DT466 Project...1st step

As some of you know and some don't, I'm scheming a new project. I want to repower my '86 F250 with a DT466 (mod'ed of course). Well, the 1st step is done. I've purchased an 1993 DT466C. It is long but narrow. Dressed, it is pushing 1500lbs. Next is how to make it fit.

From the furthest point at the back of the head to the front edge of the fan clutch is 48 inches. From the top of the firwall to the back of the radiator is roughly 37-38 inches. Going to a serpentine belt system will knock off a good bit of length. I'll likely get rid of the fan and use electric pushers on the front of the radiator. The other option would be to remotely mount the radiator in the bed with electric fans, but, I really don't like that idea much as I really like having a full 8 foot bed to haul crap in...........that's way I have a truck in the first place.

Powerwise.....it is very, very promising. I've emailed a few DT466 specialists and it's very good news. Gene's Machine Shop had this to say: "With a good pump and turbo, 1000 hp is achievable with some stock part mods. "

Now, the drive train is not going to handle 700-1000HP with torque being in the 1400-2000 fl/lb range. That is a problem that I will have to sort out before I spent the money and time modifying the engine. After all, what good it all that power if it just eats the tranny, T-case, and axles for lunch.

Any opinions on wedging it under the hood and for drive train options?

Oh, by the way, this ain't going to be done with in the next year or so. I need time (lots), ideas, and cash (hopefully not too much).

Heath

As far as drivetrain... it all really depends on what bellhousing pattern you have. Since this is a medium/heavy(?) duty app. it might have a standard SAE pattern which means that you will have lotsa options. Basically find what trannies can fit and see which one suits your wishes for gearing etc. and what kinda torque it is rated for. You will almost guaranteed need to do a divorced t-case as I doubt you will be able to find a t-case that bolts to whatever tranny you end up using. I hope the truck is a CC or at least an ExCab so that you have the wheelbase for the gears under the cab. Rigging a divorced t-case might get tight w/ a regular cab- but doable.

As far as fitting stuff in the front, I ran into a similar problem with my build because I wanted to be able to access the last valve cover for servicing w/o cutting out a section of my firewall. I mounted the engine slightly forward from where most do. This gave me no room for fans up front w/ only about ~1.5" between the forward-most part of the engine and the rad. I am kinda insistent about using dual Taurus puller fans for cooling so I decided to move the core support forward. Last night, I just started working on some body mounts that move the core support up about 4-6 inches. It is a little of a hack-job just to get the thing on the road but it should work temporarily until I figure out a way to do it cleanly and have the time to do it right. Let me know if you are interested as I can post up pics.

jperecko said:

As far as drivetrain... it all really depends on what bellhousing pattern you have. Since this is a medium/heavy(?) duty app. it might have a standard SAE pattern which means that you will have lotsa options.

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Yup, it's a SAE 2 bellhousing, but that can easily be changed if needed. I've been thinking about top loading Rockwells for the axles as that will help keep the driveshaft angles more reasonable. A Spicer 6 +1 would be great, but I don't know if it can handle that much torque. A Fuller RTO6610 or 6613 would do well, but finding a good used one may be a bit difficult.

Heath

Heath, I decided a long time ago if I was going to do this, that I would want a remote mount radiator and a complete tilt front end. Face it, you don't need to haul anything in this truck. It's too tall for practicle hauling anyway. Plus you got that Ohio Express to do that.

Agnem said:

Heath, I decided a long time ago if I was going to do this, that I would want a remote mount radiator and a complete tilt front end. Face it, you don't need to haul anything in this truck. It's too tall for practicle hauling anyway. Plus you got that Ohio Express to do that.

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That's what I may have to do. That's how its been done before....see below:







HERE is a video of the above truck in action!

Heath

If you are going all-out fun truck... do the remote rad and do it right. 2 Steering Rockwells with a good suspension setup. It will kick ass.

Thats Nice !

It's not going to be a toy only. I'm planning on driving this sucker to work everyday, haul my dirt bike, camping gear, hunting duty, Rally trips, mulch for the my landscaping....... you know........truck stuff.

Heath

Keep us updated, this will be a valuable thread when I attempt to do mine!

for 4x4 your best bet is to use the rockwell 2.5 ton case as well. get the air shift one and mount a little air tank for it.

Mat J said:

for 4x4 your best bet is to use the rockwell 2.5 ton case as well. get the air shift one and mount a little air tank for it.

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Air won't be a problem. I've got a twin cylinder Bendix air compressor on the DT466 now.

Yeah, I was thinking about finding a dead Deuce and using the axles and t-case.

Heath

yeah i know some people running with huge mud trucks on 72" r2 tractor tires running a mated case then the 2.5ton case and they are running between 500-1200hp and its really rare to see a broke t case. the 2.5 tons break like nothing though, hell iv even see a few broke 5 tons. becareful which t case you get i think its the manual shift one will not let you have 4x4 in reverse unless you take it apart and weld the sprag and stuff.

id love to put a 466 in my mud truck with some big ol 5 tons and show those cummins guys a thing or two

Do you already have the Dt? Since you already have the Body lift I dont know what else would help you out.

better not take the mrs for a ride in that. she'll say its too fast and ............

Heath I too will be watching for updates on this build. I was given a 47-4900 IH with a DT466 that needs pump and injector work. May need to talk to your guy and find out more about uping the hp and torque on this old dog.