87 GMC Cummins Repower

[Kubb2601]

So as a few posts have started, I have been checking out build threads on this and other forums, researching as I tell the wife...... l learned whole bunch of good info to get me motivated to do my own build and thread.

A couple years ago I picked up an 87 shortbox 4x4 GMC as a project to fix up with my boy. I have rebuilt a half dozen of these trucks in my high school years and really enjoy working on them.

I will get some pictures posted after I hit the minimum. My original plan with this truck was to do the typical axle swap, big block, and auto trans, until I found a few guys throwing the Cummins into these trucks. I used to work on diesels, so I know a thing or two about them.

[Kubb2601]

After bringing the truck back to my shop I pulled off the front clip and pulled the 305 out. It had water get into it so it is not worth much to me. It sat in my shop for the better part of a year while I was preoccupied with a house project. The project is mostly complete now so I get to work on the ruck a little bit.

I found a 24v out of a bus, 2001, so I picked that up. I determined after several long hours of research that I did not want the expense of a Ppump conversion nor did I want the engine to be computer conotrolled. So back on CL the engine went and it sold pretty easy. Made a few dollars on what I had into it so that was helpful.

[Kubb2601]

After many hours of searching the forums I determined my best bet would be to get a whole truck, preferably a 90-93 dodge because it would have a passenger side drop Tcase and I could use the whole drive train and not spend thousands of dollars on little parts here and there.

I began looking for a suitable truck. Turns out they are not cheap, most complete trucks are going for 3.500 to 4,000 around here. I found one on CL for 1,200 with a rusty body, but only 120k on it. That lasted about a day and was gone before I called on it, oh well...

I was wanting to go with a 5spd manual because of the durability and ease of working on it. Seems like the manual trucks go even faster than the auto's.

Again, many hours of searching the classifieds and CL, and I found a 93 engine, trans, transfer case, out of a 1 ton Dodge. It came with the engine wiring, intercooler, engine mounts, starter, etc. The only thing I didnt like was the fact that the trans was the automatic.

Contacted the guy and the trans had been rebuilt and had only 10k on it. I drove up to take a look at it ended up making a deal on it. It was not an entire truck, but I could not pass up the deal I got. I brought it home and began the process of preparing the GMC for its new power plant.

I removed the old trans and Tcase, engine mounts and cross member, pressure washed the frame, and set the Cummins in. It fit pretty well and there is more room than I am used to because it is a straight 6.

[Kubb2601]

The first thing I did was get the engine where I wanted it in the engine bay. I really wanted to stay away from electric fans if possible so I mounted it back pretty close to the firewall. I used some blocks and a couple ratchet straps to hold the engine in place.

I was originally thinking about using the 2nd gen dodge engine mounts, but the engine came with a set of first gen mounts so I used them. I slotted the engine pads on the frame and dropped the mounts in.

I wanted some adjust-ability so I fabbed up a set of 6x6 inch 1/2 plate steel to bolt to the sides of the engine and then tacked the factory Dodge bracket to the plate. I then made up a 2x3 tube cross member that fit under the engine and bolted to the frame. I did not want this to be welded as I wanted it to be removable if I ever wanted to drop the oil pan in the truck.

[daddyjeep]

Sounds like a good start. Looking forward to pics.

[Kubb2601]

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

Sounds like a good start. Looking forward to pics.

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[Kubb2601]

Originally Posted by daddyjeep

Sounds like a good start. Looking forward to pics.

Hopefully it is helpful to someone.
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[Kubb2601]

Originally Posted by Kubb2601

Hopefully it is helpful to someone.
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Here are a couple pictures of my engine mounts, if they work...
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[Kubb2601]

Here are a few more pictures of the engine and the crossmember I made.
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[Kubb2601]

Anyone have any thoughts on how to make the attachments images not face upside down and sideways?
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[Kubb2601]

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/cu...1&page=1&pid=2

Since I cannot seem to get pictures to post I will am going to continue with the other forum as listed above.
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