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1968 Datsun 520 SD22 diesel build


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Hi there, good job, mine runs just below the middle(1/16") of the guage, but I have noticed that there is a small amount of differance between the guages depending on the year of the vehicle, we(the kid down the street and me) just took it for granted that when we connected a 1980 something diesel senser to a 1960 something datsun 521 guage, the needle would be in a differant place than it was with the gasser senser, and we just ajusted to the new position. Awesome job, I would think that you have the only datsun 520 with sd22-5 engine, we(the kid and me) didn't think it was possible, and the kid was motivated, he had a 1966 roadster, and he wanted a 66 datsun diesel pickup to match it, but he settled for a 70 datsun 521. wayno

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Hi there, good job, mine runs just below the middle(1/16") of the guage, but I have noticed that there is a small amount of differance between the guages depending on the year of the vehicle, we(the kid down the street and me) just took it for granted that when we connected a 1980 something diesel senser to a 1960 something datsun 521 guage, the needle would be in a differant place than it was with the gasser senser, and we just ajusted to the new position. Awesome job, I would think that you have the only datsun 520 with sd22-5 engine, we(the kid and me) didn't think it was possible, and the kid was motivated, he had a 1966 roadster, and he wanted a 66 datsun diesel pickup to match it, but he settled for a 70 datsun 521. wayno

 

Thanks Wayno, with that all done I can focus one hunting down suspension parts and windshield gasket(found a brand new windshield for it at local glass shop). I also need to get the exhaust done and the drive shaft shortened. I cant wait to drive this truck! Now you know that a 520 diesel can be done but Swappin Aint Easy!blink.gif

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What suspention parts are you looking for? I part out these trucks all the time, 520-21 series share a lot of parts, are you looking for front or rear parts? I could be wrong, but I beleave that the front suspention was used all the way into the 620 series, and the back leaf springs shared simular characteristics from the early 60s all the way into the mid 80s. wayno

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What suspention parts are you looking for? I part out these trucks all the time, 520-21 series share a lot of parts, are you looking for front or rear parts? I could be wrong, but I beleave that the front suspention was used all the way into the 620 series, and the back leaf springs shared simular characteristics from the early 60s all the way into the mid 80s. wayno

 

I need steering linkage both side and tie rod ends bolth side and sway bar linkage bushings.

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I have the center link that connects to the idler arm and steering arm, but I cut the tierods. :( I think the tierods can be purchaced new at the parts store along with the center link. If you can't get the parts where you live, let me know. I have a set of upper A arm shafts, I keep them for friends because they cost so much new. I just looked at the 70 521 in the back and it has a complete sway bar setup, but the rubber pieces don't look that good on the bottom. I have a complete truck, but till I tear it down it will stay movable, so I can't take the tierods off it yet. I'll look around tomarrow to see if there are any good tierods laying around(it's dark). I used to save everything until I quit using the 521 frames, now I save all the 720 stuff. wayno

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  • 9 months later...

I need steering linkage both side and tie rod ends bolth side and sway bar linkage bushings.

 

You can get the sway bar bushings from Energy, you just need the sway bar diameter. :D

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The the whining sound was the electric fan running. It still needs a driveshaft then it should be drivable.

Does the fan have a thermostat to turn it off and on? Drive lines can get expensive around here, sometimes if it needs shortened, I cut the tube back to the proper length if it is the same size the whole length, and then cut the weld on the yoke with a grinder with a cutting disc, then I peel the metal off the yoke/u-joint driveline attachment point, then I clock the u-joint mount hardware in the proper angle and pound it in to the tube, then re-weld it. Sometimes this works, I have only done it once so far, but it seemed to be fine, except the car was scary to drive on the freeway, it would shoot off randomly almost out of control,:hmm: that is when I realized that was why whenever you see a early 50s MGTC-D-F, they are always driving about 40 to 50mph max,:unsure: now I know why. So I really don't know if it is balanced good, because it scares me to go fast enough to find out. :lol:

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The fan has an adjustuble electronic control I have it set to turn on at 200 degrees and of at 190. Iam going to have a drive line shop shorten and balance the drive shaft for me.

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Just bought a low mileage sd22 with 5 speed in a rolling chassis... Thinking of putting it in my 521... Would you do this swap again or?

 

 

Rolling chassis....no cab?

Should drop by and investigate... :D

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I would do it again. The 521 would be easier then the 520 because the 521 has more room under the hood. I think you could get the sd in the 521 without cutting the core support like I had to. I had to make the transmision tunel bigger and raise the cab up about 1.5" so the cab would clear the transmission. If you need any advice just ask.

John

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<br />Rolling chassis....no cab?<br />Should drop by and investigate... <img src='http://community.ratsun.net/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /><br />
<br /><br /><br />

Yup pick it up soon... I take it you know it?

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<br />I would do it again. The 521 would be easier then the 520 because the 521 has more room under the hood. I think you could get the sd in the 521 without cutting the core support like I had to.  I had to make the transmision tunel bigger and raise the cab up about 1.5" so the cab would clear the transmission. If you need any advice just ask.<br />John<br />
<br /><br /><br />

 

Thanks my 521 clutch went last month and the l16 is leaking oil everywhere... Thought it would be a cool swap.

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Just bought a low mileage sd22 with 5 speed in a rolling chassis... Thinking of putting it in my 521... Would you do this swap again or?

Do you have the wire harness on the rolling chassis? I

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