A 2000+ sd to 2011 front end???

Black_Lightning91 · Jan 27, 2012

Okay I'll explain my plans and see what people think on possibility and issues.

Older SD for cost, plan to convert to a 2011 or maybe 2008 front end(tailgate ect for the look). Suspension will be custom fabbed for a 4.5-5" of lift with best on/off road handling capable in mind. Want to run the double rad like the 2011 as I plan to use Water to air aftercooling. Could possibly just have a smaller rad made to mount like the intercooler if need be as idk differences between the front ends on the trucks or even if a full size second rad would be needed to maintain IAT. Will be running a 6.4 with either the 4r100 or a ZF6 (dont like auto's but not ruling it out). Basically what issues could I run into. Also are there any differences between frames besides the coil spring front end on newer trucks? I am wanting to find a decent older SD gas or 7.3 CC/SB and turn it into a highly custom 6.4 powered 2011 look alike. I understand this will be a hard project with many hurdles to over come. Maybe no one has even tried this yet. I have seen older sd's to look like an 08 and a 08 to look like an 11 so that is where the idea came from. I plan to do all the design and work myself. The fabrication part I have no experience in but am a firm believer in anyone can learn to do anything. This is not going to be a one or maybe even 2 year project. I am fully prepared for a long long long build as funds are short anyways so plenty of time to get it right. Just asking for opinions on my wild hair idea.

Thank you,
Cody

AKHILF · Jan 27, 2012

I'v seen the 99-07 converted to the 2011. I forgot where at though. Sounds like it will be expensive though. I think you'd have better luck with finding either a crashed or high milage 6.4 and start from there.

Ipkyss · Jan 27, 2012

Sounds like a cool idea. Willing to bet it would be cheaper to just start with a high mile 08 to begin with. Just the motor swap by itself would be a nightmare. I looked at putting a 6.4 into a truck that already had a 6.0 and got a headache really quick. And I am a fabricator.

David N · Jan 27, 2012

Look up a user named "Tonka350". He has done it. Its a Red Crew Cab lifted on chrome Rockstars.

Im pretty sure you have to swap the whole front clip. Just time consuming Im sure.

cfdeng7 · Jan 27, 2012

David N said:
Look up a user named "Tonka350". He has done it. Its a Red Crew Cab lifted on chrome Rockstars.

Im pretty sure you have to swap the whole front clip. Just time consuming Im sure.

Its now black lol

Worstenemy453 · Jan 27, 2012

Tonka did an 08 front end.

bluedevilslax · Jan 27, 2012

Five-R trucks in colorado did a 2012 front end on a 2000 excursion.

David N · Jan 27, 2012

Here's one I just saw roaming on Ebay :http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999...9168772?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3a6f863204

Black_Lightning91 · Jan 27, 2012

I understand it would be a pita to do even just the engine swap. But I unlike Lubeowner have no luck in finding a cheap 6.4 or even just 08+ SD. I don't like wrecked because even if you go over ever component there is still the chance that the impact has weakened or stressed something that you can not see or tell. This is especially true as it would take a fair amount of damage to total one of these trucks. I am not a fan of doing things twice and if something major were to break unexpectdly it could cost as much as your life. I will admit the chance of something major breaking and being a large setback is slim but I don't take unnessary chances. So I will pass on the wrecked trucks. A slightly abused high mileage fleet truck or the like I can deal with. Body damage is of no concern(dents, dings, scratches). Just not wrecked, do to the stresses of impact to vital componets I am keeping. Also I posted to see what people thought and to get ideas on where to start not just a base truck but even where to look for said trucks. I have read Tonka's thread and I like what he done. I perfer the 11 front end and if it was the same as a 08 swap I would go that route.
Thanks everyone for the replies so far.
Cody

El chupacabra · Jan 28, 2012

dude your talking about an insane amount of money if you take say a 2000 gas or 7.3 swap it to a 6.4 then convert the frontend and do a custom suspension. Kind of a big task for a guy with no Fab skills. But more power to ya bro. I would definitely find a truck that already has a 6.4 you will be money ahead in the long run. Just my opinion. Good luck. Be sure to post up pics of your build.

Black_Lightning91 · Jan 28, 2012

So everyone seems to think just sticking with a 08+ truck to do this would be much easier so I'll keep looking towards that end. And i will be sure to have this build up.I have no real fab skill to speak of but every great fabricator learned somehow as its not a birth given talent.

Cat_rebel · Jan 29, 2012

Black_Lightning91 said:
So everyone seems to think just sticking with a 08+ truck to do this would be much easier so I'll keep looking towards that end. And i will be sure to have this build up.I have no real fab skill to speak of but every great fabricator learned somehow as its not a birth given talent.

We're slowly doing it on a 00 cab, have to dig through here- Project Super Short

AKHILF · Jan 29, 2012

I do a lot of body work and you'd be surprised what a frame rack can do and will tell you if you can do. Nothing wrong with a slight bend in a frame. Or say a frame horn bent and a cab needs to be replaced and I bet the trucks totaled. That would cost you just a cab and you can fix the frame horn yourself with a torch and hydraulic jack. I wouldnt rule out a wrecked 08 or 9. Just look them over a bit. And you can find a high milage 6.4 for around 20 or less depending on the trim package and you would be miles ahead already being wired for the 6.4 or just replacing a few parts to make it dependable and already have the nice suspension. Then if you want a nice suspension system hit up precision metal fab and he can build you a bolt on set up. Then do the 11 fenders hood grille and bumper. But still your bed wouldnt match. So then you have to add that also or maybe get away with bushwackers. With what I said you would be a lot better off than starting with a cheap older vehicle.

Tonka350 · Jan 29, 2012

hey bud, I would have to agree with everyone here who hasn't done it LOL.....take it from a guy who has ONLY done the front end swap....doing the front end alone and getting the paint right cost me 5k dollars....doing the custom suspension I'm looking at is 10k dollars ( not happening any time soon ) and doing a motor swap is going to cost AT LEAST 6-7k dollars. do yourself a favor and just find a low priced 08-09.....you'll be much happier in the long run.

Chad

17BLKplat · Jan 29, 2012

There was an 08 with a 2011 front end on eBay about a week ago.. Was around 36k for the truck. It was all white.
I wanted to do a 2011 front end and interior swap on my 06... You can see in my sig that I took the easier route haha

I'd stick with what everyone was has said and look for a cheaper 08-09 truck. Without time and a great amount of money, it'll most likely end up being more of a headache than we even see now.

But if you're ready for a bumpy road and a really cool success story- start another thread cause I'll definitely sub to it