73-79 Chevy K30 6.2L Diesel Swap Questions

[TwinStickPeterbilt]

Well right now I'm driving a 02 Ford Ranger 4x4 and want to rip my eye balls out, and don't want to be seen in it. I have been accepted to diesel school in the fall and working on my welding skills. Plus with farming I have need for 4x4 and a 1 ton. I'm wanting to start my own welding business on the side and do some field service for the local farmers. I've always loved the 73-87 body style and we have a 86 C10 we bought in 87. I ran across pictures of this 79 Chevy and decided I'm gonna so the same thing with a twist, if I get enough money and find a a truck and parts.






What I'm wanting to do is a 6.2L Diesel with a SM465 with the Ranger Torque "Splitter" auxillary box. With a 2 stick transfer case. Originally I wanted to do a cummins swap,but I know there is not enough money for that, but was considering if I should buy a donor truck with a 6.2L and swap the 350 or 454 out of a K30 and drop the 6.2L in and put the other motor in the donor and sell it to try and recoup some cash. I will be doing a minor amount of pulling, maybe 100 miles round trip at most. I know the 6.2L to be good on fuel but was wondering wether or not this swap makes sense to do and if there are pros and cons of this setup, say a different tranny or better or worse versions of the 6.2L and if a NP205 transfer case would be good for this setup or not. Mostly just wanting others opinions on my ideas.

[bake74]

     So I hope I followed this correctly.  You have a 86 C-10, but you want to find a 1 ton 4x4 to set up a welder on, correct ? 
     The setup you mentioned will work great,  it might be harder to find one with a 4 speed instead of a automatic, depending on year it might already have the 205 transfer case, which is a strong case.  You most likely will have to put on the flatbed, unless you get really lucky.

[roundhouse]

I'd use searchtempest or some other app to text you when somethings gets posted on Craigslist matching your keywords
Probably be cheaper to just find one like you want


Did  GM even make a 1 ton diesel ?
I think I've see a few so they must have

I wouldn't want the 465 and aux od.  The aux. OD is very expensive

I'd use a NV 4500 although a 465 would be fine if you're gonna use taller than stock tires since you can't use an OD with taller tires unless you swap axle gears

I dont think The 454 will have the same bolt pattern as the 350 and 6.2
 
I've done a couple of transplants that we're never available.  And it's a real pain

I'd spend a few weeks trying to find what youwant

We wanted a 73-87 4WD stepside shortbed 4 speed

Found it 800 miles away rust free and cheap

Was worth the wait and the transport cost to get exactly what we wanted

Putting on a flatbed is no big deal
Keep an eye on eBay and Craigslist     You'll find something close to what you want in a couple months

[TwinStickPeterbilt]

     So I hope I followed this correctly.  You have a 86 C-10, but you want to find a 1 ton 4x4 to set up a welder on, correct ? 
     The setup you mentioned will work great,  it might be harder to find one with a 4 speed instead of a automatic, depending on year it might already have the 205 transfer case, which is a strong case.  You most likely will have to put on the flatbed, unless you get really lucky.

Yes, the 86 C-10 isn't mine...yet. It will be. But yes I want a K-30, I'm sure I can mate a 4 speed instead of automatic if need be. I have always preferred a manual or gear driven anything. I'm tired of #1 driving a Ford #2 Not having enough power. From what I've read the 6.2L is kind of a slug, but it's a cheap diesel, and from what I understand reliable and does good on fuel for what it is. I love small block 350's but they tend to do really bad on fuel with me behind the wheel. Plus I love the smell of diesel in the morning.

It will be a daily driver for me, unless I keep the Danger Ranger which is a good possibility.

To what was said about buying one set up like I want, you make a very valid point. As far as bolting up, if understand you can pull a 350 and drop a 6.2L right behind it. But 454 you have to move the mounts. The  OD box is expensive but for those times when I'm making the ~40 mile trip to the closest big town I will be able to do it at faster than 55, or that's my hope.

Does anyone have any advice on the differences between all the 6.2Ls and can anyone suggest a rear end?

[bake74]

     Look through the diesel section under 73-87 Chevy trucks, there are some good threads on the 6.2 and how to boost power to them and make them even more reliable. 
     I get the stick desires, both of my trucks are stick, though if I build another one it will be a auto and my first attempt at a 2wd hot rod truck. 

[pholliday1]

I've owned all three 6.2 ,454, 350 motor mounts/ bolt patterns are the same.