Cummins and Isuzu 80 series kits

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

69rambler - You are making this so tempting. Great pics, so pretty much you are making all the accessories needed to making this a complete bolt-on conversion. While utilizing factory radiator and using your motor mounts, as well as your adapter to our tranny.

I am sure if you take out the guess work form doing this conversion and develop a kit for the conversion, you will have a lot of work on your hands. Only thing missing is the electrical.

Subscribed.


The guesswork is a problem in any type of diesel conversion. I've learned a lot first hand through quite a bit of diesel conversion experience and the parts we make reflect this. The ultimate goal for the 60 and 80 series is very complete kits with thorough instructions that give proven, worthwhile results.

I'm beginning to feel like a 5.9 Cummins could be installed in an 80 in a home garage in 2-3 weekends with a kit containing a few key parts and good instructions documenting the process.

Thanks!
 
The guesswork is a problem in any type of diesel conversion. I've learned a lot first hand through quite a bit of diesel conversion experience and the parts we make reflect this. The ultimate goal for the 60 and 80 series is very complete kits with thorough instructions that give proven, worthwhile results.

I'm beginning to feel like a 5.9 Cummins could be installed in an 80 in a home garage in 2-3 weekends with a kit containing a few key parts and good instructions documenting the process.

Thanks!

I like your thinking and hopefully you will have something like this soon. That is exactly what we need. Diesel conversions are so expensive for our 80's starting at $20k. If we could do a diesel conversion for a quarter of the price in our garage I know there will be tons of people pulling the trigger on this.

Keep up the good work and keep us informed.
 
The guesswork is a problem in any type of diesel conversion. I've learned a lot first hand through quite a bit of diesel conversion experience and the parts we make reflect this. The ultimate goal for the 60 and 80 series is very complete kits with thorough instructions that give proven, worthwhile results.

I'm beginning to feel like a 5.9 Cummins could be installed in an 80 in a home garage in 2-3 weekends with a kit containing a few key parts and good instructions documenting the process.

Thanks!


I'm going to be tearing down my engine and taking parts to the machine shop for boring/cleaning/head work, but once it's ready and I have all parts to do the swap, I fully plan on having it in the truck and running over a weekend.
I'll do a write-up with install pics as well.

What's the lead time look like on your conversion kit?
 
What's the lead time look like on your conversion kit?

To put a 5.9 Cummins in your 80, currently we can supply the transmission adapter, engine mounts and will be able to offer a lower radiator connection adapter within the next few weeks.

A complete package would have a lot more small pieces- Brackets, hoses, fittings, etc and will take time to design the parts and manufacture them.
 
69rambler said:
To put a 5.9 Cummins in your 80, currently we can supply the transmission adapter, engine mounts and will be able to offer a lower radiator connection adapter within the next few weeks.

A complete package would have a lot more small pieces- Brackets, hoses, fittings, etc and will take time to design the parts and manufacture them.

Same outlook for the Isuzu 4bd kit? Total cost would also be helpful. Do you plan to offer the standalone controllers for the trans or will that be supplied else where? Just curious how far you plan to go with the kits.

Thanks!

Ammo
 
Last edited:
Same outlook for the Isuzu 4bt kit? Total cost would also be helpful. Do you plan to offer the standalone controllers for the trans or will that be supplied else where? Just curious how far you plan to go with the kits.

Thanks!

Ammo

Yeah it would make the swap a bit easier if there was a frame side engine mount kit for the 4BD. Looking forward to getting this swap under way at some point, unfortunately the wife needs a new car first. Hopefully by the time I'm ready there will be a few 80's running around with them.
 
Same outlook for the Isuzu 4bt kit? Total cost would also be helpful. Do you plan to offer the standalone controllers for the trans or will that be supplied else where? Just curious how far you plan to go with the kits.

Thanks!

Ammo

The reality is demand will dictate all of the above.
 
i am pretty interested also .
 
Ok, let's talk about interfacing the 6bt to the 93-94 FZJ80 ECM. My reasoning behind this?

Well, the 93-94 models pull their "crank position signal" from a gear/sensor that is located inside of the distributor. The FSM refers to this as the "NE" pickup coil. I need someone to confirm (maybe someone has a distributor laying around), but it looks as though there are 24 teeth on that gear?
If that's correct, then it would be 24 counts per revolution.

It's my understanding that the ECM takes that signal, and converts it to a signal that it feeds to the Ignitor (which fires the coil) and the Tachometer.


I may be wrong, but I'm thinking that if we replicate that "NE" signal of 24 counts per rev on the 6BT, and feed it to the ECM (using the existing shielded wiring that already exists on the 80), that the ECM will go ahead and convert this to the Tach.

Well why not just figure out what the tach signal is, and just replicate that? Because the other part of this, is that the ECM outputs a "NE0" signal to the TCM (transmission controller). I'm thinking that this may be that 24 count signal...



