I have a 1946 Dodge 1 1/2 ton(year before dubbed the name powerwagon)and am wanting to put a cummins in it. I feel that the easy way to do it is to just buy a 4BT. Is there any major "downside" to the 3.9 over the 5.9.



P.S. Does anyone know where to locate a 4BT????

 

i think the 6's are easier to get and cheaper to accuire than 4's because there are so many pick ups around with them.

 

That is exactly right on, atleast in my case out here in UT. None of them are cheap, but the 5.9 and it's parts are way more available. I have only seen two 4bts in our local classifieds, one was an industrial application for 2g and the other I think was also ind. for 3g. My donor truck was 1700.00 and that was a 92 5.9 auto 2wd which would get you off to a low cost build since yours is a 2wd. There are bread trucks out there that would be good for you also, but in UT they are far and few between. Dovebid.com is a good place to look for the bread trucks, the only problem I have is that they are never close and you can't go for a test drive.

 

It is a 4x4. I dont know if that makes a difference

 

I've seen both in the military version of the power wagon and used to have pictures and the 6 has a hard time fitting without modifing the cab where as the 4 fits fine. There was one that had a 4bt and warn hubs on the front allowing 2wd and would get the in the high 20s on the highway.

 

if its a 4x4 then it would be easier to get a 4x4 dodge pu with the 6 and what ever type of trans you want manual or auto, then just put drive line to fit it, unless you really don't want to modify the firewall, and i would think that the 6 could get better mpgs in a heaver rig than the 4 could

 

you make a very good point. I am seriously considering this option, but i kind would like to keep the LONG frame and the 20" wheels

 

Sorry about the post from coorsman I am using my roommates computer and forgot to log out and back into my account

 

you don't have to change the frame or the wheels if they will handle the weight, you just have to amke a dog house for the engine like the big trucks have.

 

What exactly do you mean by a "dog House"

 

when you cut out the fire wall the new cover for the rear of the engine is called a dog house if its removable.