Posted by Don in Missouri on Friday, November 19, 2004 at 4:21PM :
In Reply to: Cummins 4 cyl Turbo Diesel posted by Jonas on Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 8:05PM :
Sounds like you might end up with the ultimate trail truck. Using a truck can never be sacriledge, and sometimes you need to modify it to fit your use. It didn't take long for me to realize the 230 just doesn't have the umph one desires when climbing hills or trudging deep goo. With proper soundproofing, I think the 4bt is the way to go. I'm still going forward with the straight-eight in a WC, but I don't think the extra length would be apealing in a pickup truck.
Since I bought the Diesel crewcab and haven't sold the Wagoneer yet, Tracey thinks I should sell the Carryall (Talk about sacriledge!). I can't bring my self to do it, but I considered it for two reasons. The first reason was to prevent me from tearing it up on a trail. I decided selling it would only make it vulnerable to somene who might destroy it by other means such as putting a Chevy engine in it, taking it apart with good intentions but never puting it back togehter , or even someone restoring it to perfection to sit on display and never be driven again. With those fates in mind, I decide it is better off even if I dent it up a bit. Dents can be straightened, and I will continue to drive and presever all its authenticity. I'd say the same is true for your Swivel.
The other reason I thought about selling it is because I think pickups are better suited for trail use. I've been watching a lot of video footage lately. I think Butch Polzin's 1/2-ton is one of the neatest trucks around. Bruce's 4bt Frito truck has got the power, but those 44's are too big. They don't look vintage, and I think it would get boring driving over everything so easily. Where's the challenge? And where's the back fenders? Combine a 4bt and swivel frame and it sounds like you will have the best of everything.
I want to come in February if the invitation is open. I'm trying to figure out how to make it happen. It looks like a 4,000 mile round trip. Might be better off to fly in and rent a car? Do you still need that M37 brought back to Omaha? Are there any funds available for transporting that? That might make a roadtrip affordable for me. It would be fun to make the trip in the new crew cab. I could bring that winch back with me. Anybody need anything hauled your direction?
I just finished the NV4500 convesrion in my crewcab. If any of my left over parts are useful in your projects, I have a first generation bellhousing, adapter plate, starter, etc. I even think the Getrag is repairable.