Posted by Dave jensen on Monday, March 17, 2003 at 3:43AM :
In Reply to: Power Wagon diesel engine swap? posted by Chase McKnight on Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 6:31PM :
Chase, I've been thinking about the same thing, I want an old Dodge that drives like a new dsl. But I don't think using an old PW is a good idea because they are cool just as they are and you have to do a LOT of work (and spend the bucks) to modernize the brakes and upgrade the old-style drivetrain (such as air lockers and over-drive and suspension lift for the big tires, etc.) Some people end up throwing away everything except the PW body in order to make a "new" PW, and that's a waste of a neat truck. I think it would be better to take a '40/50s 2wd Dodge or IHC body (which looks pretty cool too) and put it on a (wrecked maybe) dsl 1-ton 4X4. You can get the '40s body's for cheap, sometimes free, and if you can figure out how to fit it on a modern truck, you could have a very cool rig with modern capabilities, and you wouldn't be cutting up an old Power Wagon. Another option is to modify an M-37, they are good-looking trucks but they have a 1-piece hood and quite a bit of space under the hood. You can get a diesel engine and adapter kit for them. This wouldn't be a bad idea for a student because you could get an M-37, drive it stock for a few years, and research and get ready for the "transplant" at your leisure. There is a good M-37 link at the top of this forum. I bought a '42 WC when I was your age, and it was slow, but I had a great time with it and it was my only truck for many years.
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