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Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2015 10:35 am
Converting a 1973 1310 from gas to diesel
I need some advice and answers to some questions that I believe y'all can help me with.
First of all what I have to work with:
1973 IHC 1310 Travelette (1 ton crewcab), 4x4, 5 speed Overdrive, Dual wheel, Power-lok front and rear axles, 392 ci (6.4 L)V-8, Dual Exhaust, A/C (factory). It’s a darn fine truck and she runs real good, however it is almost cost prohibitive to drive at 5mpg and no it don’t matter empty truck or loaded to the hilt in 4 low climbing a mountain.
Now what I’m thinking about:
Converting it to diesel. Thinking of using a 7.3L Power Stroke, as it’s basically an IH T-444E engine and I would like to keep it as much IH as possible.
First thing, what do you think of the idea?
The biggest problems I see are motor/transmission mounts, transmission to transfer case connection. There are of course the problems of connecting all the other things; throttle, radiator, heating/ac, fuel tanks (which need to be replaced anyway), shift linkage, etcetera.
What I don’t know is if the motor will fit, what if any, modifications need to be done to the engine compartment? Will I lose any steering or suspension travel?
What am I missing? What advice can you give me?
I live in southeast Idaho, does anyone know who would/could do this kind of work and about what it costs (if I provide the motor, transmission and new fuel tanks)?
Thanks all for the assistance.
James
winchester86@live.com