How does this sound..pick up a D1 with a blown engine for cheap...do a diesel conversion..chop/SUT and bob the rear for less weight and a better approach angle..lift and run 33's. Has anybody done this? suggestions? *flame suit on* I know the D1 guys will not like the idea of chopping one up.

 

Well the diesel converstion will set you back $10,000. The super swampers will reduce your roll over angle.
The ultimate trail rig is a DI with these tires.
http://militarytires.com/

 

Diesel conversion won't be cheap.. Even if you do your own labor. You can pick up some older D1s Real cheap With a decent engine.

D1s need some mods to run 33s. Axles, drive shafts, lift, ect..

 

spike, how did you know I had swampers in mind? lol good guess. ok, no lift..just cut fenders to get the tires under it and keep a low COG. seriously though about the diesel, how much can you pick up an engine for? I know the rule of thumb for engine swaps are come up with a budget then double it.

 

Check out RovingBeetle's D-Web posts on doing a diesel swap.

 

You're not going to want to run stock springs/shocks. Only diesel swaps I know of are TD5, 300tdi, and 200tdi. The D1 is also going to need some HD drive shafts. And axles shafts if you plan to run lockers

 

new springs are a must. Dropping in a diesel will weigh down the front.

 

Nitetrain-I knew you meant super swampers because everybody who mentions 33" tires always means super swampers. A really good M/T tire is all you need. To big of a tire and youlose articulation, horse power, steering, it really mess' things up.
But a used diesel is about $4,000, then you need a new bell housing, then new HD springs and shocks for the extra weight, new fuel system, new ECU, intercooler if it is a turbo.
If you get a LR engine it will just bolt in but you still need to do the other stuff. Not to mention that Urban Panzer would have to ship you a used LR engine from the UK and then you need to pay for oversized international shipping, customs is going to all but dismantle the engine to look for bombs, then they are going to read your e-mails and listen in on your phone call and check your bank records and only after they are satisfied that you are not a terreriost will you get your engine.
You are looking at $10,000 and a whole,lot of work.
There is a place in Canada that does the converstions using brand new engines, but you cannot import them to the US.
If you have a friend or family who could put a plate and insurance on the truck and then you drive "their" truck you could get away with it, but I doubt that DanRover will do that for you. And I dont blame him.

 

SS are becoming the next poser tire like BFG M/Ts KMs used to be. Everyone had them.. Not saying you are posing Nitetrain.

HP isn't too big of a deal for a trail rig, you want the Torque. Bigger tires Do screw up A lot of things though. $$$

X2 Too much money and work. The 4.0 in the newer D1s works just fine.

 

I know we've had the tire discussion before, but I really believe it comes down to where you go off-roading. I've done a fair amount of off-roading over the past 15 years and have seen super swampers go in 2WD where M/Ts can barely go in 4wd time after time. Here in north Georgia red clay is everywhere and packs in between the lugs, after only a few seconds with M/Ts you have what looks like a racing slick. Enough horsepower to clear them out helps to a degree, but clay is very persistant to hang in there.

you guys are probably right about the diesel conversion being way too much time and money. I just want some that can be repaired while on the trail and as we all know the DII 4.0 design does not fit the bill.