Crew Cab Oil Burner

Posted By: MoparMike23

Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/16/10 05:39 PM

I've decided to move forward on the Crew Cab and post its progress. The Crew Cab is an 85' and my new donor is a 92'. I'm planning to switch most everything over to update the 85'. The 92' is missing everything from the fan forward so I'll need to pick up a few things to complete it.

One question I have is, will I need to change out the one ton springs for the diesel springs or will they hold the weight? Also, is the suspension and brakes the same? I was hoping to salvage the braking system off the 92' and use it on the 85'

Ready, set, go......

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Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/16/10 05:42 PM

Here's the donor. 92' LE CTD auto 2wd
BTW, any pointers and support is much appreciated.

Mike

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Posted By: hp383

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/16/10 08:23 PM

You will need to swap in the diesel springs.

Fastback66 can give you some pointers maybe.

He just turned my old 2wd Crew into a 4x4 diesel.

Posted By: 1moparman

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/16/10 10:05 PM

can you keep us posted on what you encounter I may end up doing this with my 77 w200 crewcab bb, if I can find a decent priced donor truck/motor trans (already have dana 60s) what did you pay for yours if you don't mind me Asking? love the crew cab dually! man if I could get 20 mpg I could defiantly afford to drive it everyday!

Posted By: mopeman

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/17/10 04:49 AM

Good luck with the project, let us know how it's going. I went to call you on this truck and it wasn't in the for sale section any more, I think it was the day you pulled it.

Posted By: dynotune440

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/17/10 05:17 AM

Quote:

I've decided to move forward on the Crew Cab and post its progress. The Crew Cab is an 85' and my new donor is a 92'. I'm planning to switch most everything over to update the 85'. The 92' is missing everything from the fan forward so I'll need to pick up a few things to complete it.

One question I have is, will I need to change out the one ton springs for the diesel springs or will they hold the weight? Also, is the suspension and brakes the same? I was hoping to salvage the braking system off the 92' and use it on the 85'

Ready, set, go......

the front suspension should be swapped from the 92, there are some differences that are specific to the diesel, and the center link is one of them. The 85 spindels and rotors should should be the same as what a 92 d350 has...
use the wiring from the 92, including the dash harness...also the entire fuel system from the donor truck...
use the core support from your donor ramcharger too...
the intercooler might be a little tricky to find, as will be a correct fan shroud...look on ebag and the diesel fourms...stuff comes up...any more questions, feel free to call or pm

Posted By: NoFrills

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/17/10 01:11 PM

I could never get my crew to stop right after swaping the cummins in the back always lock up first you might want to swap the proportioning valve I never did

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Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/17/10 03:39 PM

Quote:

what did you pay for yours if you don't mind me Asking?

I might have paid to much for the donor at $2000. What sold me on it was the fact that it only has 150k on it. What's real nice is the donor is fully loaded so upgrading the 85' will be nice. The only thing I won't be upgrading is ABS (not like they work anyway) due to the rear axle not having provisions for the speed sensor.

Posted By: 1moparman

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/17/10 07:09 PM

I think thats a very decent price and low mileage as your going to find with those trucks unless its a barn find. good luck with build, and the value of your 4 door dually is going to do nothing but increase in my opion

Posted By: Jwilli500

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/17/10 10:17 PM

I will be following this with great interest. I have 84 1-ton crew single wheel that I'd like to do the same to!

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/18/10 08:45 PM

Todays progress....

A couple thoughts:

1) Can I pull the engine and trans together or are they to heavy?

2) My buddy has a 93' Ramcharger 4x4 with a 518 auto, could I use the transfer case and rear tail shaft that is behind it on my trans for a future 4x conversion?

Mike

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Posted By: 69HemiGTX

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/18/10 11:37 PM

If you haven't been there already, I highly suggest a visit to RCC. This forum has a lot of info about these swaps, especially in the stickies at the top. Good luck with yours. I have a 78 RC that will get a 4BTA someday.

BTW, it's good to see another notchback fan.

I've got an 89 GT hatch at the moment.

