6BT Cummins Swap with Diesel Adapter's Kit

[FeHorse]

Has anyone executed the 6BT swap with this kit, or know of anyone that has?

I have searched around and looks like several have done it custom, but have not found one using this kit:

http://dieseladapters.com/80_Series_Landcruiser.html

The price seems high until you consider the potential ease of install and supportability down the road. I am looking at doing something like this down the line and in research mode right now.

Thoughts??? Thanks in advance.

 

[Mr Cimarron]

I have some of the kit in mine. You will get the the real scoop from the half dozen others who have the kit.

 

[Dirty Koala]

I have the kit...or parts of it. Rest of the kit is expected to arrive on Wednesday.

Here are the folks that are doing or have done 6BT swaps. There are also others that have does 4BT swaps using many of the same DA components...those are not listed here.

@Mr Cimarron - Completed by Duiser using a partial DA kit (NV4500 + Split Case)
@turbophil - Completed by Duiser and then fixed by Phil (Full Auto Kit)
@cnorm5623 - Completed his swap (Full Auto Kit)
@gdctaco - Wrapping his swap up now (Full Auto Kit)
@Jvoight - Swap in progress
@mryanangel - Collecting Parts (NV4500 + Adapter to HF2AV case)
@JuliosLX450 - Collecting Parts (NV4500 + ?)
@bigfj62 - Collecting Parts (NV4500 + Split Case)
@maxamillion2345 - 6BT swap, all custom, did not use any of Diesel Adapters parts.

The kits takes a lot of the fabrication elements out of the swap, and in theory makes for a supportable product. That said, if you decide to go this route, expect to wait impatiently for your parts...it's a process.

 

[FeHorse]

Mr Y, thanks a lot for the reply!

My swap is a ways out so the time aspect doesn't bother me...

Can anyone speak to the quality of the kit and how easy it makes the swap? I am pretty sure I want to go the 6bt route and am now trying to find the best way to do it. I am curious as to if this kit would make it possible for a shade tree mechanic to do the swap, or should I pay a, reasonably priced, mechanic to do it.

I do have experience swapping gas motors, not a lot of experience with diesels though. Paying Druiser $20K is out of my price range. Anyone know of anyone on the east coast that does diesel cruiser swaps without breaking the bank?

Thanks

 

[Dirty Koala]

if your a mechanically proficient and have some basic welding skills then you should be able to complete the auto swap yourself. The manual swap will be a little more difficult to do on your own.

 

[waterweber]

Here's my diesel swap experience:

• Its really not that hard, just takes some time and twice what you think its going to cost.
• The DA parts really do make it easier but don't not expect any support from them. As you will see once you really start researching, they are slow to respond if you get any response at all. It will take forever to get your parts too. Based on the parts that I have used (AC adapter) the parts are excellent and well worth the money though.
  
• If you can do a gasser swap, you can do the diesel swap.
• Paying someone (anyone) to do this is a mistake in my opinion. You will most likely never be able to bring this to a local mechanic to work on. Most want no part of engine swaps. You should be self sufficient when it comes to fixing stuff and maintenance. The best way to get there is to do the swap yourself. Based on the amount of labor that I put into my swap, someone else charging $10k in labor seems reasonable to me.

I love my 4BT swapped LC!. If I did it again I would just go straight to the 4BT/NV4500/splitcase and avoid any automatic transmission. I would seriously consider a full dodge drive train though (6BT/NV4500/NP205) and modify the gas tank (i probably have the TC number wrong, its an NP something).

 

[Dirty Koala]

Here's my diesel swap experience:

• Its really not that hard, just takes some time and twice what you think its going to cost.
• The DA parts really do make it easier but don't not expect any support from them. As you will see once you really start researching, they are slow to respond if you get any response at all. It will take forever to get your parts too. Based on the parts that I have used (AC adapter) the parts are excellent and well worth the money though.
  
