Attention: TDR Forum Junkies Hello Cummins TD enthusiasts! I am in the early stages of a new project and I thought I might solicit some ideas from people who may have already done something similar.
I picked up a 1981 crew-cab, short box, 2wd, ¾-ton truck for next to nothing. It was originally an NCDOT truck that was later relegated to hauling landscaping crews and materials. As such, it is a stripper truck that led a HARD life. There’s even less on it now (no engine, steering, etc. ) than when it was new (no radio, no A/C, no automatic transmission, etc. ). Since the only major differences between this truck and any other Dodge built between 1972 and 1993 are the cab, rear doors, and frame, my options are virtually limitless. I had contemplated building a slammed, V-8 powered half-ton with maybe a big-block or a blown and injected small-block (Who doesn’t love the sound of a big-cammed gas powered V-8 through a pair of Flowmasters?). But then I thought, why not do something REALLY unique? How about a slammed, DIESEL powered hot-rod?! My research into such a project led me to the TDR, and after following the discussion groups for a few months, I decided that a Cummins TD definitely has the potential to be a killer powerplant. Plus, it appeals to the totally off-the-wall side of me.
I figure there’s a couple of ways to go about this: The quickest and easiest way would probably be to pick up a decent ’91 - ’93 ¾ or 1 ton truck with all the options I want (5 speed, A/C, power everything) and just move everything onto the crew-cab chassis. The only disadvantage I see to this would be that I would rather have the ’94 – ’97 12V engine and NV4500 transmission. It seems that the performance potential of that engine is better. I’ve even considered putting in a 24V and a 6-speed. I’m not really afraid of the wiring that would be involved, just the cost.
What do you think? Is the early 12V and Getrag capable of serious performance? I probably won’t ever actually tow much more than a 4000 lb car on a 2000 lb trailer, but I would like to do it with ease (my Li’l Red Express Truck strains a little with that load). I want a serious street performer with a twist!
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Love them old Mopars
('69 Charger R/T and '78 Li'l Red Express Truck)
I picked up a 1981 crew-cab, short box, 2wd, ¾-ton truck for next to nothing. It was originally an NCDOT truck that was later relegated to hauling landscaping crews and materials. As such, it is a stripper truck that led a HARD life. There’s even less on it now (no engine, steering, etc. ) than when it was new (no radio, no A/C, no automatic transmission, etc. ). Since the only major differences between this truck and any other Dodge built between 1972 and 1993 are the cab, rear doors, and frame, my options are virtually limitless. I had contemplated building a slammed, V-8 powered half-ton with maybe a big-block or a blown and injected small-block (Who doesn’t love the sound of a big-cammed gas powered V-8 through a pair of Flowmasters?). But then I thought, why not do something REALLY unique? How about a slammed, DIESEL powered hot-rod?! My research into such a project led me to the TDR, and after following the discussion groups for a few months, I decided that a Cummins TD definitely has the potential to be a killer powerplant. Plus, it appeals to the totally off-the-wall side of me.
I figure there’s a couple of ways to go about this: The quickest and easiest way would probably be to pick up a decent ’91 - ’93 ¾ or 1 ton truck with all the options I want (5 speed, A/C, power everything) and just move everything onto the crew-cab chassis. The only disadvantage I see to this would be that I would rather have the ’94 – ’97 12V engine and NV4500 transmission. It seems that the performance potential of that engine is better. I’ve even considered putting in a 24V and a 6-speed. I’m not really afraid of the wiring that would be involved, just the cost.
What do you think? Is the early 12V and Getrag capable of serious performance? I probably won’t ever actually tow much more than a 4000 lb car on a 2000 lb trailer, but I would like to do it with ease (my Li’l Red Express Truck strains a little with that load). I want a serious street performer with a twist!
------------------
Love them old Mopars
('69 Charger R/T and '78 Li'l Red Express Truck)
. Freshly rebuilt and Balanced Cummins, Rebuilt NP205, Rebuilt Injector pump and tweaked, Matched Injectors, 3" New Mandrel Bent Exhaust,no muffler, Borgeson Steering Shaft, K&N Air Filter, 4:10 gears, limited slip rear end, 16" Goodyear GSA Wranglers, 16K Reese 5th Wheel Hitch,and LE Package and a Sony CD Stereo. Next add-on some “Banks” toys ! If you want to know why I did all of this, 2 kids, one on the way and I can't stand F**d and Ch**y. Kyle Hoover ,Fruitport, MI.
