Would this be a good possiblity? Maybe a 4L or 5L 5/6 cylinder mercedes engine in a truck? I know my moms old 79 300 SD turbo would run tell all the bolts fell out of it... and then kick around for another 50k. Would you be able to get the torque out of it and still have the head intact?

 

Yes the OM617 has been transplanted into many different vehicles, some unimogs have them as well. The 3L inline 5cylinder that is in your mom's 300SD puts out 125hp and ~200ft/lbs. (I think I have it on my site) Here is another forum I'm a common user at, they have quite a bit of info on the Mercedes motor and in the Unimog section you can probably get a good deal of advice on transplanting or such. http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php3