LUVTruck.com

Hello all, its been awhile since i posted, no internet for a while there.

My 79' LUV 4x4 needs a new motor, its ready to come out right now, I can get a remanufactured 1.8 gas motor for $1250. But am thinking that I want the diesel motor instead.

I was woundering If the 2.2L diesel will drop right in place of the 1.8 gas motor I have.

I also acuired a 80' LUV 4x4 in exellent body shape, still contemplating selling or parting out.

well sorry to say but you can't put the diesel motor where a gas one should be, why?, because the starter is on the passenger side of the gas motor, and the diesel has it on the driver's side, that trannie just won't bolt up to a diesel.

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-Old ride-82 Luv diesel 5spd with some upgrades
-Past rides-82 Sierra, 78 Coupe De'Ville, 91 2dr Blazer, 86 RX7, 86 Porsche 944T (rear-ended and totaled)
-Curr. rides- 1970 Ford LTD 4dr, 390 4Bbl, 2nd owner! With a few Extras 00' Civic beater...

Thanks for the info!!

Minus the transmission shortcomings, the 2.2 diesel can still be dropped in the 79 4x4. The diesel engine will bolt right to the frame as if another gas engine would be going in. The 1.8 gas will have to be pulled with the transmission, because of the starter mounting issue. Since you plan to drop the diesel in a 4x4 you will have to go out and look for a 4-speed or 5-speed 4WD transmission special for the diesel. And if the diesel is coming out of a 2WD truck, also look to buy a 4WD oil pan for the diesel engine to work with the 4WD front suspension/axle. In the case of your ideas for the 79 4x4 diesel I think the wiring for the conversion would be the hardest part. Good luck if you plan to do it.

great info there, thanks.

I still am contemplating the diesel option, I think that would be ideal, but the wife kinda has me under the gun here.

So what year, model truck should I get the diesel, and 4x4 tranny out of?

Thanks

The year and model of the truck depends on whether you want the 4-speed or 5-speed 4WD transmission. In reality you can get the diesel out of any 81-87 Isuzu PUP, 81-82 Chevy LUV, or 86-87 Isuzu Trooper. From 81-85, Isuzu used 4-speeds in all their 4WD diesel pickups. But starting in 86 they switched over to the 5-speed for the 4WD diesel pickups and their new option of a turbo diesel in the Trooper. Now don't get me wrong here but the 5-speed trans is great for the overdrive gear. But in the case of the 4-speed trans it's considered to be bulletproof and is a tough transmission. The 5-speeds that bolted up to the diesels were the transmissions that gave you a problem. Most have to be rebuilt after 150,000 miles and in some cases earlier. But those are your options for diesel power in Isuzu's pickups. No problem to offer you the help and info too. Hope this knowledge betters your conversion attempt.

...is the 1.8L Isuzu Imark i have in my 79 4WD. It's a bomber motor, if a little slow. I didn't do the conversion, but I talked to the guy who did and he claimed that with minor motor mount fabrication, he was able to bolt it up! 50 HP and about 80 ft-lbs; 40 mpg; and can run on biodiesel (60 cents a gallon to make) or waste vegeatable oil with a heated second tank. Sweeeet!

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1979 4x4 LUV w/ 1.8 DSL
1990 Passat w/ 98 TDI motor (1.9 turbodiesel w/intercooler)
1992 Jetta ECOdiesel (turbo)
1996 Toyota T-100 4WD