Anyone in Durango area have Cummins 6BT?

[Source3]

I am planning an engine swap and having a hard time deciding between a Cummins 6BT and LS3. Currently I have a '97 FZJ80 with 2.5" OME list; heavy upfront, medium rear with airbags. Running 285/75/16 (almost 33's). I do not want a larger lift. Plan on keeping 4.11 gears.

My current rig has the stock engine (1fz-fe) with 197K miles, no oil leaks, 2007 rebuild. I just need more power. If I go with the 6BT I will source a A442 (bus tranny) as I heard it is stronger than the A343. If going with the LS3, I am considering the 4L64E tranny.

My questions associated with the 6BT are:

1. How does the 6BT drive up Molas and Coal Bank? It would be nice to drive up the passes at posted speed limit with a some more power to spare.
2. How does the weight of the engine handle on trails like Pougheespsie and Immogene? I am concerned about the weight. Especially with my TJM bumper and winch.

This is my DD. Drive it mostly up toward Silverton/Ouray for camping and extended travel on dirt roads near Canyonlands. No rock crawling, moderate trails like Pougheepsie, Immogene, and Yankee Boy. I am fairly light footed on the gas pedal. Yesterday to the Highland Mary trailhead and back to Durango/Hermosa I averaged 15MPG with the 1fz-fe. I usually travel 3+ mph over the posted speed limits. So on interstates, I usually go about 78mph. With the 6BT, A442, and 4.11 gears, this may drop my MPG benefits of a diesel.

I have read numerous threads on diesels and the concern about blowing the Toyota tranny and breaking axles, blah blah blah. I like what the 6BT has to offer; mainly concerned about weight. I do not want to get into swapping 1-ton axles and other issues.

Towing a travel trailer (14-foot; 2,800 lbs dry) is planned for the distance future.

Please PM so we can discuss how the 6BT handles on trails and up the passes. I prefer to talk via phone. If you PM me we can swap phone numbers.

Thanks.

 

[TroutRunner]

There is a guy named Taylor in Durango with a 60 series BT swap. I don't know which BT. If you want I can get you his info. I remember him having overheating issues years ago.

Reading your post it wasn't clear why you want to swap? Is it for the future trailer pulling? Maybe you just like projects?

G

 

[Source3]

There is a guy named Taylor in Durango with a 60 series BT swap. I don't know which BT. If you want I can get you his info. I remember him having overheating issues years ago.

Reading your post it wasn't clear why you want to swap? Is it for the future trailer pulling? Maybe you just like projects?

G

1. I was driving behind Taylor a few months ago. I noticed he had a 60 series diesel. If you track his info down please PM me. Thanks.
2. The engine swap with be for both more power and towing a 2,800 lbs (dry weight) travel trailer in the far future.

I will not be doing the swap myself. My days of DIY are over due to no shop space and time.

 

[Corbet]

after talking with you this week and reading this again I think you should just get a 100 and be done with it. Should cure your power issues and with only the need for moderate trails I think you'll learn to love the IFS. I share the love for the 80 series platform but also the hate of the low power output, especially towing.

I'm just trying to figure out a 200 personally. And the rebirth of my 40. Its only money right?

 

[TroutRunner]

I agree with Corbet. Getting a 100 is easier and probably cheaper for what you want to do. Mild wheeling doesn't require much to make it work.