Hello all. I have a 2008 F350 I am wanting to convert. I have a line on a 2001 5.9 24v (not Common Rail), 130,000 miles. What are the pro's, con's, things I should be paying attention to? I probably will head to Kalispell soon and visit with those guys a lil. Any particular person there as to who to visit with????
Thanks and look forward to this Ride!!!!
C. J. , Boulder, Mt
Welcome aboard @raptor0271. Here is some info from our web store. https://www.dieselconversion.com/blog/2008-2010-Ford-6-4L-Diesel/
2008-2010 Ford 6.4L Diesel
Information for all 6.4L models
The Ford ® Super Duty ® 6.4L truck is one of the easiest trucks to convert to Cummins ® power. No modifications to the firewall, core support or floor pan are necessary. The stock radiator, intercooler and fan shroud can all be used as is with the Cummins engine.
When you buy Diesel Conversion Specialists’ parts we include installation instructions. DCS can also do the bulk of the wiring work for you by sending in your engine harnesses to be modified.
*You must retain the 3 sensors located in the exhaust system*
Automatic Transmissions
5R110
These transmissions work very well in the conversion. The advantages of using the Ford factory TCM are that you keep the tow/haul function, retain your factory diagnostics with regard to the transmission, and the shift quality adaptive learning remains functional. The stock transmission harness is utilized with no additional wiring. We recommend our tuning services for the Ford TCM to assure proper transmission operation and to get the most from your conversion. Be certain to complete your conversion, per our instruction manual, before driving your truck. A service fee of $450.00 will apply for the tuning support, plus an SCT tuner will also be necessary (DCS is an Authorized Dealer). We offer two different options; the SCT X4 and the SCT Livewire TS. Data logs recorded by the customer are required for our Tuning Technicians to tune your transmission to its fullest potential when mated with a Cummins engine. The data logs also allow the Tuning Technicians to confirm proper installation and all necessary signals are present.
*Note: It is strongly suggested that you have the PCM in your truck flashed to the most recent factory firmware version. A best-case scenario is to do so prior to converting, although your truck can still be flashed after the conversion if need be. If you are the original owner, you should have received communications from the manufacturer regarding these updates.
See our Cummins to Ford 5R110 Torqshift article for more information.
Dodge Automatics
We currently do not offer any technical support for using these transmissions.
Information on parts in our kit
ADAPTER PLATE
Our adapter plates for the 6.4 Super Duty use the stock 6.4 Ford starter. No modification is required to the transmission bell housing. These adapter plates use either our custom flywheel or custom flex plate. Our adapter plate replaces the adapter already on the back of the Cummins engine, making a factory quality connection for the transmission. They are precision machined from aircraft quality aluminum.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROLLER
Please read our Cummins to Ford 5R110 Torqshift article for more information.
ENGINE MOUNTS
Our motor mounts are pre-drilled for moving the transmission back and using the engine driven fan, or leaving the transmission where it is when using electric fans. We do not usually recommend using electric fans, as we have heard back from a few customers that did and had cooling problems. It probably doesn’t save you any money or time in the long run, but it is possible if you would prefer. The engine mounts are an excellent design with a bolt going all the way through the isolator, instead of relying on rubber and weak interlocking tabs to secure them to the frame cross member.
When using the Cummins engine driven fan, the rear drive shaft will need to be shortened, but the front drive shaft on four-wheel drives will stretch enough to reach the front differential. It is necessary to move the transmission cross member back or lengthen the slots in the mount to slide the transmission back enough to give room for the engine driven fan. Automatic trucks already have holes in the frame to move the cross member back to accommodate the Dodge Cummins engine driven fan.
SENSOR ADAPTERS
We custom build adapters to put your Ford gauge sending units into the Cummins engine so that your stock gauges still work with the Cummins engine. This also helps get your power steering and brake system working.
ALTERNATOR MOUNT
We offer an alternator mount that allows you to use the 6.4 alternator if you would like. The advantages of using this alternator is that your indicator light will still work as it should if your charging system should fail. It may be necessary to change the pulley on your alternator to avoid the charge light flickering at engine idle. If you would rather use the Dodge Cummins alternator, we can provide you with an external voltage regulator kit. This kit includes a wire pigtail, a capacitor, and instructions. Common Rail applications do not need the external regulator, even with the Dodge alternator.
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS
Our conversion friendly manifolds work much better in the conversion for the 12-valve and 98.5-02 24-valve engines. These manifolds place the turbo in a better place for a/c component clearance than the stock variety, and also make exhaust and turbo oil drain connections easier. The conversion friendly manifolds improve air flow over stock and are 2-piece to prevent cracking.
