79 f150 diesel

thunder03

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I'm new to this forum but not new to diesels. I've been tossing around the idea of putting a 6.0 in my 79. Just here to gather some knowledge and hopefully share some as well.
 

SebastIDIan

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Hope your pockets are deep.

If yoy really really want electronics, why not a 7.3 PSD?
 

IDIoit

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really no difference in the electronics of a 6.leaker vs the 7.3.
I prefer the 7.3 over the 6.0 but there is no reason it cant be done.
a lot of wiring. I hope you have the vacuum and electrical manuals.
I would advise doing this on a engine run stand before install.

my biggest complaint is the 1/2 ton frame and running gear. bearings, leafsprings etc are designed for the weight of the 1/2 ton.
make sure to address this
 

thunder03

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really no difference in the electronics of a 6.leaker vs the 7.3.
I prefer the 7.3 over the 6.0 but there is no reason it cant be done.
a lot of wiring. I hope you have the vacuum and electrical manuals.
I would advise doing this on a engine run stand before install.

my biggest complaint is the 1/2 ton frame and running gear. bearings, leafsprings etc are designed for the weight of the 1/2 ton.
make sure to address this
Engine starts and runs already on my homemade run stand. I've already got the harness almost done. It fits in the engine bay really well actually. The 1/2 ton frame is plenty stout to support the torque of engine. I do realize it's not a common swap and I have alot of time and not alot of money into getting it where it is.

My motivation in doing the swap is the nay-sayers that say "it can't be done" or "that's a crappy idea". I want something different that's built not bought and plan on keeping it all Ford.

All in all I'm sitting right at $2000 for everything. $500 for the 79 10 yrs ago and $1500 for the rolled 06 I robbed every thing from. It should be sweat when it's done. If it ever gets done. Lol
 

thunder03

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I have the factory 06 rear axle and a Dana 60 front that will be converted to radius arm and coil springs. And the front springs from the 06 are actually already in the 79 to support the boss snow plow.

I've put alot of time into planning and researching this swap but can't seem to pull the trigger yet. Mainly because the old 351m just won't die Lol.
 

SebastIDIan

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Now it makes a heck of a lot more sense lol

I'd address the 6.0 while its out.

Sell the 351 while it's still running, you'll get more money from it than if dead.

Frame will need a good beef up as said.
 

thunder03

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Now it makes a heck of a lot more sense lol

I'd address the 6.0 while its out.

Sell the 351 while it's still running, you'll get more money from it than if dead.

Frame will need a good beef up as said.
I do have a spare frame sitting out back I may wind up cleaning and boxing it in. Then when the time comes I may axle swap and fit the drive train. We'll see how it goes.
 

compressionignitionrules

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I like the idea , but only if it was a 2wd toy. 6.0 sounds so cool when it winds up. doesn't get much simpler than a 79 with its original driveline , especially on a budget. definitely some pros and cons there, but when you have time on your hands.................

wish I had your dilemna :cheers:
 

IDIoit

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it takes a week of planning and a weekend of making body mounts to do a frame swap.
hows the frame you got?
if its square and straight, may wanna look into this.
a lot easier than boxing a frame.

ive put a OBS on a SD frame, and the front mounts are real close.
 

thunder03

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The frame was trashed. That's actually what I built the run stand out of. Lol
 

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