7.3 idi non turbo fitment

[86f250idi]

Ive got a 7.3L idi that im looking at putting into a 1956 willys overland pickup truck. i havent gotten the willys yet because im wondering if anyone knows if the 7.3 will fit in the engine bay of the willys?

Thanks in advance

 

[Koch13351]

I have a '55 Willys CJ5 with an SBC in it, and it barely has room for the radiator. The pickups engine bays aren't much different. A former neighbor of mine had one with an SBC in it and it didnt have much space left. He just had a little more radiator clearance. People have put big blocks in them, however major firewall modifications were necessary.. Also keep in consideration that they are considered a 1/4 ton chassis, so I wouldn't put an IDI in one just because of the weight. I have boxed mine in and am still wondering when it will crack or break (it's a rock crawler )
With that said: if you are willing to build a custom heavy duty chassis and do some serious body mods, it would be possible.

 

[86f250idi]

What if I were to re-locate the rad to the rear and cool it with e-fans? Is that advised for a diesel or not so much? This will be a mud truck if I build it.

Edit: I would most likely make a straight frame with dana 60 axles on it and just use the body from the willys.

 

[Koch13351]

Yes like I said, if you were to build a custom chassis that would support the weight of the engine along with the abuse you will put it through as a mud truck, you would be alright. Along with the body mods. I built a chassis for a friends '63 CJ5 since he is putting an EFI 460 in his. Used 2"x4" .120" wall tube for the front and rear arms of the frame, and used .188" wall for the middle where it drops down.
Also, seeing as it'll be a toy, making it pretty goes out the window and makes the project a bit easier.

Are you in Ontario Canada, or California?

 

[86f250idi]

Im in Northwestern Ontario in Canada. What do you figure a good price for the willys body is? The guy is asking $800 for the whole truck and the body is quite rough

 

[Koch13351]

As for cooling: a rear mount radiator with electric fans is an option, but do realize how large the radiators need to be to cool these engines, and the airflow required to keep from overheating. And being used as a mud truck, you'll have to make sure the radiator stays clear from being clogged up. The lines going to and from the radiator would marginally help increase system capacity, but will also provide some restriction of coolant flow.
Not saying this project can't be done whatsoever. Just pointing out some things that need to be thought through and done right. I'd love to see this project go underway!

 

[86f250idi]

Sounds good, I'll post up whether or not I get the truck

 

[Koch13351]

Im in Northwestern Ontario in Canada. What do you figure a good price for the willys body is? The guy is asking $800 for the whole truck and the body is quite rough

Dang. Asking because I'm only 40 min from Ontario California
That price seems a bit steep for just a body, being in "rough shape". However, I don't know how rare they may be up there. Does it have doors, glass, trim, dash, etc.? If so, then maybe it's worth it depending on the "roughness". I've seen complete trucks in pretty good shape but not running go for around $1500-2000 around here. We don't have rust issues here either, but you never know where they've been being that old, so some do. The only rust issue on my CJ5 is under the gas tank, other than normal surface rust. And I got it for $1500.

 

[86f250idi]

It is a whole truck, it is just quite rough. I'm having a hard time figuring out how to upload pictures via mobile. I'll post them when I figure it out.

 

[86f250idi]

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Hopefully this works

Edit: success!

 

[Koch13351]

It is a whole truck, it is just quite rough. I'm having a hard time figuring out how to upload pictures via mobile. I'll post them when I figure it out.

Im always on mobile. I couldn't post pictures on the mobile site either. Had to select "View Full Site" at the very bottom of the page, and now I can do anything you could on a computer. It changes the format so it's not as convenient viewing from a phone as the mobile site is. But it's not bad on my iPhone 6s Plus since its big

 

[Koch13351]

Ok, $800 is definitely a good price!!!

 

[homelessduck]

What if I were to re-locate the rad to the rear and cool it with e-fans? Is that advised for a diesel or not so much? This will be a mud truck if I build it.

Edit: I would most likely make a straight frame with dana 60 axles on it and just use the body from the willys.

An idi would definitely not be my first, second, or even 3rd choice for a mud truck. I would love to see this swap though !

 

[83ford]

An idi would definitely not be my first, second, or even 3rd choice for a mud truck. I would love to see this swap though !

I'm with him lol especially since I took my 6.9 muddin a lot lol bein maxed out and havin the rad clog it over heated easy. If I were you I would drop a 302 or 351 in it or a 350 with a cam an headers you know a few little things an you'll be well over what a Idi would be for the same money. Now I do like the idea of this project just an Idi wouldn't be a good choice cause it's also heavier but it is yours lol just givin an option but I'd love to see this happen it sounds like a bada project

 

[Shawn MacAnanny]

If it were me, i'd put a 4bt in that. an IDI is going to be extremely heavy