What do you guys think of putting a 5.9 diesel into a RC?
I know the diesel is a pretty heavy engine, but the only other disadvantage that i can think of is the smell.
:D

Thoughts????

If I had a RC I would put my Cummins in it since their is no interest in it but as it stands I will begin installing it in a 1/2 ton that I have.. The only area I plan on changing is the front leaf springs to compensate for the additional weight..this will mostly be a DD/tow rig to get my Willys to the playground..

try very heavy. you would probably break a dana44 front, I think there may be a reason dodge dosn't put em in short wheelbase vehicles too, probably make some interesting handling problems.

If i was to put the diesel in a RC, i'd definitely be putting a D60 underneath it. My newest plan is to get a RC, get it a little mild lift, and then maybe next winter i'll tear it down, and make it more a serious trail rig.
Of course, i have to find a decent RC first.... :D

Originally posted by mytzlflick
I think there may be a reason dodge dosn't put em in short wheelbase vehicles too, probably make some interesting handling problems.

I wouldn't think it would cause any difference in handling.. putting a cummins in place of a V8 would be similar to putting a V8 in place of a 4 cylinder in a Jeep and you don't hear of any additional handling problems with them..

ok a four banger weight what? 300 -350lbs? a v-8 weighs a healthy 500-550lbs? a cummins weighs 1000lbs, besides v-8's came in jeeps. also in the way may be the length and height of the cummins its not exactly small.

Originally posted by mytzlflick
ok a four banger weight what? 300 -350lbs? a v-8 weighs a healthy 500-550lbs? a cummins weighs 1000lbs, besides v-8's came in jeeps. also in the way may be the length and height of the cummins its not exactly small.

I still don't see any reason for handling problems.. In my opinion it would handle better due to the additional weight on the front wheels.. kinda like the Mustangs that the state troopers quit using because of the handling problems because of the light front weight..

nice try, the mustangs have the handling problems I am worried about, rearend tries to pass the frontend during rapid manuvers.
of course if you load up the back with gear you could balance it out. hey I may be wrong, and if I am please let me know when its done so I can shorten up my ram deisel ok?

I thought about it before I built my current motor. The thing that stopped me was the noise. With the lid off, you probably could not hear yourself think.........

The noise factor is a pretty valid point, especially considering where i tend to wheel---in tight trails, surounded by trees. Not exactly the type of area that would lend itself to good accoustics.

Anyways, this idea was just that, an idea....
I'm looking for different opinions on what i may do with a future trail rig. And obviously i'm hoping that rig will be a RC, if i ever get a line on one..... :rolleyes:

The easiest option i can see right now is to throw in a 360. It will fit no problem, they are plentiful at the junkers, and they can be modded to give some pretty damn good low-end grunt.

Originally posted by mytzlflick
try very heavy. you would probably break a dana44 front, I think there may be a reason dodge dosn't put em in short wheelbase vehicles too, probably make some interesting handling problems.

I agree, the cummins is very heavy compared to the LA-block that comes in most ramchargers, but there are examples of short WB rigs with heavy motors that don't handle all that bad. Scouts wiht SV V8's in them are 100" WB, and that motor is Fawkin heavy! I say go for it, and PICS

i saw one on the net somewhere, early 90's had 60's front and rear too i believe.

I saw that rc too. Looked sweet. Another cool option, is to stroke the 360 out to a 408. Get TONS of power that way

I have a 76 TrailDuster for sale for $1000.Same thing as a Ramcharger.It has a 383 Big Block in it.I'll also throw in a rear D60 too if I still have the rear end when the trailduster sells.

Thanks for the offer, but Oregon is kinda far from where i am.
<---------------- :D :D

(You are asking a pretty good deal though, depending on the truck)


Originally posted by BadBowtie
I have a 76 TrailDuster for sale for $1000.Same thing as a Ramcharger.It has a 383 Big Block in it.I'll also throw in a rear D60 too if I still have the rear end when the trailduster sells.

CHECK FOR
(THEIRRY) ON THE TDR BB
HE HAS DONE THE CONVERSION
LOOK IN THE CONVERSION SECTION
AND THE FIRST GEN SECTION HE HANGS OUT THERE!
HE LIVES IN SO CAL
WWW.TURBODIESELREGISTER.COM

Originally posted by mytzlflick
nice try, the mustangs have the handling problems I am worried about, rearend tries to pass the frontend during rapid manuvers.
of course if you load up the back with gear you could balance it out. hey I may be wrong, and if I am please let me know when its done so I can shorten up my ram deisel ok?


If you'll donate a Ramcharger/Trailduster to the cause I'll supply the Cummins and give you reports on how it handles.rides, and drives..

Originally posted by The Adam Blaster
Of course, i have to find a decent RC first.... :D

I saw the sweetest RC for sale last year out on a county road. Not sure if it was #42 near Belle River or #46 out towards Essex. This thing looked pristine from the road. Metallic blue with the removable top and all was nice and shiny. I was slowing down to look at it and my 7 month pregnant wife gave me a look that told me I'd be sleeping under it:( . She's usually cool about this stuff but with a baby on the way the coolness had turned to coldness.

Right now there's an RC out on 42 near where Checker Flag used to be. Non removable top, white with a plow on it. No idea on price, can't do it till we both get back to work anyway.

Originally posted by horse_with_no_name
CHECK FOR
(THEIRRY) ON THE TDR BB
HE HAS DONE THE CONVERSION
LOOK IN THE CONVERSION SECTION
AND THE FIRST GEN SECTION HE HANGS OUT THERE!
HE LIVES IN SO CAL
WWW.TURBODIESELREGISTER.COM

There's at least one other guy there who has one too. I think it would make an awesome truck. If it could pull a gooseneck trailer, I'd do one, just to gain the back seat. I'd recommend a 60 in front and a 70 rear, just like the factory did. The torque the Cummins is capable of will eat unworthy drivetrains for breakfast. That's why the factory installs the Cummins seriously detuned (until lately). The noise doesn't bother me in my DD/tow truck, but I shot down the plan to put a 4BT in my Jeep because we like to be able to talk Jeep-to-Jeep on the trail without screaming.;)

Up here in Canada , very few RC's came with the cummings stock. I couldnt beleive it then I saw one.