Jump to content
  • Sign Up

6.0 swap to duramax


Recommended Posts

From what I've read on other forums, besides just installing the engine & transmission, you also need to

-swap wiring harness and computers in the engine bay and cab.  You want to do all of them, including the instrument panel and probably also the radio)

-swap the fuel system.  may be able to get away with just gutting the fuel pump in the tank so it's just a pickup tube, and have an external lift pump (and clean out all the gas), but probably should switch to a diesel tank (I know for my truck, the tank has a much bigger opening for the fill tube vs the gas setup).

-front suspension needs beefing up (for example, diesel GMT800 has higher rated torsion bars to handle the higher weight of engine/transmission)

 

You may be able to not have to swap everything in the cab if you are willing to go through the wiring diagrams for the gas/diesel version of your truck and modify the wiring harness, and then reprogram the computers yourself properly with a tech ii and information I'm not familiar with...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Note, that's just off the top of my head.  There is more stuff, such as the cooling stack needs swapping, driveshafts need swapping/modifying, probably want to change the gearing in the diffs (diesels would use 3.73, gassers normally 4.10, and diesels would have a bigger rear diff to handle the extra torque,

 

May also want/need to do a 2" body lift for clearance.

 

Probably also lots of little things after this.

 

Easy.  Maybe a 2 weekend project.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yuck that is a HELL of a job. There are so many for sale out there already converted at the factory when new. I dumped my clean ‘08 ext cab 4x4 for $15k with a new Allison 1000 and almost new Western V-plow. I originally paid $7.5k for the truck and used it for a few years.
Anyways, replacing the fuel system is actually very simple. I did it with my Duramax for about $80 with Parker high-temp hoses. Note that there is a diesel fuel cooler on the bottom near the tank.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Basically, the "something special" you need is ...  a Duramax pickup truck.  Then move whatever it is that you really like from your old truck to the Duramax truck (if that something is compatible).

 

Maybe you can get davester to help you :)  He already knows how to convert from 2wd to 4wd!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, the o.p. can't afford me...  The only reason for doing a swap like this is if you can get a wrecked truck with a duramax and similar options to your truck for not too much money, and you swap the stuff over.  And your existing truck is in really good condition (no rust, good suspension, frame and body).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.