Question about repositioning Engine on 1972 W200 Crew Cab.

[pepecat]

Greetings. I have a question here that is pretty straight forward, but I just don't want to do anything wrong or get into any pitfalls

As some of you may know I am in the midst of a Diesel Retrofit involving the two W trucks listed in my sig. So far I have the axles and full drivetrain from the 1990 installed in the 1972. I am finishing up the final transmission crossmember installation.

So far, I have noticed that the transmission mounts to the crossmember via a sliding bar, that allows the trans fwd/aft mov't. The way the engine is sitting on the secured mounts it appears that the whole drivetrain needs to move forward about 1-2" in order to be sitting squarely on the engine mounts. Does anyone know or is there any way to measure what the factory installation position of the cummins is in relation fore and aft to the dodge chassis? Or do I just eyeball it to where the mounts look square?

Also what would be the safest method to move/pull the drivetrain forward - turnbuckle? Ratchet strap? From which point? (Don't want to crack the bellhousing)

 

[sdstriper]

I don't have my 89' FSM here now, but I do have an 83' FSM here and there is a Frame Structures section in there with measurements etc. If that info is in the CTD manuals, would that be of any assistance? There is a distance measurement from the front of the frame to the center of the transmission crossmember in there. There is also a photo and description of frame alignment and how to measure for frame deviation from square. Determining a centerline that is paralell to the frame rails and perpindicular to the frame ends and axles is where I would start. Check the frame for out of square, could be racked etc. And if that transmission bracket will slide easy along the frame you could use a couple ratching straps from somewhere stout in front right to that crossmember, get a helper and try to stay in sinc... Otherwise it will bind in there, IIRC that crossmember was a PITA for me at the last R&R. Also, If you would like to BS about it, I still have your phone #, unless it has changed .

 

[pepecat]

oh cool that sounds good. I would like to see some info about the frame deviation. The trans crossmember for the diesel is larger and requires three mount holes and the one that came out had only two. My number should still be the same... I am in NC out of town on business right now so I won't be able to check on any measurements till I get back

 

[tugboat1st]

I just repowered my '74 W100 to a '93 Cummins. I bolted the front mounts in the original position, bolted up the cross member to the trans and jacked it into place. I then scibbed the where the holes had to be on the frame and drilled them. Then just bolted it up. Worked great. I did have to finagle the radiator bulkhead and the grill, mostly because I had air and the intercooler. Without air there's no problem.