Mods
5.9 Cummings swap and 4 speed auto transmission.
Build story
In the mid '90s once the 5.9 Cummings was established as a reliable engine (especially after all the popular diesels of the era were V8s that in general were disappointments). My Grandpa Jack Smith whom owned & dubbed this pickup "Ol Ugly" of which is more likely to be found in Texas being a 2 wheel drive then in Montana and built in '85 prior to the Cummins option. Hired a local shop (Auto World in Great Falls MT) to do one of the first of a carrier of untold many Cummins swaps. Replacing the original V8 gas (360?) & 3 speed auto that was underpowered & got some 5 MPG towing. With a salvaged '93 engine and 4 speed 47RH auto. A button on the dash manually controls overdrive. I want to install a controller that will better activate overdrive and also activate the torque converter clutch. The axle gearing was changed from I think 4:10 to about 3:55 due to lower revs of the new engine. Due to some concern of the transmission, fuel millage (about 20 highway & 9-11 towing) & reliability, the engine is still at stock settings.
As there is no rust at some point I should "retire" & restore this pickup but it's too handy to just set in, tap the ignition, pull the shifter & go.
As there is no rust at some point I should "retire" & restore this pickup but it's too handy to just set in, tap the ignition, pull the shifter & go.