12-Valve Engines
When using a 12-valve engine for your conversion with one of our manifolds it is required that the housing of the turbo be re-oriented so oil feed and drain are vertical. Once the housing is re-oriented, the waste gate actuator will interfere with the engine block. To remedy this issue, we offer a conversion friendly waste gate actuator kit (DCS Part Number 3048) to fit the H1C and HX35 turbos that came factory on the 12-valve engines.
24-Valve engines
When using a 24-valve engine for your conversion with one of our manifolds we recommend upgrading to a 2003-2004 Common Rail or similar style turbo . Due to the design of the waste gate actuator on the stock 24-valve turbo it makes it difficult for the housing to be re-oriented. Using a 2003-2004 common rail turbo alleviates this issue.
EXHAUST RELATED PARTS
Along with replacement manifold gaskets, hardware, and turbo mounting studs, we also offer a flexible turbo drain tube that connects to the stock hose and elbow that is left in your engine block when the stock drain tube is removed. The flexible drain tube makes for an easy connection to the re-oriented turbo housing.
TACHOMETER KIT
In order to retain factory tachometer function, DCS utilizes the SWAPHELPER. The SWAPHELPER is an electronic signal conditioning device. By utilizing the OEM Dodge Cummins tachometer sensor, whether cam or crankshaft position respectively, the SWAPHELPER then provides the correct signal to the receiving truck’s ECM. Not only does the tachometer function properly; any other function of the truck that is dependent upon the tachometer signal also functions as it should. Not all, but the late model trucks require tachometer for cruise control, alternator charging function, and more. When you use the DCS wire harness modification service the SWAPHELPER will be plug & play for your convenience.
AIR FILTER
We sell a Brute Force air filter, pipe and hose to connect to your turbocharger. The DCS part# 1943 positions the Brute Force air filter right where your factory air filter is now with some modifications to the pipe section we send. We are currently working on a piece that will put it there right out of the box.
A/C MANIFOLD
This manifold bolts to the back of a ’94 and newer Dodge a/c pump, making the a/c plumbing less of a challenge. When installing an older Cummins (89-90ish) into the Super Duty we recommend using the 94 or newer Dodge A/C pump and bracket. The newer pump is shorter and the lines are attached differently than on the older models. It is necessary to have adapters welded to your Ford A/C lines so that you can have hoses crimped together with the A/C manifold that we send. Keep your Ford high pressure switch.
RADIATOR HOSE KIT
This kit includes the radiator and heater hoses that work well in the conversion and a specially bent, aluminized steel, lower radiator hose connector tube along with hose clamps. This also includes the fill tank hose.
PEDAL BRACKET KIT
If your truck has adjustable pedals, or if it is equipped with an automatic transmission, you may want to buy our pedal bracket kit. These bolt onto your existing Ford pedal, enabling you to pull a Cummins throttle cable. Refer to the fuel pedal identification article to identify the pedal style you have, then we can get you the kit you need.
WIRING HARNESS SERVICES
We can provide you 6.4 engine harness modification services that make wiring much less of a challenge. We modify your 6.4 engine harness to become a Cummins engine harness, providing your Ford PCM the signals it needs to make your factory gauges work. This service is normally included in our comprehensive kits.
PARTS YOU WILL NEED TO GET ON YOUR OWN
Even if you buy everything we sell, you will need to come up with a few parts on your own, such as an exhaust down pipe (usually a Dodge down pipe can be a good start), and intercooler tubes (again Dodge stuff can be a good start). We may be able to supply you with these, but our supply is limited at this time.
A Dodge throttle cable, and a Ford gas powered truck’s cruise servo. When you order parts, we can tell you exactly what you will need; we may even be able to supply these parts for you.
Automatic transmission equipped trucks will require a throttle position sensor. Depending on the year and what transmission your Cummins engine had on it originally, you may need to purchase a throttle position sensor, or look into other options such as our pedal bracket kits. These are especially helpful if you have adjustable pedals and want to keep that feature. Refer to the fuel pedal identification article to identify the pedal style you have, then we can get you the kit you need. All 24 valve engines already have a throttle position sensor that can be used for the transmission controller.
CONSIDERING HAVING US DOING THE CONVERSION FOR YOU?
Give us a call and find out how Diesel Conversions® can do a professional conversion on your truck for a reasonable price. We have an international airport for travel from and back to our shop, and also can help with shipping options getting a disabled truck here.
This information is provided to you to help you make an informed decision on your conversion. If you have any questions do not hesitate to CONTACT US.
*Diesel Conversions ® is not affiliated with Cummins, Ford, or Dodge. Our use of these registered trademarks is for descriptive purposes only.
Diesel Conversions ®
Diesel Conversion Specialists
406.755.8878