• If you can do a gasser swap, you can do the diesel swap.
• Paying someone (anyone) to do this is a mistake in my opinion. You will most likely never be able to bring this to a local mechanic to work on. Most want no part of engine swaps. You should be self sufficient when it comes to fixing stuff and maintenance. The best way to get there is to do the swap yourself. Based on the amount of labor that I put into my swap, someone else charging $10k in labor seems reasonable to me.

I love my 4BT swapped LC!. If I did it again I would just go straight to the 4BT/NV4500/splitcase and avoid any automatic transmission. I would seriously consider a full dodge drive train though (6BT/NV4500/NP205) and modify the gas tank (i probably have the TC number wrong, its an NP something).

You got the dodge xfer case number correct. That is what @maxamillion2345 is using...although he doesn't have the NV4500.

 

[FeHorse]

Here's my diesel swap experience:

• Its really not that hard, just takes some time and twice what you think its going to cost.
• The DA parts really do make it easier but don't not expect any support from them. As you will see once you really start researching, they are slow to respond if you get any response at all. It will take forever to get your parts too. Based on the parts that I have used (AC adapter) the parts are excellent and well worth the money though.
  
• If you can do a gasser swap, you can do the diesel swap.
• Paying someone (anyone) to do this is a mistake in my opinion. You will most likely never be able to bring this to a local mechanic to work on. Most want no part of engine swaps. You should be self sufficient when it comes to fixing stuff and maintenance. The best way to get there is to do the swap yourself. Based on the amount of labor that I put into my swap, someone else charging $10k in labor seems reasonable to me.

I love my 4BT swapped LC!. If I did it again I would just go straight to the 4BT/NV4500/splitcase and avoid any automatic transmission. I would seriously consider a full dodge drive train though (6BT/NV4500/NP205) and modify the gas tank (i probably have the TC number wrong, its an NP something).

Thanks! Great points. Still doing research, but will most-likely go this (DA kit doing myself) route. I lack the ability to fabricate parts, so the kit is huge.

One more question, how are the instructions for DA? Their website says they provide them, just curious about the quality.

Thanks again!

 

[Mr Cimarron]

Seems like the problems have mostly been making the transmission work properly. Unless you are set on an auto I would go with NV4500. It may be a little more work and money but you will then have an ALL mechanical drivetrain. You can get 80 series clutch pedal, brake pedal, and MC from Japan. If you use 4wd a lot the NV4500 is awesome! Only issue will be your highway RPM's with the 4.10 diff gears.
Read up on all our threads and you will get a good picture of what works and doesn't.

 

[Mr Cimarron]

I have the kit...or parts of it. Rest of the kit is expected to arrive on Wednesday.

Here are the folks that are doing or have done 6BT swaps. There are also others that have does 4BT swaps using many of the same DA components...those are not listed here.

@Mr Cimarron - Completed by Duiser using a partial DA kit (NV4500 + Split Case)
@turbophil - Completed by Duiser and then fixed by Phil (Full Auto Kit)
@cnorm5623 - Completed his swap (Full Auto Kit)
@gdctaco - Wrapping his swap up now (Full Auto Kit)
@Jvoight - Swap in progress
@mryanangel - Collecting Parts (NV4500 + Adapter to HF2AV case)
@JuliosLX450 - Collecting Parts (NV4500 + ?)
@bigfj62 - Collecting Parts (NV4500 + Split Case)
@maxamillion2345 - 6BT swap, all custom, did not use any of Diesel Adapters parts.

The kits takes a lot of the fabrication elements out of the swap, and in theory makes for a supportable product. That said, if you decide to go this route, expect to wait impatiently for your parts...it's a process.

Nice job with the list.

 

[Dirty Koala]

I did that from memory whilst in an escheatment meeting...cruisers on the brain as usual. Did I miss anyone?

 

[maxamillion2345]

Here's my diesel swap experience:

• Its really not that hard, just takes some time and twice what you think its going to cost.
• The DA parts really do make it easier but don't not expect any support from them. As you will see once you really start researching, they are slow to respond if you get any response at all. It will take forever to get your parts too. Based on the parts that I have used (AC adapter) the parts are excellent and well worth the money though.
  