Posted By: Lugnutz

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/18/10 11:39 PM

Mike, I am not sure but I do believe the splines are different from a gasser A518 to one for a diesel.

While you have the engine out most folks who are knowledgeable with these 1st gen engines would tell you to fix the KDP (Killer Dowel Pin) especially now because you have easy access.

I would also check out DTR along with a couple other diesel sites, they have forums dedicated to conversions and they contain a lot of info.

Good luck with your project.

Posted By: 69HemiGTX

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/18/10 11:47 PM

Quote:

Mike, I am not sure but I do believe the splines are different from a gasser A518 to one for a diesel.

Thanks for reminding me. I was going to address this in my first post. The spline counts are as follows:

23 Spline
Gas small/big block V8s
Diesel automatics
V10 automatics

29 Spline
Diesel manuals
V10 manuals

I can't remember if the internals are different from gas to diesel, though.

Posted By: dynotune440

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/19/10 05:31 AM

Quote:

Todays progress....

A couple thoughts:

1) Can I pull the engine and trans together or are they to heavy?

2) My buddy has a 93' Ramcharger 4x4 with a 518 auto, could I use the transfer case and rear tail shaft that is behind it on my trans for a future 4x conversion?

Mike

I have the 205 t-case tat you would need...it is off of a diesel with a 727 though.....

Posted By: Rug_Trucker

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/19/10 01:49 PM

www.1stgen.org also.

Posted By: W.I.N. Racing

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/19/10 11:54 PM

Here's what it looks like if you swap the core suport and keep the correct year grill('85) If I remember correctly you can remove the Intercooler (spot welds) from the newer core supt and re-attach them to the original one.
Here's a quick mod list if you bring over teh later parts.
-Front springs
-complete wiring harness (if a stick you will have to moven the bulk head to the late(92) position on teh fire wall to allow for the clutch master cyl
-change to later wiper motor and re-position monting holes
-brake booster/master cyl swap
-re-drill frame rails to locate later trans cross member
swap fuel tank and plumbing
Here's what yo u may want to consider
just unplug the Anti-loc modual and leave it that way (dont have to swap over the rear controll valve)
-Auto Trans is different from Gas to Deisel ( beefier parts on the inside)

any q's PM me and I'll answer best I can

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Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/20/10 03:59 AM

Thanks Guys for all the info. I've decided to keep it 2wd because I need to get it on the road ASAP. The DMV was saying that the EPA is gonna stop allowing engine swaps soon so I'd better get it certified and smogged before its to late. I think I'd like to keep the 85' front end for now and if it will work, I'll add the intercooler brackets/mounts to my existing core support. I do need help in finding all the pieces from the fan bearing/support thingy, all the way to the intercooler and trans cooler, as the donor stuff is all bent. I will be switching the coil springs and center steering link. The ABS will not be installed to keep it simple. I'm gonna swap the guts from the donor dash but retain the original red cover. I'm hoping to get the 92' stripped and outta here by the weekend.

BTW, I posted a wanted add for all the missing pieces I need. Any Help?

Mike

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/20/10 05:55 AM

Quote:

BTW, it's good to see another notchback fan. I've got an 89 GT hatch at the moment.

I'm not a big Ford fan but I do have a soft spot for vintage Nevada Highway Patrol cars. This little car has been a complete pain but it should be worth the work in the end. Check out my site I created for NHP cars. www.nhpcars.com

Mike

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/22/10 11:40 PM

A little more progress. I sure am glad that's over with, Now to the fun stuff.

Mike

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Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/22/10 11:41 PM

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Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/22/10 11:42 PM

Final stop, Pick and Pull.

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Posted By: dynotune440

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/22/10 11:48 PM

I hope you pulled the front suspension out of it????
there were still some good parts on it....

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/23/10 12:56 AM

Quote:

I hope you pulled the front suspension out of it????
there were still some good parts on it....

I left the A arms and spindles with concern they could have been damaged from the collision. PNP did give me 2 bills for what was left.

