6bt cummins NV4500 1996 LX450 swap (3 Viewers)

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Good luck on your build. I’m happy to help in any way.

I do want to make a suggestion…..

I recommend you first install the 3:55 gears and drive/test it. If you still want the 10% overdrive, do that second.

I first did the 10% install thinking it would get me in the right range. After doing it, I wasn’t happy and then went to the axles.
Do you know if the 3.55 gear will fit into a triple locked 80? I talked to a shop and they said the locked 80 has different diff than the open diff, and the 3.55 will not be able to fit in there, unless swapping in the whole open diff rear axle.
 
Do you know if the 3.55 gear will fit into a triple locked 80? I talked to a shop and they said the locked 80 has different diff than the open diff, and the 3.55 will not be able to fit in there, unless swapping in the whole open diff rear axle.
I would email PDI. I’m not sure.

 
@mjosoba since you and @PIP have mentioned the fluid type, I’m going to look closer into the amsoil. I was aware that the fluid type in the nv4500 was important. It seemed like using this product would simplify my maintenance because it could be used in the axles, center diff and nv4500. Here’s a photo of the back of the amsoil product. The label and info on their website specifically talks about nv4500 application. View attachment 3295730
@mjosoba since you and @PIP have mentioned the fluid type, I’m going to look closer into the amsoil. I was aware that the fluid type in the nv4500 was important. It seemed like using this product would simplify my maintenance because it could be used in the axles, center diff and nv4500. Here’s a photo of the back of the amsoil product. The label and info on their website specifically talks about nv4500 application. View attachment 3295730

@mjosoba since you and @PIP have mentioned the fluid type, I’m going to look closer into the amsoil. I was aware that the fluid type in the nv4500 was important. It seemed like using this product would simplify my maintenance because it could be used in the axles, center diff and nv4500. Here’s a photo of the back of the amsoil product. The label and info on their website specifically talks about nv4500 application. View attachment 3295730
My shifting issue is corrected. A short shifter came on my transmission. A friend told me to try a stock Dodge/GM shifter. I swapped in a stock shifter and now it shifts great.

I also went with Redline oil and the grinding has stopped.

Easy fix!!!!
 
I’m mocking up my front bumper and winch (warn 8274) with cardboard. I’m looking for some advise on the mounting height. I personally like the top of the winch closer to the top of the grill for the sake of clearance and the aesthetics.

Is there any drawbacks to locating the winch mount higher up in front of the grill?

Any suggestions or feedback is much appreciated.

Photo #1 - Mounted high with grill.
IMG_3697.jpeg


Photo #2 - Mounted along top of frame rail.

IMG_3696.jpeg


Photo #3 - Mounted along the bottom of the frame rail.
IMG_3695.jpeg
 
I’m mocking up my front bumper and winch (warn 8274) with cardboard. I’m looking for some advise on the mounting height. I personally like the top of the winch closer to the top of the grill for the sake of clearance and the aesthetics.

Is there any drawbacks to locating the winch mount higher up in front of the grill?

Any suggestions or feedback is much appreciated.

Photo #1 - Mounted high with grill.
View attachment 3913635

Photo #2 - Mounted along top of frame rail.

View attachment 3913636

Photo #3 - Mounted along the bottom of the frame rail.
View attachment 3913637
I just built my bumper for the line to go through the bumper, but it’s an FJ 40, so I stuck with the classic look.
I would prioritize airflow through your intercooler in this case, but airflow through the radiator could be a concern mounting it up high too. Is there a fan on intercooler? Electric with a good shroud on the radiator?
Not sure clearance is really in the equation, the bumper will be there, and the intercooler is already there.
The 8274 is already very tall, I like the lower look, but you do you.
 
I just built my bumper for the line to go through the bumper, but it’s an FJ 40, so I stuck with the classic look.
I would prioritize airflow through your intercooler in this case, but airflow through the radiator could be a concern mounting it up high too. Is there a fan on intercooler? Electric with a good shroud on the radiator?
Not sure clearance is really in the equation, the bumper will be there, and the intercooler is already there.
The 8274 is already very tall, I like the lower look, but you do you.
Thank you for your input. Right now, there is not a fan on the intercooler. On my radiator, I have the Dodge mechanical fan (no shroud). I plan to build a two piece aluminum shroud this summer. Right now, without the shroud, it still pulls a lot of air.
 
Thank you for your input. Right now, there is not a fan on the intercooler. On my radiator, I have the Dodge mechanical fan (no shroud). I plan to build a two piece aluminum shroud this summer. Right now, without the shroud, it still pulls a lot of air.
Forgive me for not digging back through the thread, but do you see EGT? Or even have a before intercooler/after comparison?

I would think highway might be fine, but crawling won’t yield much air through the IC.
But maybe with theee engines running the the way they do that won’t be an issue.
That is a nice size intercooler, mines pretty small but does have a fan, but is also inside the engine compartment.
 
Forgive me for not digging back through the thread, but do you see EGT? Or even have a before intercooler/after comparison?

I would think highway might be fine, but crawling won’t yield much air through the IC.
But maybe with theee engines running the the way they do that won’t be an issue.
That is a nice size intercooler, mines pretty small but does have a fan, but is also inside the engine compartment.
I don’t have any before/after comparisons on the EGT. I installed the EGT gauge after the intercooler.

It’s my understanding that the 1st gen Cummins came without an intercooler and the intercooler becomes more important while towing. Since I’ve put the Dodge mechanical fan back on (without a shroud), my coolant temperature hasn’t gone above 140 degrees. I’m going to build a shroud and extend parts of it to my intercooler so the fan is pulling from it as well.
 
I don’t have any before/after comparisons on the EGT. I installed the EGT gauge after the intercooler.

It’s my understanding that the 1st gen Cummins came without an intercooler and the intercooler becomes more important while towing. Since I’ve put the Dodge mechanical fan back on (without a shroud), my coolant temperature hasn’t gone above 140 degrees. I’m going to build a shroud and extend parts of it to my intercooler so the fan is pulling from it as well.
Your shroud idea sounds like a fantastic solution.
You are correct the first gens didn’t have intercoolers and they were amazing trucks. The ford 7.3 didn’t for long time, not sure if they even do yet…
 

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