I've not had too much time to think about all of this, so I could be completely wrong on everything. Anyone have any info? If we can nail this down, then I'm thinking that it would be possible for 69rambler to machine a boss in his adapter plate for a crank position sensor to replicate whatever count we need.

I've attached a PDF from the FSM that shows where I'm getting my data. Take a look at the 9 wires that run from the ECM to the TCM (Page 2).
The other document shows how the ECM gets it's "NE" signal from the distributor.
EngCON.webp
 

Attachments

Ok, let's talk about interfacing the 6bt to the 93-94 FZJ80 ECM. My reasoning behind this?

Well, the 93-94 models pull their "crank position signal" from a gear/sensor that is located inside of the distributor. The FSM refers to this as the "NE" pickup coil. I need someone to confirm (maybe someone has a distributor laying around), but it looks as though there are 24 teeth on that gear?
If that's correct, then it would be 24 counts per revolution.

It's my understanding that the ECM takes that signal, and converts it to a signal that it feeds to the Ignitor (which fires the coil) and the Tachometer.


I may be wrong, but I'm thinking that if we replicate that "NE" signal of 24 counts per rev on the 6BT, and feed it to the ECM (using the existing shielded wiring that already exists on the 80), that the ECM will go ahead and convert this to the Tach.

Well why not just figure out what the tach signal is, and just replicate that? Because the other part of this, is that the ECM outputs a "NE0" signal to the TCM (transmission controller). I'm thinking that this may be that 24 count signal...



I've not had too much time to think about all of this, so I could be completely wrong on everything. Anyone have any info? If we can nail this down, then I'm thinking that it would be possible for 69rambler to machine a boss in his adapter plate for a crank position sensor to replicate whatever count we need.

I've attached a PDF from the FSM that shows where I'm getting my data. Take a look at the 9 wires that run from the ECM to the TCM (Page 2).
The other document shows how the ECM gets it's "NE" signal from the distributor.

That's what the 12 notches are for on the perifery of the flywheel front face. The slot geometry is exactly proportional to the tone wheel inside the distributor. A universal style 3/4-16 inductive sensor threads into the hole in the plate to generate the signal.
 
That's what the 12 notches are for on the perifery of the flywheel front face. A universal style 3/4-16 inductive sensor threads into the hole in the plate and runs the tach.

Well then. That was easy. Haha


Should be able to convert that signal to whatever the TCM needs to make this thing shift.

Sent from my iPad using IH8MUD
 
The only interference with a Cummins engine in an unlifted 80 series using these adapters is the oil pan sump to the factory steering tie rod behind the axle.

I'm considering making some HD offset tie rods for those that would like to avoid the pan notch or suspension lift. The tie rod would offset forward appx 1.5" from where it sits normally.

If you've seen what I've seen you might think the Toyota engineers had the 5.9 Cummins in mind when they designed the 80 series. The fit is surprisingly good, there's even a bump in the hood insulation giving the perfect clearance for the intake plumbing with the grid heater installed.

what about when you flex it, do you have to put bump stops to keep axle from hitting the pan?
 
Amazing

This is awesome you are stepping up and making this happen Rambler. I have always wanted a diesel in the Cruiser and would really like the Duramax but don’t see it being realistic for some time. This really changes things. The 6BT motor is a little heavy but I’m sure you could shift the battery back somewhere and lighten and remove things up front to bring the weight down some. I’m one of those guys that loves the idea, knows some people that could help pull it off but just lack the knowledge of the motors and the whole scheme of things as most on here and elsewhere do. I will certainly watch this with interest and wish you luck on it. One thing that may help you and others is some links or more knowledge on the motors on your 1st post to help people figure out what’s out there and what works best for them. Man I hope I can run across someone in Colorado who jumps all over this. I would love to drive one. :steer:
By the way the Hostess trucks don’t have a 6BT by chance do they? I would imagine there would be a few coming up for sale now….
 
This is awesome you are stepping up and making this happen Rambler. I have always wanted a diesel in the Cruiser and would really like the Duramax but don’t see it being realistic for some time. This really changes things. The 6BT motor is a little heavy but I’m sure you could shift the battery back somewhere and lighten and remove things up front to bring the weight down some. I’m one of those guys that loves the idea, knows some people that could help pull it off but just lack the knowledge of the motors and the whole scheme of things as most on here and elsewhere do. I will certainly watch this with interest and wish you luck on it. One thing that may help you and others is some links or more knowledge on the motors on your 1st post to help people figure out what’s out there and what works best for them. Man I hope I can run across someone in Colorado who jumps all over this. I would love to drive one. :steer:
By the way the Hostess trucks don’t have a 6BT by chance do they? I would imagine there would be a few coming up for sale now….

Most of the Hostess Grumman vans have 4bts if they are diesel retrofits.
 
Posting on this thread as well. If there is a successful outcome to this situation, I'll be sure to post the outcome.

----------------------------------------------

Trust me, I really dislike having to resort to this step, but I’ve run out of options to obtain my 4BD to 4l80e adapter kit from Allmaras Diesel Machine.

