Ok guys here goes.
I'm new to this Forum by about two days. Have been searching for months for info on Repowering my Fleetwood Motorhome. It is 37 Feet long and weighs in at 16,500 (there abouts) and usually pulls a very unique 4 x 4 Rodeo.
Total weight is around 22,000lbs.
It currently has 70k miles and the 460 Ford is on it's death bed. A slow death for sure. The rest of the Coach is in excellent shape and trading it in would be a crime. Oak Cabinets, new Fridge, all that stuff replaced that will wear out except the engine.
I've looked and looked at Diesel Options for the task. Almost bought a few, but the Cat 3208 is to heavy and the Ford Powerjoke is a uh ,..well you know. Money is not the biggest obstacle at this point. Prudent spending is. I have decided that the Cumming 5.9 L is made to order. A long phone call to Larry B last night convinced me.
I like many of you have extensive fabrication skills from the ol Hot Rodding Days. So this does not scare me. I do have a fromer Diesel Mechanic buddy who will assit with the install.
Here lies my quest. Forgive my ignorance but I can't seem to find out these answers in my normal circles,so I'm turning to ya'll. ( A LIttle Texas Accent here)
About the 5.9 L Cummings:
Is the motors used in the Dodge Pickup and the 600, 700 & 800 series Ford trucks the same engine?
I believe the Ford 460 and the 5.9 Cumming weigh in about the same, give or take a couple of pounds. Right?
I think the Allison MT653 is the tranny I need. Will it be a BIG problem to find the bell housing to mate this Tranny to the 5.9 L Cummings?
I will regear the Dana 70 to something in the 3:70's range as I have 32 inch tall tires. (Motorhome 19.5" Rims) The math will be worked out later, for the proper ratio. But what I need to know is what is the preferred overdrive/underdrive method of this board? Gear vendor, Brownie perhaps others? I'm thinking a divorced case unit mounted where the carrier bearing is now located so I can split gears. You see I have a penchance for the mountains and EXTREME Off Roading. I hate struggleling up the passes at 15 mph while the Greyhounds blast past me.
This is going to be like building a ship in a bottle, but hey I like it when people tell me it can't be done.
In conclusion: I really excited in finding this board and looking forward to pickin ya'lls brains. I'm sure we will cross paths someday and if your ever in Fort WorthTexas let me know. We'll cook up a cow!
Any and all advice will be appreciated. Now I'm off to pick thru the Search Function. I'll set up my profile in the next few days.
CurtisJ
Motorhome Repower Quest begins, Gonna need ya'lls advice
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