Looking to covert to 4x4 4cyl turbo diesel

[Uncommon Sense]

I just picked up a '72 521 a couple days ago and I'm looking to convert from the original gas engine to a 4cyl turbo diesel and also go 4x4. Anybody know where I can start?

[Rhapakatui]

Start here.

 

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/40157-school-me-on-diesel-sd22/

[Lockleaf]

That's a really vague statement. More detail please. What kind of 4x4 rig are you trying to build? You want front solid axle or independent? How important is keeping it "all in the family" all Nissan parts?

[hobospyder]

Get a big block foRd v8, cut it in half, make it work?

[datzenmike]

I just picked up a '72 521 a couple days ago and I'm looking to convert from the original gas engine to a 4cyl turbo diesel and also go 4x4. Anybody know where I can start?

 

Get a 720 4x4 and put your 521 cab and box on it.

 

Now find a 720 with an SD22 or SD25 diesel engine. Swap this in and convert to run on diesel. The SD22/25s were all 2wd.

 

By turbo and install.

[Uncommon Sense]

@ Rhapakatui, thanks man Ill check it out.

 

@ Lockleaf, yea pretty vague. I didn't want to be long winded. Sometimes I see a wall of text and if I loose interest after the first five lines or if I'm not learning anything, I clock out and move on. Im just looking for something to take to the desert and not worry about getting stuck but that I can daily and tow a small trailer when needed. As far as solid or independent, Im a believer of more parts = more parts to break. Something simple, easy to work on when needed, and parts that are readily available. I have a scavenger mentality and I play a lot of Fallout. I would like to have this done by September for Wasteland Weekend! This truck doesn't have to be all in the family. Im bored of that because I have a few classic GM's that are all stock because I would hate to cut into them. which brings me to our buddy Hobospyder.

 

@ Hobospyder, first of all.... LMAO!!!!!!! I'm laughing as I type this. Have you seen the spiders on drugs thing on youtube? Yea my friend, half a ford engine that runs on unicorn spit and fairy dust that produces a warp field.

 

 

Thanks everybody for the replies. This is my first forum ever. So far so good.

[Uncommon Sense]

Get a 720 4x4 and put your 521 cab and box on it.

 

Now find a 720 with an SD22 or SD25 diesel engine. Swap this in and convert to run on diesel. The SD22/25s were all 2wd.

 

By turbo and install.

Daaaaang..... Just like that?

[datzenmike]

Well it's no worse than installing a divorced transfer case from something? Then a front Toyota differential with leaf springs. (good luck figuring out the steering) Then driveshafts and matching rear diff ratio. Then a diesel or turbo diesel and transmission and plumbing. Patchwork quilt.

 

Easier to find a turbo diesel 4x4 and fit your 521 body on.

[Uncommon Sense]

Start here.

 

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/40157-school-me-on-diesel-sd22/

Oh man, I just read all that. I may go gasoline then just because I hate slow driving....

[Uncommon Sense]

Well it's no worse than installing a divorced transfer case from something? Then a front Toyota differential with leaf springs. (good luck figuring out the steering) Then driveshafts and matching rear diff ratio. Then a diesel or turbo diesel and transmission and plumbing. Patchwork quilt.

 

Easier to find a turbo diesel 4x4 and fit your 521 body on.

True that

[Lockleaf]

Get a Suzuki samurai frame with suspension, stretch it to your wheel base. Buy a Suzuki vw diesel adapter kit. Use a 90s VW turbo diesel. Tons of mods available to make lots if power of you want.

 

Minimum effort expended to achieve all your goals. Not little effort, just the minimum.

 

Samurai is already solid axle front and rear and has huge aftermarket. Lifts, steering, axles, all of it. Perfect for a tiny truck like a 521.

[hobospyder]

@ Rhapakatui, thanks man Ill check it out.

 

@ Lockleaf, yea pretty vague. I didn't want to be long winded. Sometimes I see a wall of text and if I loose interest after the first five lines or if I'm not learning anything, I clock out and move on. Im just looking for something to take to the desert and not worry about getting stuck but that I can daily and tow a small trailer when needed. As far as solid or independent, Im a believer of more parts = more parts to break. Something simple, easy to work on when needed, and parts that are readily available. I have a scavenger mentality and I play a lot of Fallout. I would like to have this done by September for Wasteland Weekend! This truck doesn't have to be all in the family. Im bored of that because I have a few classic GM's that are all stock because I would hate to cut into them. which brings me to our buddy Hobospyder.

 

@ Hobospyder, first of all.... LMAO!!!!!!! I'm laughing as I type this. Have you seen the spiders on drugs thing on youtube? Yea my friend, half a ford engine that runs on unicorn spit and fairy dust that produces a warp field.

 

 

Thanks everybody for the replies. This is my first forum ever. So far so good.

yes I have seen the video a few times. But that wasn't a completely unfounded idea. I know a guy who has a few race cars where they cut a ford v8 in half and ran with it

[Uncommon Sense]

yes I have seen the video a few times. But that wasn't a completely unfounded idea. I know a guy who has a few race cars where they cut a ford v8 in half and ran with it

Holy crap! I gotta check that out!