• If you can do a gasser swap, you can do the diesel swap.
• Paying someone (anyone) to do this is a mistake in my opinion. You will most likely never be able to bring this to a local mechanic to work on. Most want no part of engine swaps. You should be self sufficient when it comes to fixing stuff and maintenance. The best way to get there is to do the swap yourself. Based on the amount of labor that I put into my swap, someone else charging $10k in labor seems reasonable to me.

I love my 4BT swapped LC!. If I did it again I would just go straight to the 4BT/NV4500/splitcase and avoid any automatic transmission. I would seriously consider a full dodge drive train though (6BT/NV4500/NP205) and modify the gas tank (i probably have the TC number wrong, its an NP something).

Np241dld typically on 2nd gens

Getrag 360/np205 1st gen

Both are excellent cases, a slight nod to the 205 though.

 

[cahilc]

Had 2 ... bought and sold ...

'83 FJ60, 6bt, nv4500, np205
'87 FJ60, 6bt, nv4500, lc t-case



Wouldn't claim 'full swap' credentials ... how about connosseuir ...

 

[cjmoon]

Cjmoon 4bt using DA adapter plate only with a343f auto

If you look at fj60's also it really opens it up.

Several 4bt 700r4 combos floating around also from the profit cruisers era.

 

[bigfj62]

Had 2 ... bought and sold ...

'83 FJ60, 6bt, nv4500, np205
'87 FJ60, 6bt, nv4500, lc t-case



Wouldn't claim 'full swap' credentials ... how about connosseuir ...

I have a 205 and a split case but I am torn between the two. Can you list some likes and dislikes between the two. Hwy manors, low range...., any input is appreciated.

 

[cnorm5623]

Thanks! Great points. Still doing research, but will most-likely go this (DA kit doing myself) route. I lack the ability to fabricate parts, so the kit is huge.

One more question, how are the instructions for DA? Their website says they provide them, just curious about the quality.

Thanks again!

Instructions were a bit lacking. I got instructions with with AC bracket and a basic overview of the rest of the swap. I had to figure out a lot of stuff as I went. I tried to document most of it in my build thread.

DA parts are great but customer service is HORRIBLE!!!!! So keep that in mind if going that route. I DO NOT recommend paying all up front. Pay partial up front and rest on receiving final parts to be sure you get everything. It has been a year and I just got the air cleaner box and am still waiting on a reverse light wiring harness to call it a complete kit.

 

[waterweber]

My only complain with the split case is that the Marks gears are pretty loud. I really like how the truck drives with them though. I got the one that bumps the overdrive up a bit and brings the low range down a bit.
Mr Cimarron, how is the noise level with your gears?

 

[Dirty Koala]

I went the HF2A route, as I didn't want to introduce the split case whine into my 80.

 

[Mr Cimarron]

My only complain with the split case is that the Marks gears are pretty loud. I really like how the truck drives with them though. I got the one that bumps the overdrive up a bit and brings the low range down a bit.
Mr Cimarron, how is the noise level with your gears?

I would say it's the same but the case needed a rebuild so I believe that was adding to my noise a bit.

 

[cahilc]

I have a 205 and a split case but I am torn between the two. Can you list some likes and dislikes between the two. Hwy manors, low range...., any input is appreciated.

If your doing a driveline swap, IMHO, simplier to keep it complete with stock driveline t-case. Mix and matching fun but simpiler configuration sometimes easier.

Advance adapters makes a toyota t-case adapter, but my experience simpler to use the dodge factory setup.

Favorite setup has been the 6bt, nv4500, 205(?), driveline stock setup.

Ran that with 3.70 diff gears, stock fj60/62 rim centers on 15" bells with 3 1/4 offset, 35" MTR's ...

Favorite final driving gearing of any vehicle I've ever driven.

The 6bt had vacuum pump inline with the power steering pump. 4bt need to figure out vacuum for brake booster, etc.

Bosch 7200 injection pump, ditch the electronic fuel cutoff and modify to manual. Run manual cable into interior, in dash carb choke hole works great.

Fun builds!