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Old 04-24-2020, 05:49 PM   #1
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Hello: 2004 SMB converting gas to diesel

Hello Everyone,

I have been watching and enjoying the forum for some time. I was trying to find a diesel, 4x4 in good shape, and in budget, in my area without success. So recently I purchased a 2004 SMB E250 5.4 gasoline 2wd van, and with the help of my local diesel shop am going to convert it to a 6.0 diesel with a Timberline 4x4 DIY kit.

The original van's interior and body are in good condition and was local. The donor truck, a 2006 Ford F350 6.0 diesel 4x4, was a craigslist find, not so local.

The 6.0 diesel motor is currently being rebuilt and today the 5.4 gas engine left the vehicle.

I look forward to hearing input from others and sharing the process as we go forward.

Jeff

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Old 04-24-2020, 05:56 PM   #2
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Photos

Here are the photos.
Attached Thumbnails
The before picture gas 2wd.jpg   Donor truck.jpg   Van without motor.jpg  
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Old 04-24-2020, 06:02 PM   #3
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Very cool. Are you doing any bulletproofing to the 6.0 while rebuilding it?
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Old 04-24-2020, 06:21 PM   #4
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Yes,we will be doing the bullet proof system to the new motor. However I will have to admit that my technical knowledge is limited to handing my credit card to Jason over at Devil Mountain Diesel. Luckily for me they have lots of experience.
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Old 04-24-2020, 06:39 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff94598 View Post
...Luckily for me they have lots of experience.

With diesels, or with credit cards?



Wow, you're going all in, that's for sure. Do you have an history on the donor, or were you at least able to see and hear it run?




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Old 04-24-2020, 06:48 PM   #6
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Hi Herb,

I guess I'll find out about that experience question ??, I'm fortunate to have had them work on my two diesel Ford trucks for many years.

The donor truck did not run, it turned over but would not start. The only history I got was that the weeds it was parked in were a foot tall so it had not moved in some time.
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Old 04-24-2020, 06:55 PM   #7
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Lol! I understand the CC “technical” skill set!

You are local Bay Area, nice. Devil Mtn Diesel has a good reputation and knowledge. Are you headed down the 4x4 track as well?
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Old 04-24-2020, 07:01 PM   #8
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Are you headed down the 4x4 track as well?

Ray,

Yes we are going to be using the Timberline 4x4 DIY package. We received it a couple of weeks ago from Colorado. Currently working on the motor, transmission swap. Then we'll tackle the 4x4 conversion.
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Old 04-24-2020, 08:56 PM   #9
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Welcome Jeff, cool project keep us posted as you go and remember.
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Old 04-25-2020, 05:12 AM   #10
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Welcome, cool project. Look forward to following along.
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