Potential host - 6.5L diesel tahoe 2DR 95-97 Z71

[Marshalltx]

I've got a cummins 5.9L ext cab 4x4 ram, but at 10K lbs it tends to be a bit heavy and cumbersome in mud and for tighter trails. Looking for a smaller trail vehicle, and really like the idea of a diesel. Would the tahoe host in the subject line be a good host to build from? All my buddies are suggesting older 4runners as the best small SUV trail/mud rig. New to this game so not sure what on those older tahoes are the normal issues or if there's a major design deficiency that will be a recurring (unnatrural) expense. Am i completely hosing myself in the aftermarket options not going toyota? Thanks,

 

[Mr. Leary]

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/1841790267.html

Didn't remember if I had sent you that one yet...

BTW, welcome to ExPo, buddy!

 

[Marshalltx]

Hadn't seen that one. Is that the 4banger diesel you were gonna do engine swap on 4runner with? (just checkin the math on GM since I'm always swimming in toyotas with you,yates, poot, Hantla, etc)

 

[Mr. Leary]

Hadn't seen that one. Is that the 4banger diesel you were gonna do engine swap on 4runner with? (just checkin the math on GM since I'm always swimming in toyotas with you,yates, poot, Hantla, etc)

That was the one I was thinking about swapping into the old Cruiser. If figured you would be used to the noise... might be right up your alley... and 25+ mpg.

 

[lstzephyr]

Light, small trail vehicle thats not cumbersome in mud...hmmm,

Or if you truly insist on 4 wheels

:sombrero:

But seriously, I doubt that tahoe will be a bunch lighter, aren't those 6.5s pretty heavy? If I was going to go to something as a pure mud vehicle, or a truck for very muddy trails and still be capable of carrying a decent load for camping and whatnot I'd be thinking a Jeep Cherokee, reliable engine, lighter, lots of options, 4dr or 2dr, small, etc.

 

[PAToyota]

I'd love a 2DR diesel Tahoe!

A lot depends on size. Obviously, the Tahoe is significantly larger than a 4Runner. A benefit when you're trying to carry things and a detriment when you're trying to squeeze through the trails.

The big thing on the '95 to '97 you mention is the PMD (pump mounted driver) for the fuel injection. They overheat and fail. But the simple fix is a kit that mounts it remotely. My '93 has the mechanical injection instead of the electronic injection and all of the computer stuff. Again, less to go wrong. Some have converted the later versions back to the mechanical setup.

A really good resource for the 6.5 engines is www.thedieselpage.com

 

[78Bronco]

Cucv?

I would hate to see what would happen to the 1/2 ton front suspension of the tahoe with a 6.5L

If I could suggest getting an older convertible blazer from a military auction that already has good diffs and a diesel engine. The 6.2L NA Diesel can be awakened with a turbo and tune. Going the older militiray blazer option already has beefier drivetrain, solid axles and they are cheap too.:victory:

 

[waynemaple]

Where can you get military K-5s around the pacific northwest? Drove one for a few months in Alaska, that was a very tough old beater. Bad starter though but super easy to replace. Love the minimal interior, rather no interior. And fun.

 

[PAToyota]

I would hate to see what would happen to the 1/2 ton front suspension of the tahoe with a 6.5L

Maybe I misunderstood? To the OP, are you considering an engine swap into this vehicle?

They were uncommon, but you could get the 2DR Tahoe with a 6.5 factory installed.

 

[DT75FLH]

I would hate to see what would happen to the 1/2 ton front suspension of the tahoe with a 6.5L

If I could suggest getting an older convertible blazer from a military auction that already has good diffs and a diesel engine. The 6.2L NA Diesel can be awakened with a turbo and tune. Going the older militiray blazer option already has beefier drivetrain, solid axles and they are cheap too.:victory:

the blazer got the 10 bolt axles. same engine / turbo 400 tranny thou

the pick ups got the 14 bolt rear / dana 60 front with detroit locker and 4.56 gears

the 6.5 is a good motor. ... with the turbo it will get out of its own way and return decent mileage. I have a 6.2 in the yard with 280k miles on it. it broke the crank ...but when i tore it down the cylinders had NO WEAR in them ...i was surprised.

remote mount the PMD and drive it. keep it stock and it will be a good motor. the diesel page is a great resource for those vehicles and you can buy them there also.

 

[Bullseye240]

I have a 94 Two door BLAZER with the 6.5 and love it. It currently has 250,000 miles on it and is running strong. I had to replace head gaskets at about 210,000. Kind of a common thing as there is a weak spot in the design, but a good head gasket and a head stud kit to replace the torque to yield head bolts will fix that. While it was apart I was amazed to still see the marks from the cylinder hone in the bores. Slapped on new head gaskets and the trucks been fine ever since.
Remote mount the PMD with the Heath kit and you will have no problems from that. The 6.5 engine will never pull like a Cummins, at least it won't and last at the same time, but It was never intended to do that. People forget that the Cummins was a medium duty engine before Dodge put it in their light duty pick-up. You should also watch out for overheating from a marginal cooling system, leaks from the stock oil cooler lines and if you hear a bell ringing sound when you shut the truck off, replace the harmonic balancer.
The 6.5 came with the 4l80E trans which is very stout but an extra cooler wont hurt either. I mounted mine under the rear floor with a 10 inch fan on it and my trans never even gets close to hot.
Boy just writing this makes me miss my truck more and more. Can't wait to get home to drive it!!!:smiley_drive:

 

[78Bronco]

Maybe I misunderstood? To the OP, are you considering an engine swap into this vehicle?

They were uncommon, but you could get the 2DR Tahoe with a 6.5 factory installed.

Really, that's cool then.

I too am confused by the "potential host" title...

 

[Silverado]

6.2/6.5 platform is a great motor if you keep fresh filters in them and religiously keep up with the maintainence items. Just don't expect the motor to reverse the earth's rotation and you will be fine....********