dropping a 99 1/2' 7.3 into a 97 F350 gasser

[rleone]

Simply said, I already own a diesel pickup, but I bought this 97' w/ a 351 in it a few years back because it was in great shape and just looks tough. In my humble opinion, the "boxy" Fords from this era are the best / truck looking trucks on the road. Faced with selling it, a diesel loving friend suggested dropping a diesel and man. tranny in and keeping it. My wheels are turnin, he suggested a cummins but I am going to first look into 99 1/2 and up 7.3.
for starters, have any of you tried/done this and is the fit there.
Thanks, Rich

[BKB]

I just got done installing a 96 ambulance motor into my 97 F250 HD. If you dont have a donor diesel truck you will spend alot more money then its worth. If you have duel tanks you need a selector valve, i bent all new 3/8 fuel line and gutted the fuel pumps out of the tanks. Since i had a van motor the mounts are really different and i had to modify the crossmember to make it fit. A 7.3 is not a drop in without some crossmember fabrication. Wiring isent to bad if you have the motor and engine compartment fuse box for a pickup, the stuff under the dash can easly be repinned.

[Alan_Hicks]

I would look into installing a 12v cummins and ZF6 transmission. Since you're going to be fitting a new engine anyhow, might as well go for one that doesn't require you to install an entirely new wiring hardness.

[bosefes]

As already said it would be easiest and cheapest to get a wrecked donor truck. Cummins is also a great swap and you could get an early 12 valve cummins that doesn't require all the computer junk.