80 Series Tow Wagon (2 Viewers)

[Alexh85]

I've had my 80 series for a few years now. I've put almost 120 thousand km's on it, its up to 612000kms at the moment.

Its done me well, Mechanically its faultless. But I want more horse power.

Ever since I bought it, I've wanted to put a big American diesel engine in it. Wanted to keep it a diesel because its more of a work horse than an off roader.

Its always been a toss up between either a Duramax or a Cummins.

Cheers

 

[Alexh85]

The front wheel bearings have given me some trouble, but I always carry a spare set and it doesn't hold me up very long anymore.

 

[Alexh85]

The living heart donor:

Don't let the number plate throw ya, Its a Cummins.

Cheers

 

[AussieHJCruza]

1HD-T?

 

[Alexh85]

1HD-FT

 

[Alexh85]

I bought the Dodge about 6 months ago as an engine donor, But had second thoughts.

But after I priced up importing a used 6BT Cummins and a used NV4500 I realised its cheaper to sacrifice the Dodge. But id like to replace the engine and trans with some thing and keep it on the road. It would be a bit of a shame to part out a Dodge, given how uncommon they are in New Zealand.

I'm still collecting and hoarding parts getting ready for the conversion, But I'm committed now and I hate it when projects drag on longer than they should.

Cheers

 

[BILT4ME]

That 6BT is huge in the front of the LC and you'll need to really beef the front springs and more lift so the pan will clear the front diff.

The next thing will be keeping the A343 from slipping with the huge torque of the 6BT. Torque converter lockup can't hold it.

 

[Idaho Savage]

I have nothing to add except that New Zealand rules.

 

[Dindu Nuffin]

It's messing with my mind to see a RHD Ram.

 

[Alexh85]

That 6BT is huge in the front of the LC and you'll need to really beef the front springs and more lift so the pan will clear the front diff.

The next thing will be keeping the A343 from slipping with the huge torque of the 6BT. Torque converter lockup can't hold it.

Good to know,

My 80 series already has stiffer springs, and rides like an old leaf sprung cruiser so it will be interesting to see what I need to do to make the sump clear.

I've been thinking about what trans to use for a long time now, I know a fulla who put a Duramax in his 80 series and kept the Toyota auto, but has to drive like a pensioner because the trans isn't up to it. As much as id like to keep it an auto, I think I'm better off using the NV4500 from the dodge because I already own it, I've looked in to dodge autos, Allison's and turbo 400s and later model chev transmissions. But there's nothing wrong with manual NV4500, and it will sound more like a Kenworth going down the road.

I'm still deciding what transfer case to use. From what little research I've done I get the impression the Toyota transfer case might hold up to the torque of the Cummins?

Cheers

 

[HDJ80L]

Looks like you already got a plan with your donor car. The 1HD-FT is a great engine but I wouldn't mind a few extra hp either. Have you ever considered rebuilding/modifying the existing engine? KRAE4x4 is in right there in NZ and they have all the upgrades you'd need.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Looks like you already got a plan with your donor car. The 1HD-FT is a great engine but I wouldn't mind a few extra hp either. Have you ever considered rebuilding/modifying the existing engine? KRAE4x4 is in right there in NZ and they have all the upgrades you'd need.

No replacement for displacement

 

[Alexh85]

Bloody oath the 1HD-FT is an amazing engine, my one has done 612600km and hasn't missed a beat and will have no worries doing another 600 thousand k's. It will go to a good home when I'm done with it.

Rather than asking more from it than I should, I'm gunna swap it for a truck engine.

Cheers

 

[BILT4ME]

Good to know,

My 80 series already has stiffer springs, and rides like an old leaf sprung cruiser so it will be interesting to see what I need to do to make the sump clear.

I've been thinking about what trans to use for a long time now, I know a fulla who put a Duramax in his 80 series and kept the Toyota auto, but has to drive like a pensioner because the trans isn't up to it. As much as id like to keep it an auto, I think I'm better off using the NV4500 from the dodge because I already own it, I've looked in to dodge autos, Allison's and turbo 400s and later model chev transmissions. But there's nothing wrong with manual NV4500, and it will sound more like a Kenworth going down the road.

I'm still deciding what transfer case to use. From what little research I've done I get the impression the Toyota transfer case might hold up to the torque of the Cummins?

Cheers

I believe the transfer case can hold up well.

The only guy I know personally that has set up one or two is @cjmoon and you may be able to find some of his info here.