A Project Just Waiting To Happen....

[mdmead]

Well, not a project for me..... until my wife finishes the current Safari build, it wouldn't be wise for me to suggest another one....

But anyway, I'm looking on my local Craigslist and I find a Dana 44 out of a '78 Ford 4x4 complete with disk brakes and radius arms for $500.

Then as I'm catching up on my newspapers, I find a '79 Olds Delta with a diesel engine for $800. (Now granted, most everyone hates this diesel engine, but given a few posts on AS.com by some that seem a bit knowledgeable, maybe this engine was given a bad rap and can be dependable with a bit of work.)

So I'm thinking..... an '80s shorty 4x4 Astro/Safari with a solid axle front end and diesel powered.....

[astrozam]

Have you been playin in the mushroom patch again Matt? LOL

[peter]

Yeah, don't you think the wifey has enuf on her plate already. Tell you what, why don't you cook up the next batch of rhubarb pies, and let the missus finish up your engine swap? Afterwards, we can all sit down and discuss your next brainstorm of an idea...

[mdmead]

Tell you what, why don't you cook up the next batch of rhubarb pies, and let the missus finish up your engine swap?

You don't know how close you really are to the truth....

Matt's Day:

Kiss the wife as she heads off to work.
Get the kid breakfast and ready for school.
Take kid to school.
Wash dishes.
Do laundry.
Meet kid as she gets off the bus.
Listen to the wife bitch about her day at work.
Fix dinner.

(OK, the day wasn't completely without masculinity..... I did go to the hardware store and get some mole-killer and I worked on our landscaping a bit....)

[LiftedAWDAstro]

It all sounds good except for the D44 front axle. $500 is too much to pay for one unless it has been rebuilt and has a locker in it. They are a dime-a-dozen axle anywhere in the country. You just gotta have patience. Look in the http://www.pirate4x4.com for sale section and you may find one local for a lot less money. In fact, I made $175 by buying my D44 front axle and it is the HD version.

[mdmead]

It all sounds good except for the D44 front axle. $500 is too much to pay for one unless it has been rebuilt and has a locker in it. They are a dime-a-dozen axle anywhere in the country. You just gotta have patience. Look in the http://www.pirate4x4.com for sale section and you may find one local for a lot less money. In fact, I made $175 by buying my D44 front axle and it is the HD version.

I agree $500 is more than I would want to pay, and I don't see them for sale often, so I don't really know what they are worth around here.

Doesn't really matter though. When I buy my 78 or 79 Dana 44 Ford frontend, I want it still attached to the rest of the Ford Bronco I'm buying! (I've given up my dream of buying another 66-77 Bronco due to pricing, but a second gen, fullsize Bronco is still doable.....)

First things first though..... get the '96 Safari up and running again!

[peter]

Wow, there's an idea! Certainly one I'd have never thought of......

By the way, thanks for an insiders look of a day in your boots. I'm sure I speak for all members when I say that I see you in a new light. The fact that you took on killer moles in your own home, at considerable personal risk to your person, is truly amazing. Sorta puts you in a new light.
The fact that you seem to have been relegated to housewife duties while your woman builds trucks and makes the big bucks would possibly cause embarrassment for some. But you obviously have overcome any such ridiculously trivial and prehistoric notions of misplaced manly pride. For this, I salute you

BY the way, please feel free to email me your recipe for Rhubarb pie, as I hear you're quite the cook. Many women (and men) would be lucky to have you in their kitchen

[SafariRob]

Matt, I was doing some reading on the Olds V8 and found this, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile_V8_engine. About 2/3 the way down the page is a section on the Olds diesel and its problems. Could be nonsense, I don't know. Thought you might like to read it.

[mdmead]

Matt, I was doing some reading on the Olds V8 and found this, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile_V8_engine. About 2/3 the way down the page is a section on the Olds diesel and its problems. Could be nonsense, I don't know. Thought you might like to read it.

Thanks Rob! Yes, I'm aware of the problems and always thought these engines were junk. But I've read some testimonials on AS.com from people that say the engines were much maligned. So I don't really know.

In a perfect world, I guess if I was going to build a diesel Astro/Safari, I'd either go with a 6.2L or the Cummins 4 cylinder. I would want an older diesel that doesn't have any electronic controls like all the new ones do.

[Rockwerx]

Hey Matt, Are you still thinking about installing a diesel? I was doing some measuring of a 6.5 TD and with a bit of fabrication it should fit into an Astro. You will have to clear some room for the turbo and intake manifold. I would use a van with out AC. You will probably have to move the heater core somewhere else in the van.

[mdmead]

Not anytime soon.... Geez, it's bad enough I don't have the current van up and running....

If a person was going to do do a 6.5T swap, I think going with a welded-in body lift would almost be mandatory. Granted, I haven't looked at one, but I'd think a person would need extra room either at the bottom (pan clearance) or top (heads). This also might allow a person to move the engine forward a bit too if that was necessary. But I'm certainly just guessing and you probably have a better feel if you have measured one.

I still wouldn't mind a Cummins 4 cylinder diesel somewhere down the road in a follow-up Astro/Safari project. This would be a whole lot easier and eliminate any electronics.....

So when does your 6.5T project get started?!

[peter]

Why does the diesel have to be an 8? What about the Dodge Turbo Cummins in-line 6? Is it way longer than a big block chev? There must be tons of these engines to be found, and I never really heard any bad things about 'em.
This is a swap I'd be interested in following. If I didn't hate diesels with such a deep-routed passion, I'd be tempted to try it. I've got a 99' Cargo sitting in my driveway which I could use for the swap. Already painted smurf blue too...

[LiftedAWDAstro]

The reason you would have a hard time doing the 5.9 Cummins would be the weight. They weigh in at around 1100 lbs I believe. They are pretty long too so the radiator would need to move out a foot or so!

Peter, If you buy me a 3.9 Cummins, I will do the complete swap into my van and test drive it for you and I will even post a complete write-up.

[astrozam]

Peter, If you buy me a 3.9 Cummins, I will do the complete swap into my van and test drive it for you and I will even post a complete write-up.

Now THATS what I call, taking one for the team,LOL

[mdmead]

Peter, If you buy me a 3.9 Cummins, I will do the complete swap into my van and test drive it for you and I will even post a complete write-up.

Now THATS what I call, taking one for the team,LOL

Yes, and with what our Petey has in his 502 project, picking up a good-condition 3.9 Cummins and any other misc parts needed would be pocket change..... I don't see any problem with Petey helping Dean out!