Diesels. Additionally, your frame is rather weak; the factory used the heavy duty frame and even upgraded it further during the “run” of First generation years. Furthermore, the factory changed the cross member in 1989, pushing the surface downward to accommodate the Cummins engine mounts while keeping the engine low enough in the chassis. You will also find that the early to mid 80s 4000 lb. lower control arm mounts were riveted on, and they tended to break out by cracking the sheet steel they went into. By 1989, the lower arm mounts were formed integrally into the crossmember.

 

[MEby]

Hit up Bill (Bgilbert) over on 1st gen site. He has a 80's something he swapped a Cummins into.

 

[DVolk]

Cummins to 86 Ram

What needs to be done to put a hydraulic cluch set up in ?



It looks like it goes into the on mine 85 speedo hole .



I really dont want to cut and chop on the cab .



Has any one installed 4 wheel drive componets on a swd frame ?



I seen pics on a GM infact they sale the hangers to do it from LMC etc.



but never seen it for DODGE #@$%! we should write our politicians LOL

 

[RSchwarzli]

Yes it can be done. My 1980 was a 360. Looking back, I would have been WAAAAY cheaper to buy a complete truck for parts. Even if you had to use the frame and driveline out of the donar and swap your body onto it.....



As for the suspension, yes, go heavier. As for 4wd, yes it can be done. Not hard, just alot of heavy parts and some tunnel cutting.

 

[DVolk]

My suspention is plenty stout probally over kill in some respect



Im just mostly concerned about master cylender placement and install

I know it twist in isnt that a special hole set up , thats what im worried about . How is that done ?