I know/think that 89 was the first year for a CTD. I have a 89 with the 360 that gets at best 8 miles per gallon. This leads me to think about swapping a CTD into it. What suspension differences do I need to think about, and can I keep the original 4 speed? Truck only has 28k miles on it, but sure am thinking about stuffing a good 12V into it.

Thanks,
Ed

 

I think Dodge used springs rated for a gasser on the diesels anyway. You should be as good as a stock CTD, but might want to get moogs anyway. Get the 5spd. I'm pretty sure your 4 won't bolt up anyway. What gears? If at least 4:10's it'll be driveable at least with a 5 spd. 4:56 will be a bit slow. Doubt you got anything in the 3's with a HD gasser, or do you? You can probably use a non-innercooled with your stock cooling system. I would lean towards a 92/3 radiator which will take some core-support tweaking. If you go inner-cooled, you'll need to do some major core support work, unless you are lucky and find a 92/3.

 

Ok, that gives me something to think about. Really don't know off the top of my head about the gearing, but expect it is the lowest possible. I can currently start in 3rd without slipping the clutch. Shift to 4th is right at 26-28 mph for normal driving.


Hate to change it from stock, cuz it still looks new, but sure am going to look hard at the idea. Could really use it often then as it has a 9 foot fontaine dump flat on it.

Thanks,

Ed

 

Wish my 9ft was a dump. The cab is a dump. The core support issues for going non-innercooled, shouldn't affect any extrior cosmetics. I think I would go fot it if you could get a reasonable engine. With that mileage, you aughta get a return on the gas engine and tranny to help fund the project. I'm sure you already though of that.

 

You'll need the stiffer front springs, that's all. If you don't have to run long distances at highway speed whatever axle you've got will be fine as long as you put in a 5 speed. Like Redleg said, non intercooled will be simpler, but you don't necessarily need to find a non-intercooled donor. You can just run a pipe over the top of the motor like Dodge did. It will run fine, you'll just need to keep an eye on the pyro gauge when you're working it hard.

 

I've got a chance on a non- IC donor. Just got to do a little trading to get the deal finished. We will see.....

Thanks for the inputs.

Ed