Posted by Charlie on May 03, 2000 at 05:35:12:
In Reply to: Engine swap info posted by ramo on May 02, 2000 at 22:13:25:
In ascending order of complexity and cost, you can do:
1) Front disk brakes. Highly recommended if you are going to drive a lot on public roads. ~$550 for kit and brake parts.
2) Radial tires. Likewise advisable for driving on public roads. The "best" tires are Michelin XZL (9.00R16=37", 11.00R16=38.7") or XL (9.00=36", 11.00=38.7"). You can get XS sand tires out of Europe. These tires run $240-325 each. There's a 325/85R16 XML which is almost 13" wide, 38.7" tall; >$400 each. Apparently it fits on stock rims also. Cheaper but good tires fitting on stock split rims are radial Swamper 36X12.5R16s, some also like Buckshot Mudders and Coyotes, all 36". There are lots of bias plys in 9.00-16 which are better on wet and dry pavement than the dreadful NDs.
3) Power steering. Ray Suiter makes a combination dual master cylinder w/vacuum boost and integral power steering box for the PW. You supply the pump.
4) 4.89 gearing; with a strong flathead it'll cruise at 2500 rpm @ 55 mph w/36" tires. $636 for 2 sets of gears.
5) Lockright locking diffs. ~$250 per locker. If you plan offroading, it's as important as good tires. A front locker makes it even better but you need hubs and power steering. Freewheeling hubs are $100-300/set; Selectros are more $$ than Superwinch. You do get what you pay for.
6) Overdrive or 5spd. Don't do this AND 4.89s with flathead, not enough power; do one or the other. there 2 ODs that'll work, Ranger II (definitely works on a M37, ask Cabell Garbee) and Gear Vendors. See my article "Diesel in your Dodge" in "Best of the Forum". Cost $1500-2300.
7) Re-power with diesel or gas V8. See the article. Cost nothing (your dad owns a junkyard specializing in light and midrange trucks) to $15,000 (you order everything new and you pay someone to do it, hope they know what they are doing).
If you want to use the truck as a daily driver or drive >30 miles to off-road, you should do brakes, tires and gearing or 5spd/OD. Even if it was a pure work truck I'd do brakes, tires and locker(s).
Charlie