My buildup was started on the 4BD forums at the following link: http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showth...C-transfercase

In leading up to the purchase of Dustin’s kit, we had several great conversations to discuss my goals related to this diesel swap into my 80 series.

I purchased the kit from Dustin on 10 Oct 2012 (last month) at a cost of $1355.50. At the time of purchase, he indicated that it would ship by the end of that week. Several weeks go by and I call to obtain an expected delivery date. He says that his machines are broken and that he will get me a tracking number shortly.

Another few weeks go by with several PM’s, e-mails and phone calls to him, all of which went unanswered. After another request for information via a PM on 8 Nov, I received my second contact from him since ordering the kit and he indicated that he and his daughter had been in an accident and “it really messed up our week.” Being a father myself, I decided to give him some space and let him take care of family.

I start again this week trying to get some response from Dustin. I also let him know that I have seen him posting to both the 4BD and IH8MUD forums responding to other potential customers’ questions, and am frustrated that he does not have time to give me a status update on my kit that is now 6 weeks late from when I first ordered it.

So, does anybody have additional information as to why Dustin is not being responsive to reasonable requests for information? I sent a stronger request for information last night and see that he’s posted to the Mud forum today so I know he’s out there.

He was very easy to get in touch with up until I sent him over $1300. I now have several thousand additional dollars invested in rebuilding my 4BD and I am at standstill on this conversion without the adapter kit I ordered from him. Currently his adapter kit is the only game in town and I recognize that I may very likely sour the relationship to the point that I will never receive any parts from him. However, as a vendor on these forums, it’s critical that business relationships and obligations are fulfilled in a timely and professional manner. I also sell parts on the Mud forum and supply one of its vendors so I understand the need for being responsive and open in business dealings.

Any information, advice or internet pressure to follow through on the delivery of these parts would be greatly appreciated.

Very Respectfully,

Adam Rutherford
 
Posting on this thread as well. If there is a successful outcome to this situation, I'll be sure to post the outcome.

----------------------------------------------

Trust me, I really dislike having to resort to this step, but I’ve run out of options to obtain my 4BD to 4l80e adapter kit from Allmaras Diesel Machine.

My buildup was started on the 4BD forums at the following link: http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showth...C-transfercase

In leading up to the purchase of Dustin’s kit, we had several great conversations to discuss my goals related to this diesel swap into my 80 series.

I purchased the kit from Dustin on 10 Oct 2012 (last month) at a cost of $1355.50. At the time of purchase, he indicated that it would ship by the end of that week. Several weeks go by and I call to obtain an expected delivery date. He says that his machines are broken and that he will get me a tracking number shortly.

Another few weeks go by with several PM’s, e-mails and phone calls to him, all of which went unanswered. After another request for information via a PM on 8 Nov, I received my second contact from him since ordering the kit and he indicated that he and his daughter had been in an accident and “it really messed up our week.” Being a father myself, I decided to give him some space and let him take care of family.

I start again this week trying to get some response from Dustin. I also let him know that I have seen him posting to both the 4BD and IH8MUD forums responding to other potential customers’ questions, and am frustrated that he does not have time to give me a status update on my kit that is now 6 weeks late from when I first ordered it.

So, does anybody have additional information as to why Dustin is not being responsive to reasonable requests for information? I sent a stronger request for information last night and see that he’s posted to the Mud forum today so I know he’s out there.

He was very easy to get in touch with up until I sent him over $1300. I now have several thousand additional dollars invested in rebuilding my 4BD and I am at standstill on this conversion without the adapter kit I ordered from him. Currently his adapter kit is the only game in town and I recognize that I may very likely sour the relationship to the point that I will never receive any parts from him. However, as a vendor on these forums, it’s critical that business relationships and obligations are fulfilled in a timely and professional manner. I also sell parts on the Mud forum and supply one of its vendors so I understand the need for being responsive and open in business dealings.

Any information, advice or internet pressure to follow through on the delivery of these parts would be greatly appreciated.

Very Respectfully,

Adam Rutherford

Thanks for the info, just put the breaks on my engine hunt after reading that. Intrested to see what this vendor comes back with, off to a bumpy start around here if that the way business is done.

Adam I hope for your sake this gets sorted out fast and in a friendly manner.
 
Thanks for the info, just put the breaks on my engine hunt after reading that. Intrested to see what this vendor comes back with, off to a bumpy start around here if that the way business is done.

Adam I hope for your sake this gets sorted out fast and in a friendly manner.

Me too! I work in a profession where we take men and women at their word without question. Perhaps I'm a little too trusting, but the members of this forum are straight shooters from my experience when it comes to business transactions. Dustin seems like a heck of a nice guy on the phone, but after dozens of calls, PM's and e-mails over the past month and only 1 PM from him over 2 weeks ago, I'm frustrated. Especially when he seems to have plenty of time to answer the questions of prospective customers.

Adam
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom