I know a 3rd gen engine translant in a 2nd gen body is hard but

[raxley]

I've got a complete wrecked 2005 (mentioned in sig) so I wouldn't have to buy many parts (feel free to correct me) and my other choice is to part out the '05. I know lots of people like the p7100 fuel pump and the block is strong enough to put out as much power as a common rail (after o rings, killer dowel, studs, enough turbo and transmission improvements etc.) but I like the tuning potential (and quietness) of the common rail. and in California it's about the only way to own a hopped up common rail (put into a smog exempt earlier body) with the previously retroactively enacted smog laws. I will have to find a mechanic (not sure if previously chosen mechanic has time to commit to this) and I can gather parts, pull my garaged '05 engine and trans,etc. Also sell the 2nd gen engine and trans after work is started.
Who at the TDR has done this? I can't find many threads on the subject

 

[cerberusiam]

You will also want to keep all the 05 harnesses until you figure out which ones can be isolated and removed. The hardest parts will be figuring out what parts of the BCM to turn off and how to do it, and, fabricating new engine mounts. I suspect your compound piping will also have to change but that is just adjustment. The fan is in a different position between the 2 bodies so you have to decide if you use the older or newer and turn off those controls. Since the dash cluster is just a receiver you should be able to just leave the bus connections there and not connected as you bring the OBD connector inside to use a Smarty Touch for engine monitoring and management.

By far the biggest challenge is the electronics and getting them programmed.

 

[Hootguy]

curious as to why you would want to put a crappy common rail engine to replace your trustworthy,reliable 12 valve?
i going the other way,putting a 12 valve in my 2007 Megacab 4wd,this way i get the best Cummins ever made in a nice ridding truck,ultimate traveling truck,dont have to worry about fuel quality too much,and injectors are dirt cheap and last 5 times as long as CR ones,

 

[Bob4x4]

This type of project is best performed by a diy guy with the resources to finish it regardless of $$$$$.The number of hours invested to make it work may surprise you