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 11/08/10 04:46 PM

Finally was able to spend some time on the truck. I pulled the old stuff, including the trans cross member, cleaned up the Cummins, and stuffed it in. I put the Cummins in with the tranny attached. Yeah, I know, One pissed off engine hoist. Because the Cummins is tall, I had to undo the front cab mounts and lift the cab a few inches. Also remember to leave the motor mounts loose on the brackets so you can get them lined up on the frame. This really was very simple. It was like the truck was made for the Diesel. Now I need to finish hooking up everything.

BTW- I had posted a Wanted Ad regarding the parts I still need. I had a bunch of reply's from overseas (Italy)and fear they are a scam. Beware, if you post ad's on Moparts, some of the reply's might no be legit.

Mike

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Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 11/08/10 04:49 PM

I'm now the proud owner of a Cummins powered truck. Just not running yet.

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Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/25/10 04:36 AM

Merry Christmas to me. I picked up my drive shaft today and it came out of the garage under its own power. Sorry I haven't updated this but its hard enough to get the time to just work on it. So, everything has installed with ease. The tranny cross member had to be moved back a few inches. I had to extend everything underneath to compensate for the added length, but thats was a given. The hardest task was the core support. I converted a gas core support because I'm too cheap. I gotta say, overall, the job wasn't complicated, just a lot of labor. Now I'm waiting on the radiator and fan components.

Mike

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/25/10 04:37 AM

Almost there....

Posted By: dynotune440

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/25/10 06:25 AM

cool deal Mike....

Posted By: Lugnutz

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/25/10 02:40 PM

Nice job Mike...........exactly what I would have done but would have also converted to a 4x4. I think you'll be pleased with the rig once you get it all together.

Posted By: MachoMan

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/25/10 03:04 PM

love it!

man, i need a garage.

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/29/10 01:09 AM

The thought of selling it has crossed my mind again (I'm pretty indecisive). I have other projects that need attention (77' D-150) and the wife really doesn't like the truck. So what do you think its worth. I've been toying with posting it for sale again but there are few comparable trucks for sale. I haven't officially said it's for sale because I don't know if its worth getting rid of yet. I've ordered the radiator and hoses but it still needs a fan assembly and shroud, a/c condenser, and decent tires. It still needs a few things finished. What do you think its worth? This is a link to a couple photos of the truck last week and a bunch from before I began the conversion. I'll have a few more with the CTD installed soon.

http://s864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/Pete/?albumview=slideshow

Let me know what you think. Is it worth keeping or getting my money out of it? Should I finish it first, or sell it as is?

Mike

Posted By: MMiller

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/29/10 02:27 AM

FWIW I bought an 85 crew cab with cummins conversion, decent paint, auto for $5500. I saw one on 1stgen.org for the same amount.

I am going to convert mine to a manual(hopefully a 6 speed) so it tows better. I would encourage you not to sell it, unless you don't tow very often. I needed a truck to pull my gooseneck with and haul my family. A standard cab won't cut it with a wife and three kids.

Michael

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/29/10 04:27 PM

Quote:

I would encourage you not to sell it, unless you don't tow very often. I needed a truck to pull my gooseneck with and haul my family. A standard cab won't cut it with a wife and three kids.

Michael

Thats a bit of my problem. I have three kids. I really only tow something heavy a few times a year (the Super Bee to shows) and thats nothing the D-150 can't handle. My towing worries would disappear if I would man up and drive that car more instead of pulling it everywhere.

Posted By: Lugnutz

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/29/10 10:08 PM

Mike, there is an exact truck like what you have finished in Colorado, same color, running and driving and the guy couldn't get 5k.

At one time these trucks(Crew Cab Conversions) were fetching some good coin. Don't know if the market is still there.

Good luck

Posted By: W.I.N. Racing

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/30/10 12:11 AM

Quote:

At one time these trucks(Crew Cab Conversions) were fetching some good coin. Don't know if the market is still there.

Good luck

since 03 when the crew cab was re-introduced, the first gen Crew prices have been droping.

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/30/10 04:21 PM

since 03 when the crew cab was re-introduced, the first gen Crew prices have been droping.

That makes a lot of sense although the 03-09 quad never seemed very big.

I'd have a hard time replacing the truck without jumping into a payment again. Looks like I'll keep it around and finish it. I'll probably fall in love with it once I get it registered and drive it around.

