4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

So im doing a 1/2ton 4x4 suburban my 350 just dropped a lifter but engine was strugling before...so im going to do a cummins swap. Im trying to pull a 8.5x24 car trailer with 2 cars (small) im looking for any info on front crossmember kits or plans to swap in a 12v 6bt cummins...also general help with such a swap...

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

Welcome to the board!

There is a Diesel Conversions forum, I will move your thread over there.

LockDoc

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

Is it moved now?

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

It'll fit with a bit of shoe-horning. You can save room by not running an intercooler and using an electric fan. I'd box the front section of the frame and put some structural x-members in the rear for strength while towing with a touque-monster.

Have you found a doner truck yet?

Keep it updated and take pics!!

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

Welcome to the truck board! There are some good options for a cross member and mounts if you don't want to build your own, Auto World in Montana, and Rob Bonne fab would be at the top of my list for them. If you plan to haul an enclosed trailer with 2 cars in it, do not skimp on the build. Install an intercooler and a mechanical fan with a shroud when you build it. You can probably get by with a good set of electric fans, but what about when they fail? Because at some point they will and you will be in the desert hauling your trailer and now you have no way to get the parts to get home. If you have any questions feel free to ask. There is a lot of great info on here.

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

Fuuuuuuuh yeah i came to right f@€£in place...ok no i have not found a donor truck...im not going to skimp on anything...this is my baby...CAN A TH-350 TAKE THE TORQUE?? THIS IS THE QUESTION... also so now fast forward i got all this torque th-350 or not..can my axles transfer case...etc.etc.. take the strain..good idea to strengthen the rest of the ladder frame im a very good welder so this will be fun crossmember i want to just bolt up(buy)...too much unknowns..my truck is lifted very high it wont be easy, i want to do the lifting once if possible. Ok back to tranny so if i use a th-350 or th-400 what type of stall converter/torque converter do i need to run? Is it worth it to -not-(aka diesel) just get my 350 built out to a 383? Im still weighing cost to benefit ratios... oh and yes im an all mechanical kinda guy.so no electric fans as primary system cooling ..i dont have electronics in my cars...im going to have a dual alternator system with separate optimas and separate charging systems. So my truck will pretty much take a fu ing emp and keep running.. my budget will be around 7k how do i find these places google diesnt come up with much...

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

I'd strongly urge to stay away from a TH350 and TH400. The biggest reason is they do not have lock up or overdrive and you will want both with the correct gear ratio to get optimal fuel mileage. A 4L80E is a good GM choice but an Allison 1000 series is a better choice but can be a bit harder and costly to get set up. A dodge 47rh, 47re, or 48re are all options too. Cheaper to get hooked to the back of a cummins thanks to dodge, and there are a lot more options to control these now too. Ford 4R100's are sweet but you'll have $5k or more in getting one rebuilt and mated to the engine of your choice. Dual alternators aren't really needed unless you plan to add uber amounts of electronic systems to the rig. You could install a large delco alt and have plenty of charging power. Also, optimas have been really sucky lately so I'd research that as well. They are not what they used to be after they got bought out. Also, what axles are under your rig currently?

Here is auto world's site

http://www.cumminsdieselrepowers.com/

Rob Bonney Fab

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rob-Bo...93559750764429

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

Stock chevy axles...already have the optimas and alternators. I just want to be able to use as much of my truck as possible to keep down on cost and modifications...

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

Well since you have a half ton, you shouldn't even think of trying to use your axles. The D44 won't like the weight or torque same with the 12 bolt in the back. Doing a conversion and build like this costs so prepare for it.

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

What are my options for axles? Can i use my same springs if i change axles?what about the transfer case...many people have done this conversion using stock axles....idk...whats the average cost of the conversion?

Re: 4x4 72 burban-350 went out cummins time!!
 

Where are these many? Maybe with a 4bt but I wouldn't go through the hassle of building a truck to then have to rebuild it with heavier axles later. Do you have a lift on your chassis now? Your options of axles in the rear are 14bff, Dana 70, or Dana 80. You need to figure out what gear ratio you want to go with and that can limit your choices as well. As for the front, use a Dana 60. You can use the chevy ones as well as the pre 94 Dodge ones. The dodge ones do have a narrower wms, and the leaf spring perches are about 1" taller and 1/2" wider than a chevy D60. Average cost just depends on the parts really. If you can buy a 1st gen dodge and use most of it, that's a good option.