Dmax450! Casper gets a duramax!

[I Lean]

Now that you've done all the work to the oil pan it may not matter--but would it have helped enough to convert to a driver's side front diff to justify relocating the tank and running a different transfer case? (especially if @cruisermatt's prediction comes true)

 

[alia176]

Pardon the dumb question but does one need to "de-tuned" a Dmax engine so it doesn't break drivetrain parts left and right? Did the Express van have a de-tuned Dmax or was that just a rumor I heard in the past?

I'm eagerly watching the development of this swap. Getting 20+mpg with our beasts while towing a house down the hwy would be an awesome treat.

 

[Slickrick]

Cool. what the oil in the blackbox. Several are having to add external reservoirs and coolers since they have a low capacity. So are you running Blackbox to a 60 or 80 case?
What's the length on the Allison? I think you're going to have a lot of floor cutting and gas tank relocating in your future.
I would probably be reconsidering that body lift right about now.

yeah I have to run a external cooler and pump setup. For daily driving that’s what they recommend. I’m running the h2fa 80 series case. I really enjoy awd, and not locking hubs in all the time lol! Plus a awd dmax swap will pull like a train!

Actually it looks like it’s all going to fit. I have the engine push pretty far foward atm. I left adjustment in the mounts in case I need to come foward a inch or so.

 

[Slickrick]

Now that you've done all the work to the oil pan it may not matter--but would it have helped enough to convert to a driver's side front diff to justify relocating the tank and running a different transfer case? (especially if @cruisermatt's prediction comes true)

This is something I thought of as well...but I think finding one and getting it here would be really expensive. From my understanding you can buy a drivers side diff 80 axle. This might be something I’ll have to do later if I keep destroying t cases. Who knows.

 

[Slickrick]

Pardon the dumb question but does one need to "de-tuned" a Dmax engine so it doesn't break drivetrain parts left and right? Did the Express van have a de-tuned Dmax or was that just a rumor I heard in the past?

I'm eagerly watching the development of this swap. Getting 20+mpg with our beasts while towing a house down the hwy would be an awesome treat.

The express was de tuned. Think it made around 550ftlbs. What I’m really counting on is the transfercase being awd and splitting the power front and back. That way the rear axle isn’t taking the full 650ftlbs. I’ll definitely be upgrading axle shafts in the future!

 

[Slickrick]

So quick update. I went ahead and cut the hood this morning. My paint ain’t great on the hood anyways so it didn’t bother me much. Now that its cut...I’m kinda excited! I really like the way it looks. Naturally I have to build patch panels for the side and front. I feel like the hood scoop kinda gives it that extra little bit I was looking for. The stock 80 series hood is huge and just looks kinda plain. I’m going to spice it up some!

 

[cruisermatt]

i think you made the right call with the doubler, 80 tcase and axles. For what you told me about your intended uses I dont think you're really going to be tearing stuff up too much.

 

[Slickrick]

i think you made the right call with the doubler, 80 tcase and axles. For what you told me about your intended uses I dont think you're really going to be tearing stuff up too much.

I don’t really beat my rigs up. More of just a exploration vehicle. I want to be able to go on long road trips and hit up those occasional trials along the way. Or to get to those camp spots out in the middle of no where! What did you think of the hood haha?

 

[cruisermatt]

you know I'm always about destroying Toyota parts

 

[Slickrick]

you know I'm always about destroying Toyota parts

Please excuse me, but when did we talk before this haha? Sorry I just can’t seem to remember.

 

[cruisermatt]

Please excuse me, but when did we talk before this haha? Sorry I just can’t seem to remember.

on facebook. a few weeks ago.

 

[Slickrick]

Update from today. Fabbed up a simple hood scoop. I know it’s not beautiful but it will get me on the road. Some may love it, some may hate it. Plan on finish welding it up tomorrow and maybe do some body work and paint.

 

[JaketheSSnake]

Love it. Duramax 80 is basically my dream combo. Are you doing all of this outside in the dirt???

 

[Slickrick]

Love it. Duramax 80 is basically my dream combo. Are you doing all of this outside in the dirt???

My dream rig as well, why I’m attempting to build it haha!

yeah I don’t have much of a shop yet so right now I work in the dirt. I have a very nice shop in the works!

 

[woodsman 44]

Slicky Ricky, nice work...luv the diesel swap man!

 

[Slickrick]

Slicky Ricky, nice work...luv the diesel swap man!

Thanks man! Hoping to have it driving by Christmas this year. Been a big project, can’t wait to drive it. I’ll definitely be making a video once it’s going.

 

[alia176]

Meh, hoods are overrated. Just drive the thing without the hood for a while - kinda of a nice contrast for a Lexus doncha think?

Shame you weren't able to take advantage of the negative pressure zone toward the rear of the hood and suck the hot air out of the engine bay.

 

[Slickrick]

Meh, hoods are overrated. Just drive the thing without the hood for a while - kinda of a nice contrast for a Lexus doncha think?

Shame you weren't able to take advantage of the negative pressure zone toward the rear of the hood and suck the hot air out of the engine bay.

Yeah hoods are overrated haha. I didn’t want to get too crazy with the hood design. If heat becomes an issue I can add some rear facing vents to pull that hot air out.

main concern for me was just getting the hood to close lol.

 

[Slickrick]

Another update...didn’t get much done today. Was able to get the hood scoop welded in completely and the paint removed. That paint is really on there!!

naturally welding this thin sheet metal..the hood warped a good bit, even with moving around. So looks like I’ll have a lot body filler and sanding ahead of me tomorrow haha!

 

[thatcabledude]

Pimpin’