Thumpmeister
New member
I posted this in Cummins Forum and 4Bt Swaps, but the community here seems to have some pretty good info, so I wanted to try here as well. Been reading through a lot of older similar posts on both this forum and many others. Found one on Pirate 4x4 that was helpful, but I wanted to see if anyone here might be able to help.
Here's the VERY basics. I want to take the entire drivetrain (engine, tranny, transfer case, intercooler, cooling system, etc.) out of a 2004.5, and put it in this 2004 Bigfoot class C, currently with a V10.
Now, I know it CAN be done, I just want to know what kind of nightmare I'm in for. I've read many different E Series conversions, and have talked to MGMETALWORKS in Oregon about his 6.7 his dropped in an E350. Also, I plan to eventually convert the motorhome into a 4x4 using the UJoint Offroad conversion. It looks like the Dodge transfer case output shaft and the SuperDuty front axle have the front drive shaft on the drivers side. Plus, I made sure that the Dodge I picked up has the electronic shift transfer case, so no having to hog a hole in the floor of the motorhome for the shifter.
Here's what I know so far. Diesel Conversion Specialists sell motor mounts, but thats about it. I think they also said I can send both the wiring harnesses off to them so I can have them work together. Other than that though, a lot will be custom, including the rear tranny and transfer case mounts, drive shaft, etc.
I also plan to do a very mild build. I also have an early 2004 with an NV5600 which I installed a set of 30% over injectors, and it made a pretty good difference. I don't plan on doing any other motor mods; my goal is RELIABILITY and FUEL MILEAGE.
Along with that, I need to rebuild the tranny to match. My other truck, an early 04, has the NV5600, so working on the 48RE is pretty foreign to me. I need to find out what I need to make it reliable, and able to take the weight of the motorhome. Also, where in WA could I take to get it rebuilt and NOT cost a fortune.
Here are my biggest hangups right now:
1) I won't be able to remove the body, will I have to modify the front crossmember to get the oil pan past?
2) Should I actually swap in the entire Dodge drivetrain, or should I go with the 5r110 that comes behind the V10?
3) Will power steering, brakes, A/C, cruise control, all work together in the Ford Chassis?
4) Would I be better to try to use the factory dodge harness, or use standalone harnesses for the engine and tranny? And if I do that, will I still be able to get all the other factory Ford stuff to work?
Since this IS a motorhome, I plan to be travelling a lot in the summer. Meaning that cruise control and A/C are going to be a big deal. Will it be difficult to get all that working together?
I haven't started the swap yet, at this point I'm acquiring as much info as I can before I make the leap. I've wrenched on Dodge Diesel's for years, but have never done a swap. Is this going to be a nightmare? All suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!!!
Here's the VERY basics. I want to take the entire drivetrain (engine, tranny, transfer case, intercooler, cooling system, etc.) out of a 2004.5, and put it in this 2004 Bigfoot class C, currently with a V10.
Now, I know it CAN be done, I just want to know what kind of nightmare I'm in for. I've read many different E Series conversions, and have talked to MGMETALWORKS in Oregon about his 6.7 his dropped in an E350. Also, I plan to eventually convert the motorhome into a 4x4 using the UJoint Offroad conversion. It looks like the Dodge transfer case output shaft and the SuperDuty front axle have the front drive shaft on the drivers side. Plus, I made sure that the Dodge I picked up has the electronic shift transfer case, so no having to hog a hole in the floor of the motorhome for the shifter.
Here's what I know so far. Diesel Conversion Specialists sell motor mounts, but thats about it. I think they also said I can send both the wiring harnesses off to them so I can have them work together. Other than that though, a lot will be custom, including the rear tranny and transfer case mounts, drive shaft, etc.
I also plan to do a very mild build. I also have an early 2004 with an NV5600 which I installed a set of 30% over injectors, and it made a pretty good difference. I don't plan on doing any other motor mods; my goal is RELIABILITY and FUEL MILEAGE.
Along with that, I need to rebuild the tranny to match. My other truck, an early 04, has the NV5600, so working on the 48RE is pretty foreign to me. I need to find out what I need to make it reliable, and able to take the weight of the motorhome. Also, where in WA could I take to get it rebuilt and NOT cost a fortune.
Here are my biggest hangups right now:
1) I won't be able to remove the body, will I have to modify the front crossmember to get the oil pan past?
2) Should I actually swap in the entire Dodge drivetrain, or should I go with the 5r110 that comes behind the V10?
3) Will power steering, brakes, A/C, cruise control, all work together in the Ford Chassis?
4) Would I be better to try to use the factory dodge harness, or use standalone harnesses for the engine and tranny? And if I do that, will I still be able to get all the other factory Ford stuff to work?
Since this IS a motorhome, I plan to be travelling a lot in the summer. Meaning that cruise control and A/C are going to be a big deal. Will it be difficult to get all that working together?
I haven't started the swap yet, at this point I'm acquiring as much info as I can before I make the leap. I've wrenched on Dodge Diesel's for years, but have never done a swap. Is this going to be a nightmare? All suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!!!
