The FRITOTA is Alive!!!

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Feb 2, 2005
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I have mentioned it before in some other threads but here it is. I finally got it on Saturday. Jeremiah at Proffitt's Cruisers did the conversion. They did an awesome job and I could not be happier. It is so fawkin' awesome!!!

Here is a shortened version of the story: I bought the 60 for $1,000 from a neighbor. The 2F had 232K miles and was fairly tired. My original plan was to put a 3B/H55F into it that I have from a BJ60. But, I wanted more. I wanted more power and to be able to pull a trailer if need be.

I opted for the Cummins 4BT. I found one on eBay but it was still in a Frito Lay delivery van. I won the auction, flew out to Modesto California and drove the van over 1,200 miles back to Colorado via LA to visit SOR to pick up some larger items so I could save on shipping.

The van drove great. It got 21mpg and I made it from Modesto-LA-Delta, Colorado in just over 2 days. Helluva a trip and a great story, but I don't really want to do it again.

So, the 4BT was put into the 60. A NV4500 mated to the Cruiser split T-case is behind it. It is a great installation. Jeremiah was even able to retain the stock driveshafts, unintentionally.

Here are the specs:
1992 Cummins 4BT (I was told it has less than 80K miles, and I believe it)
rebuilt NV4500
AA adapter to NV4500 and stock split T-case
60 series full float rear end
4" Alcan SUA lift kit
Pro Comp shocks
GM hydro boost brakes
FJ40 radiator
Volvo intercooler
new flywheel
Optima battery
ARB bull bar
Proffitts Cruisers custom rear bumper, swing out tire carrier is not finsihed yet
etc.

All rust was taken out of wheel wells and new metal welded in. Bottom portion was Line-X'd in champagne color. Some used 33X9.50's were mounted on stock 60 wagon wheels. I will go 33X10.50 or maybe a 16" rim and tire this fall.

The Cruiser is absolutely amazing. It will run 80-85 mph all day long. I did 60 mph up a mountain pass in 4th gear. It would do more but I had to slow down on the corners. I have not figured out the mileage yet. I have driven it over 120 miles and the gauge just moved off of Full. I am expecting 25ish.

Well, that's about it. If anyone is considering a diesel conversion, feel free to ask some questions. All in all, it was a $12K investment, including cost of vehicle. A bit pricey for some but what can you get for $12K, a used 4runner? or an 80 that gets in the low teens. I've got less miles and it's a CUMMINS------Need I say more?

Oh, I will be at Cruise Moab on the weekend. Maybe see some of you guys there. Later.
 
The Cummins

MMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....Diesellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll.
 
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Got any under the hood pics?
I was just talking diesel tonight and if I pulled out my 5.7 Vortec what would bolt to the bellhousing.
Sounds like the 4tb could be the answer. I take it it is a V8?

devo
 
devo said:
Got any under the hood pics?
I was just talking diesel tonight and if I pulled out my 5.7 Vortec what would bolt to the bellhousing.
Sounds like the 4tb could be the answer. I take it it is a V8?

devo

3.9L direct injection four cylinder turbo diesel. :cool:

Grease- Could you take some pics of the oil pan/ front axle clearance?
 
I like the diesel A LOT. It is tons more powerful than the 3B/H55F I have been driving. It is one torquey bastard. It is toned down quite a bit. I left the injection pump alone. It is how it came out of the Frito Lay van. Apparently, you can get 100 more horses and 150lbs of torque out of it just by adjusting the injection pump. I am not going to do it, it is plenty powerful for me and I like the mileage. Once you start fawking with the inj. pump, you gain performance but lose economy. Not for me.

Yep the 4Bt will mate to a GM bellhousing. You will need an overdrive tranny of some sort.

NO, it is not a V8 diesel. It is a straight 4. 3.9L
 
Nice.. Thanks for sharing the pics... Wondering what kind of mileage you end up with?
 
That is sweet. I have been talking to EXILED because his 62 is at Proffitt's right now getting a similar setup, although he is already sprung over. I want to do this but was concerneced because I didn't really want to go SOA for sure. I am very excited since you have a 4" alcans. I was wondering if that was an option and now you have answered my question.

I know there is alot of questions here but one more...

How does it ride on the Alcans???
 
a couple of there ?'s I just thought of...

Exiled is going to run a toybox, it doesn't appear you are?

What gears/tires are you runnning currently or plan to run?

Where do you live, I want ride :beer: :beer: :flipoff2:
 
That looks great. Love the Frito-Lay part of the story. Hilarious.
 
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