Posted By: 9 Sec Phill

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/30/10 08:40 PM

Mike, I went to a local pick and pull and found a 92 CTD. motor and trans were MIA but in the back was some parts you could use. Heres a pic. Let me know if I can help...Phill

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Posted By: W.I.N. Racing

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/30/10 10:46 PM

leg room is about the same 1st Gen to 3rd Gen crews.

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/30/10 10:49 PM

Sure could use that shroud if its from that truck. Let me know how much. Might even want the cooler. Thanks

Posted By: MMiller

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/31/10 02:14 AM

Quote:

leg room is about the same 1st Gen to 3rd Gen crews.

Do you mean the "quad" cabs that were four doors(03 and up), or the newer true "crew" cab. I will dispute that my 85 crew cab has more leg room then an 03 quad cab 4 door has. I've not set in a "crew" cab or a mega cab, but I have set in a "quad" cab and was not very happy in the back. I'm 6'1" tall and its mostly leg, so legroom is very important to me.

Michael

Posted By: 9 Sec Phill

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/31/10 03:02 AM

will find out for you in the morning, is there any other parts you need? The rad was there but it was half rotten. Let me know ASAP. PM me your cell number and when im there I will call you....Phill

Posted By: RV2

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 01/03/11 02:38 AM

I had an 84 crew cab dually and a 05 crew cab, the back seat in the 84 was unbearable to sit on for extended periods, the 05 is 100 times more comfortable.

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 06/16/11 06:00 AM

I've had the crew cab up and running for a month or two. It's now registered and certified as a diesel. I've put about a 800 miles on it already. It manages to get 16 pulling my flat bed with a little Mustang on it. I think I'm getting 18 empty. The 4.10 rear doesn't help the mileage. I really love this truck and I'm glad I finished it. I picked up another project with it today. Here's a pic.

Mike

Posted By: 340SHORTY

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 06/16/11 07:48 AM

lookin good Mike

Posted By: 72roadrunner

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 06/17/11 06:42 AM

Nice truck, I built mine 5 years ago and love it. Mine started life as a d350 long box 360 auto with 4.10 gears. It got 11 mpg and could hardly get out of its own way. Now its a 4x4 with 3.55 gears, 91 12valve and Nv4500. The truck gets a best of 21 mpg and pulls like a freight train. I'll never go back to a gaser in a truck unless it's a toy!

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 06/17/11 03:26 PM

Quote:

The truck gets a best of 21 mpg and pulls like a freight train. I'll never go back to a gaser in a truck unless it's a toy!

Mine's pretty sluggish but I had an 06' CTD so I'm spoiled. I'm gonna need to do some improvements in the future. At least I'm not pulling with the Ramcharger anymore.

Posted By: FASTBACK66

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 06/18/11 11:54 PM

Mine started as a 1978 D-200 crew cab long box. Original d-code 440. I converted it to four wheel drive and a 12v Cummins / 518 overdrive. 3.54 gears and pump tweaked way up. Gets about 15mpg empty. A good working converter or a 5 speed would really help. Maybe in the near future.

Vinny
Pics
http://s726.photobucket.com/albums/ww269/vinnyb/1978%20Crew%20cab%20CTD/

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 07/22/11 03:32 PM

Here's a couple pics of "Pete", the crew cab oil burner, up in the Northern Nevada Hills. I had to stop to check out the wild Mustangs. Pete didn't mind the photo Opp.

Posted By: JC_Corbett

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 07/23/11 05:53 AM

Hey Mike, I passed you driving Pete this morning out in Pleasant Valley. It looks great. I was driving my tan/green 93 Cummins. For those of you who haven't seen this crew in person, there's not a nicer one on the planet.

Posted By: Lugnutz

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 07/23/11 03:09 PM

Hey Mike............sorry I didn't buy when you were selling but I bet you're glad you didn't sell!!!

Enjoy the ride and hope it stays in your stable for awhile.

I think they're bullet proof, especially in your neck of the woods where you don't have to worry about rust.

