My Cummins Swap

[wrenchtech]

I'm new to Chevy trucks so I'm full of questions. I really want to swap a Cummins 6BT and a NV 5600 tranny into a '95 crew cab 4x4 (non-dually). I've read a couple of articles from folks who've done it and I've concluded that getting rid of the IFS is the key to fitting the Cummins. ORU offers a Dana 60 front end swap kit, and soon maybe a "link" suspension with coils or coil-over springs that solves the suspension problem while beefing up the drivetrain. I like coil suspensions the best, but I don't have $10k for an axle swap though. I'm going to investigate adapting a Dana 60 out of a Dodge 1-ton complete with the Dodge links and springs. I'm aiming at building a strong tow vehicle so I'm not interested in a big lift or big off road tires (ok, ok maybe I'd run 33's or LT295/75's). If anybody has any new info or comments on the cummins swap, the NV5600 trans or my axle swap ideas I'd appreciate the feedback. -- Matt

[wthif]

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...?s=&forumid=30

[wrenchtech]

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...?s=&forumid=30

Holy Cow! Fabricating geniuses. Thanks for the tip. Santa Cruz! Me live Los Gato before. Not now. -- Matt

[Kevin]

I put a cummins & NV5600 in my 93 crew cab. I kept the IFS & have had no problems. Fit was a little tight but it can be done. Personaly, if you going to switch to a solid front axle than why not get a dodoge?

[More Power]

I shot this photo here in Montana during our 2001 Pull-Off. It's a 1993 Chevy 3500, which had a Cummins conversion. I got a ride in it! Was pretty well done, but he couldn't use the engine driven fan (used an electric).



Jim

[wrenchtech]

I put a cummins & NV5600 in my 93 crew cab. I kept the IFS & have had no problems. Fit was a little tight but it can be done. Personaly, if you going to switch to a solid front axle than why not get a dodoge?

Hot Diggity! I'm glad to hear of your success. I had read that it is difficult to get the Cummins engine to sit low enough in the frame due to interference with the frame or the IFS differential. Some have suggested an IFS suspension lift or a body lift to give more room for the engine.

I would consider a Dodge, but they didn't make a crew cab in the years I'm interested in and I don't care for the one they finally made. Besides a hybrid with the best salvaged parts available, regardless of their source, has a lot of appeal to me.

An article from DieselPowermag.com is the best I've seen so far on the subject. If anyone can steer me to any other resources on the Chevy/Cummins swap I'd sure appreciate it. -- Matt

[wrenchtech]

I shot this photo here in Montana during our 2001 Pull-Off. It's a 1993 Chevy 3500, which had a Cummins conversion. I got a ride in it! Was pretty well done, but he couldn't use the engine driven fan (used an electric).
Jim

Jim, Thanks for the inspiring picture. Did you notice if that truck use the hood scoop/cowl to gain clearance for the engine? -- Matt

[JeepSJ]

Besides a hybrid with the best salvaged parts available, regardless of their source, has a lot of appeal to me.

x2...as evidenced by my project.

And my old Ford motorhome is looking to be a serious candidate for a Cummins swap. That just might get the engine and trans from a D*dge so that I dont have to deal with engine and trans mating issues.

[wrenchtech]

x2...as evidenced by my project.

That 6.5 powered Waggy is quite a project! Is it written up somewhere on the web so I can get a closer look?

I'm trying to be just like you! My present goal is to build up a nice tow rig to trailer my 4x4 projects. -- Matt

[More Power]

wrenchtech, Here's an engine bay shot of the same truck. I don't think he had a prob with hood clearance. The internal framework of these steel cowl-induction hood are just like those used on the factory hoods. I don't remember if this was a 2WD or 4.

Jim

[JeepSJ]

That 6.5 powered Waggy is quite a project! Is it written up somewhere on the web so I can get a closer look?

I'm trying to be just like you! My present goal is to build up a nice tow rig to trailer my 4x4 projects. -- Matt

Thank you!

Follow the link in my signature - I have a lot of pictures up there.

[wrenchtech]

wrenchtech, Here's an engine bay shot of the same truck. I don't think he had a prob with hood clearance. The internal framework of these steel cowl-induction hood are just like those used on the factory hoods. I don't remember if this was a 2WD or 4.

Jim

Any idea how the A/C compressor is mounted in this case? Is it a stock dodge mount, sourced from another application or something fabricated?

In the dieselpowermag.com article they were able to use a mechanical fan.

"McCully wanted to use a mechanical fan, but his second-generation Cummins pulley was too tall and would have pushed the fan blades into the radiator core. McCully swapped it for an '89-'93 (first generation) pulley (right) and gained almost 2 inches of clearance. This swap required McCully to remount the factory Cummins serpentine belt tensioner in order to reuse the stock length fan belt. Dual electric fans would have been easier but more expensive." -- Matt

[Kevin]

I used the stock dodoge fan in my conversion. My motor sits back a little bit more. I used a 1 1/4" body lift. The reason for the lift was so that I could use a bigger turbo & 4" exhaust right out if the turbo. It is possible to use the stock fan setup with IFS W/O anf type of lift. Chevy out www.tdr1.com and look at the conversion section in the forums. Lots of info.

[wrenchtech]

I used the stock dodoge fan in my conversion. My motor sits back a little bit more. I used a 1 1/4" body lift. The reason for the lift was so that I could use a bigger turbo & 4" exhaust right out if the turbo. It is possible to use the stock fan setup with IFS W/O anf type of lift. Chevy out www.tdr1.com and look at the conversion section in the forums. Lots of info.

Kevin,

Thanks for giving me the 411 from your first-hand experience. Others have also pointed me to the TDR forums. There are some real serious Cummins wrenchers over there. I am also looking forward to projects that will use the Dmax. I saw a nice Jeep Grand Wagoneer today that I though would look sweet with 35" tires, dana 60's and a Dmax/Allison powertrain.



This one is a little too tall for me. I'd go with less lift and do some fender trimming. The Dana 44's would have to go as well. A fabricated winch bumper, some armour, safari and maybe a snorkle. Yes that's it.-- Matt