New Guy

[Hoghead]

Thanks for rhe add, my friend. I’m soon to take possession of a 1986 custom deluxe k20 with 44k on the clock from the original owner. I’m sure I’ll need plenty of support from you guys with all the experience. It currently has the sbc 350 with an auto tranny. Does anyone have experience with swapping in a diesel and what tranny and transfer case would you recommend? Thanks in advance.

 

[cowpoke]

Welcome from Poland!

Why u wanna go with a diesel? With such a low milage I'd stick to the original motor. I had a truck that was converted from diesel to gas and it was the worst truck I've ever had... Everything was wrong with it. It might be easier with an older vehicle but in my opinion if you want a diesel, sell this one and look for a diesel.

 

[animal]

 

[Strick]

Welcome from the Tarheel State. Is the K20 a 4 speed manual? Low miles & almost 40 years old means it must be in good shape. Share some pics.

HS

 

[edgephoto]

Why take a nice original truck and make an abomination out of it? Flip that truck and buy one of the CUCVs that are all over the place. Then you can add a vintage air system if you need A/C. That will be WAY less work.

 

[legopnuematic]

Welcome from Missouri.

 

[JamesSam]

Welcome from VA.

 

[edgephoto]

I forgot to say welcome to the forum.

 

[Hoghead]

Thanks for the reply’s. I understand a diesel was an option for these trucks and thought for that reason I could find an oem diesel engine from that period with correct harness and have a factory like installation.
It’s an automatic not sure which one though. The truck has been in my family since new so it has sentimtntal value as well. I’d like the diesel to pull my gooseneck trailer and tractor.

 

[Doppleganger]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[ali_c20]

Welcome from Austria.

 

[cowpoke]

Thanks for the reply’s. I understand a diesel was an option for these trucks and thought for that reason I could find an oem diesel engine from that period with correct harness and have a factory like installation.
It’s an automatic not sure which one though. The truck has been in my family since new so it has sentimtntal value as well. I’d like the diesel to pull my gooseneck trailer and tractor.

Share some pics!

I'd really keep it as much original as can be. If you really need a diesel, try buying some cheap work truck and keep the gasser a weekend rider as its value is only gonna increase over time.

 

[Hoghead]

I don’t have the truck yet, but as soon as I get it, I’ll post some pics.
I have an f250 I’ve been pulling my rig with, so I’m fine there, just thought it’d be cool to pull up with my rock climbing cj7. I’m sure now, I’ll keep it somewhat original, keeping the 350. I’ll probably put a fuel injection system on it though.
Is there anywhere I can put in the vin and tell what the original equipment was?

 

[WFO]

Welcome from up in the Panhandle.

 

[cowpoke]

I don’t have the truck yet, but as soon as I get it, I’ll post some pics.
I have an f250 I’ve been pulling my rig with, so I’m fine there, just thought it’d be cool to pull up with my rock climbing cj7. I’m sure now, I’ll keep it somewhat original, keeping the 350. I’ll probably put a fuel injection system on it though.
Is there anywhere I can put in the vin and tell what the original equipment was?

I think the 350 should do fine with the CJ. I had a sticker in mine (peeled off but laying on the ground) with all the options such as 4 speed trans, upper body molding, am radio and so on. Probably every truck should have it unless it got lost somewhere over the years. LMC vin encoder will only tell you about the year, engine, plant it was made in, and if it's a 1/2, 3/4 or a 1 ton.