Posted By: 500ciDuster

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 07/23/11 04:53 PM

wish I had the box off that doner

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 07/24/11 05:37 AM

Quote:

Hey Mike, I passed you driving Pete this morning out in Pleasant Valley. It looks great. I was driving my tan/green 93 Cummins. For those of you who haven't seen this crew in person, there's not a nicer one on the planet.

Funny, I remember seeing you drive by. I've been driving the truck every chance I get. Its nice having A/C, the Ramcharger doesn't. Plus I get way better mileage with the diesel. Thanks for the kind words about Pete, he's blushing.

Posted By: JC_Corbett

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 07/27/11 01:39 AM

I'm looking forward to a ride in it, then. I also need to bring over my NHP brother in law to see the vintage NHP cars, if that's okay with you.

Posted By: dynotune440

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/30/11 07:02 AM

anymore updates

Posted By: 76dodgeboy

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/30/11 07:32 AM

Do you happen to still have the 1 ton coils that were original to the truck?

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/31/11 03:33 PM

Quote:

anymore updates

Pete has been doing great. He has seen over 5000 miles of use and has really become part of the family. On a trip to Southern California and Arizona, Pete logged more than 1500 miles, in 4 days. Recently, I ran to Vegas with him and purchased a 30ft Toy Hauler trailer. I was on the road for 18 hours, there and back. It weighs 7200lbs empty and Pete was not happy about that one. I am trying to plan out some upgrades to the tranny, with a torque converter at the top of the list.

I would like to know how much others here tow with there 1st Gen trucks. This trailer has a GVWR of 14,000 and I was interested to know if Pete could handle that much (I might be able to squeeze the Ramcharger in the trailer). I'm confident the chassis will do it but I'm not sure about the motor/tranny.

Anyway, here's Pete this last weekend taking the kids out for our first camping trip in the ToyHauler.

Mike

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 10/31/11 03:35 PM

Quote:

Do you happen to still have the 1 ton coils that were original to the truck?

All the extra parts are gone, sorry.

Mike

Posted By: MoparMike23

More Of Pete - 10/31/11 03:50 PM

Here are a few photos from some of our trips...

US395 near Mammoth

Rice Road in SoCal, about 50 miles west of Vidal Junction

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: More Of Pete - 10/31/11 03:51 PM

Tonopah Nevada, The Clown Motel

Hawthore Nevada (Walker Lake)

Posted By: JC_Corbett

Re: More Of Pete - 11/01/11 01:16 AM

Mike, Pete looks great! A few injector pump mods will get you where you want to get power wise. Ask Dynotune, and he'll get you all the info you want. I kinda wish I could've bought the pickup when I looked at it.

Posted By: MMiller

Re: More Of Pete - 11/01/11 03:51 AM

If you want to keep the auto, and pull the toy hauler, I would encourage you to get a 47RH to replace the 518. I would also get it built/modified by Georend Bros for towing. The lockup convertor will be much better for towing heavy.

I tow my 7000# flatbed gooseneck with my 93, and have many times put to 6500# trucks on it, and it hauls it just fine. A few pump tweaks, maybe a little larger injectors, and a good trans and you will be in good shape. 1stgen.org is a good place to get recommendations for your diesel upgrades.

Michael

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: More Of Pete - 03/20/12 03:51 PM

Pete went out this weekend for a little 4 wheeler riding. I grabbed a couple of good photos and thought I'd share...

Mike

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 06/05/12 05:56 PM

Now that I've had some more road time with Pete and the family is liking him more and more, I decided to show him a little love and reward him with a full buff and wax.

Here's Pete all dressed up...

Posted By: 340SHORTY

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 06/06/12 01:29 AM

Looking good Mike..

Posted By: MoparMike23

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/02/13 04:23 AM

Pete likes doughnuts. Regeared it to 3:55 and added a trac-lock. Works good.

Click here for a video of Pete

Posted By: dynotune440

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/02/13 04:30 AM

nice!

Posted By: 69HemiGTX

Re: Crew Cab Oil Burner - 12/02/13 04:57 AM

You know, it's not every day you see someone swinging a truck the length of the Queen Mary around like that.