After collecting parts to do my diesel swap and trying to get it done for several years now I have done something drastic. Nearly 2 years ago I parked my 84 crew cab with the intention of starting the swap that winter. Sometimes things just didn't go according to plan, at least not mine. I couldn't get into my buddies shop on his acreage that winter because his truck kept breaking down and being his source of income it took priority. There have been family issues and health problems ( my wife would say mental health
but thats another story ).
So I decided to look for a decent 1st gen club cab with the CTD to "get me by". In my search up popped a 3rd gen quad cab with a dead engine. It was tempting as it was a 6 speed 4X4 long box with the Laramie package. I thought about it and how nice and comfortable it would be for a family trailer towing vehicle. Well I went and looked at it and for about the same amount of cash I would have to pay for a good used CTD I bought it. I'm not getting any younger and I can have this one on the road in months instead of years. Much as I hate to get rid of my 1st gens I have to face reality, the conversion plans just weren't happening. So I borrowed a trailer and truck, went and picked up the 03 and brought my 84 back home.
I can live with the deck for now. I cut open the oil filter and if all the filings in there were gold I would be rich. The only damage on it is the front bumper cover and I would like a big aluminum " big rig" style one anyways. I already have a line on a good used 03 CTD as well as the parts and help to rebuild the old if I choose.
Shadrach