Posted by Caleb in Manhattan KS [70.184.232.53] on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 11:48:27 :
In Reply to: would hate to do it posted by clueless [201.202.24.222] on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 10:55:13 :
There are several companies that make the kits to convert to a solid axle on the IFS Chevy trucks 88-present.
I have owned several Chevy IFS trucks and to be honest, the ride quality even on the 3500 crew cab I had was excellent and the handling was much better than the '01 Dodge I have now. I must also say that the 4L80 transmission was far superior. I owned a 1/2 ton from 40k-150k and never had a transmission issue, the 2500 gasser I had from 25k to 120k and towed far too much with it and not a transmission issue even with the 37" tires. The 3500 was a 6.5TD and other than the power and fuel mileage, I loved that truck.
That said, the conversions generally call for a 91-93 Dana 60 from a Ford F350 so you don't have to change transfer cases to a right hand drop. I believe you need to change yokes and the front driveshaft. Nothing need be done with the 14 bolt rear end unless you wish to re-gear.
The Detroit Diesel 6.5 is a great motor for the period if you keep good maintenance. The electronic IP beginning in '95 needed the PMD relocated to extend the life and make changes easier. All of the IP's used on the 6.2/6.5 were a Standyne (Roosa Master) radial injection pump being either mechanical or electronic control.
Fuel pumps were another issue...just as with the VP44, throw a new pump on every couple of years, and a gauge to make sure the pressure is maintained in the 6-10 psi range. Too high fuel pressure is rumored to cause damage to the diaphragm in the IP. I don't know for sure, but I just used a Delco OEM pump and kept an eye on fuel pressure. You really can't bump the boost too much over 15psi without going to a set of low compression pistons (21:1ish factory) that brought the compression down to 10:1. Glow plugs are very important as the damn things would refuse to start without them below about 40°.
Heath Diesel Performance was the absolute best source of information and parts that I found. I had their ECM, marine injectors,high output glow plugs, and boost controller on my truck which greatly improved the performance (just not near like my Cummins).
If one were to swap the 6.5 into a FFPW, you would want one from a Hummer or a Van that has the center mount turbo or else it will be FAR too wide but performance would be great in my opinion. The accessories would be a squeeze in the front. I am going to use a 7.3 IDI in my carryall and the brackets for the alternator and compressor will damn near touch the hood on the sides.
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