guy on my local forum has a good deal on 3rd gen common rail motor and tranny and wants to know how hard it will be to swap it into his 2nd gen 1500.

anyone give me a little help on what kinda stuff is involved besides a full suspension makeover, and new axles front and rear. i also figured its gonna be hard with all the new electronics, crossmember, frame differences from an 01 to 05, radiator, intercooler, throttle and tranny linkage.

 

just found out how cheap he is getting the combo for...and wow for 19k miles on it its a STEAL

 

I would find a 2500 or 3500 diesel with a bad motor or high miles on it and sell that 1500. It would probably be easier then. 1500 may be a lot of work...with axles and everything else. also....I am not sure if the frame on a 1500 is as beefy as the 2500s or 3500s.

 

There has been evidance in the past on this forum of people accomplishing this conversion.

I still can't figure out the answer to this question: WHY?

It is plain silly to drop a 1200 lb (dry) diesel into a slot meant for a much-lighter gas engine. Axles, suspension, brakes, and even frame memebers are different. Also the electronic requirements for the third-gen engine may tax a 2nd gen truck.

It is simply not worth it.

Pick up a 3/4 or one-ton and do the swap, if your friend is convinced this is what he wants.

 

this is exactly what i told him. i think i talked him out of it and he is gonna look for a 3/4 ton truck

 

Depends on what you want to use it for. If it's just a play truck that won't have to haul or pull anything, beefy springs to hold up the motor will be enough.