truck plumbing (brakes and fuel)

[Mopar_Tim]

ok short and simple ... . this is for my trailduster-first gen conversion ... . i need to get going to the fuel system and the brake system ... . i have basically got to start from scratch



lets start with the fuel, i need some help from some one that might have a early first generation ram that is fuel injected ..... i have been told the fuel injected rams and ram chargers use the same thread pattern on the top of the plastic tank that holds the sending unit down as the diesel tanks do to hold there sending units in ... ... . is it true?



also what should i use for lines ... . i have got the old lines from the 92 diesel ... . but they are old brittle and seem to be very small ... ... what should i use ... . and where do i get fittings to hook to the sending unit and then the pumps .....



brake system ..... i plan to use the dana 60 70 combo that i have got, i need to replace 100% of the brake lines the 60 did not have any on it and the 70s are trash ... . i just won a hydroboost setup off ebay that will replace the old master cylinder and booster..... i also plan to do a 4 wheel disk setup for this truck, i also dont want to mess with abs... ... . i know almost nothing about designing a brake system ... . any and all tech on that subject is welcome ... ...



thanks for everyones help

 

[dpuckett]

I know your fuel injected engines normaly have a pump in the tank, versus our diesels that have the pump on the side of the block, so that is a consideration.



As for brakes, you can use the stuff on the D60-70 axles and do just fine. If you ahve a donor vehicle, use the porportioning valve, etc, and swap them over. I wouldnt bother with ABS/ RWAL- most people want to remove that junk anyway. I believe the lines are about the same size. At least the 84 I am parting out has the same lines as my 92 D350



Daniel

 

[Mopar_Tim]

thats the problem ... . i dont have any brake lines at all ... ... and what fuel lines i have got are not in great shape



i know the gas engines have got the in tank pump ... . but i think they use the same large threaded nut to hold there pump and pickup in as the diesels do to hold the pickup ... . thats what i need confirmed ... . i have got a diesel tank from my donor and a carbed tank from my trailduster ... ... the diesel tank is know where close to fitting and the carbed tank will not work the the diesel sending unit at all ... ... .



only way i see it working is if i get creative with jb weld, pop rivets and the jig saw and make 2 tanks into one





what is the point of the corkscrew loops running from the mc down to the frame? i always wondered that

 

[bgilbert]

Fuel system.

Now is the time to build a 1/2" fuel system. Supply: -8an (1/2" ID) bulkhead fitting. Drill hole in top of fuel tank. Run -8an fuel hose to bottom of tank, attached to the bottom of the bulkhead fitting at top tank. Run -8an fuel hose to a -8an inline fuel filter say 100 micron, secure filter to frame rail somewhere. -8an fuel hose from filter outlet to your supply/transfer pump (with correct adaptor fitting). Cover fuel hose with old 5/8" heater hose or something suitable at points of contact/rubbing with anything. Parker or Aeroquip fuel hose, found at any good hose, fitting, hydraulic shop or online. I found my Aeroquip 'pushlok' type hose locally at a hose and bearing shop.



Plug any unused port on top of your diesel or old gasser fuel tank. I would run stock sized rubber hose for your return line. Plumb it into one of the fittings on top the removeable piece in the fuel tank.



It's late and this is very brief. Pics of my fuel system setup (similar to this) in my readers gallery, VE Fuel System.

 

[bgilbert]

BTW, I plan to use the gasser fuel tank and sending unit (for fuel gauge use) in my crew cab conversion, and plumb a 1/2" fuel system as I described.

 

[Mopar_Tim]

very interesting ... ... so i dont need that huge sending unit and pickup assembly?



what size is the return line ?



could i run a more agressive fuel filter/ water seperator? say like 5 micron?



when you said run the -8 line to the bottom of the tank i assume i need to figure out a way that it will stay at the bottom of the tank or like an inch off ...

 

[Mopar_Tim]

what kind of ohms does a sending unit from a 92 send out? or do they even work that way ... ???? i have got a fuel gauge that i want to use thats rated at 73 empty 8-12 full ... .....

 

[bgilbert]

very interesting ... ... so i dont need that huge sending unit and pickup assembly?

Nope. Not if you want to use the gasser sending unit.

what size is the return line ?

Small. I think 3/8"OD. Much smaller ID.

could i run a more agressive fuel filter/ water seperator? say like 5 micron?

Sure could. Run whatever you want, just know that the smaller the micron rating, the more often you should change your filter.

when you said run the -8 line to the bottom of the tank i assume i need to figure out a way that it will stay at the bottom of the tank or like an inch off ...

You could do it that way or all the way on the bottom, but then you'd rely on your external filter either way you choose. I will use a -8 flared on both ends bulkhead fitting, section of -8 hose to the bottom or just off the bottom. A -8 pushlok fitting screwed onto the flared bulkhead inside the tank at top. Your fuel hose is connected to the pushlok fitting.



On the resistance of the sending unit, sorry you got me.

 

[Mopar_Tim]

hey thanks for the replys, what do you think about something like a bulk head fitting that goes to something like 3/8 npt and then using a piece of galvanized pipe to go to the bottom of the tank ?

 

[Mopar_Tim]

anyone got any input on the brake stuff

 

[Mopar_Tim]

ok return fuel line ... ... ... i want to use the braided stainless fuel lines and the smallest i can find is -6 which is 3/8 line ... ... ... ... is that too big of a line? return to me it should not matter. right?

 

[bgilbert]

Just overkill and expensive. Won't hurt nothing though.