Diesel Conversion Specialists

The first thing you need to do, is decide on which Cummins engine you want to use in your conversion.  Although our kits include a lot of the same parts, knowing specifically which engine you are going to use will help us dial in your “kit” and get you and accurate estimate and make recommendations to which additional parts you may need.

We process orders when we receive them, and orders placed before 2PM will usually ship same day. If you have placed an online order for one of our “Getting Started” or “Comprehensive” kits, a Sales Technician should call you shortly after your order is placed to verify your application.  Diesel Conversion Specialists® manufactures a large number of the parts included in our conversion kits, but some of the items come from outside vendors.  In some instances these items will be drop shipped directly from the manufacturer to expediate shipping if we do not have the part stocked in our warehouse. 

If an item is out of stock, or we have it drop-shipped from the manufacturer, we will notify you on your packing slip of the stocked out or drop shipped item(s).  Back ordered items will ship immediately when received in our warehouse.  Although we do our best to ensure speedy delivery of our parts, we cannot guarantee same-day shipping on drop shipped items.

In most cases, you will be sent a tracking # the same day that you place your order.  If you place your order after 2pm MST, or the product has to be drop-shipped from the manufacturer you may receive your tracking number within 3 business days.  If you haven't received it by the end of the next day, give us a call and we will get it for you.

Returns and exchanges must be approved prior to return, and the customer is responsible for shipping charges.  Returns and exchanges will not be accepted more than 90 days after original invoice.  Returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee. On Cancellations, Diesel Conversion Specialists® does not refund shipping charges if the order has already been shipped.

For more on our Return Policy and how to submit a return request, please call a Sales Technician at 406-755-8878

The company was founded as fordcummins.com and was the original Ford Cummins conversion company.  As the company grew and the product line expanded beyond Ford and Cummins the name was changed to better reflect the product offering.  Fordcummins.com is now Diesel Conversion Specialists.

Diesel Conversion Specialists® sells parts and our conversion shop is located in the beautiful Flathead Valley in Northwestern Montana and is able to take on most conversion projects.  If you would like an estimate for a conversion, please call a Sales Technician at 406-755-8878.

Diesel Conversion Specialists® has DIY kits for some Ford ½ ton models from 1990-1996, Ford ¾ton and larger trucks from 1967 - 2010, and Chevy/GM trucks from 1973 - 1999.  In addition to these kits, we can perform almost any custom conversion in our shop.

Diesel Conversion Specialists® primarily focuses on repowering Ford and Chevy/GM Trucks.  Unfortunately, at this time we do not offer parts or support for any Dodge to Dodge, or Ford to Ford engine conversions. 

Diesel Conversion Specialists® currently only offers parts and service for Cummins diesel conversions. 

Yes, we offer a wide variety of parts to match a Cummins engine to your Chevy/GM transmission.  Adaptable transmissions include TH350, TH400, 700R4, 4L60, 4L80 and Allison.  Check out the Parts Catalog and Kit Builder or give a Sales Technician a call.

Occasionally, although we have sold a couple converted trucks, our business is focused on completing the conversions and selling our DIY kits.  Sometimes we do help our customers sell their trucks.  Feel free to give us a call at 320-440-2900 and ask one of our Sales Technicians if we have any, or know of any available.

We want to help you in any way we can with your conversion, but it would take large amounts of warehouse space that we don’t have to stock the various parts for all the different applications that we deal with.  We can point you in the right direction, but you will need to source any additional parts.

We can help you source a fully Remanufactured Cummins engines, but these engines are not Remanufactured or stocked by Diesel Conversion Specialists®.  In addition, we do not stock any used engines.

We have detailed instructions and technical assistance for every part we sell. If you buy a complete conversion kit (Or spend a minimum of $1500) you will receive an in depth installation manual plus technical answers to all your conversion related questions. We have done many conversions in our shop and have helped thousands of customers with their trucks.  Now you can put our proven parts, knowledge and experience into converting your truck too.

Yes. We sell a sensor adapter kit that includes adapters to help you install the stock oil pressure and temperature sensors into the Cummins engine.  The stock tachometer will work with our Tach Kit, and we include the instructions to help you get the wires all reconnected to your sensors without modifying the instrument cluster or removing the dash panel. In your 6.0L and 6.4L truck, you can also expect your boost gauge to work.

Yes. Diesel Conversion Specialists® currently offers 15 different Adapter Plates that connect a Ford transmission to a Cummins engine.  Modern Ford overdrive automatics are very stout and rated for high torque input making them very conversion-friendly.  The 3-speed automatics commonly found in older vehicles were very good in stock applications but are not recommended for diesel conversion projects. Modern 5 and 6-speed Ford manual transmissions are also very stout and conversion-friendly for those customers preferring to shift manually.

Yes. There are a few additional steps and parts needed but gas to diesel conversions are commonly done.  Additional parts needed include an intercooler, larger exhaust, & possibly a diesel radiator.  For automatic transmissions, an OEM diesel torque converter is needed plus you'll also need to remove the in-tank fuel pumps.

Yes, Diesel Conversion Specialists® engine mounts are bolt-in replacement. They come complete with polyurethane isolators and all the mounting hardware. Our mounts actually locate your engine for you. They will set your engine right where it needs to be side-to-side, up-and-down, and front-to-back, taking the guess work of engine positioning. Mounting the Cummins engine in your Ford truck with our mounts is actually easier than putting the Cummins engine back in a Dodge truck and faster than putting the Ford engine back into the truck.

Although some industrial engines will work with modification and additional parts, we highly recommend staying away from any non-Dodge Cummins engines, especially the electronically controlled engines.  We have found that Dodge Cummins engines are the most “Conversion Friendly”.  Check out our Engine Information page for more information.  If you chose to use an industrial style Cummins engine, be prepared to spend adidtional money on parts and time.

12v – Long block engine with Turbo, Power-steering pump, AC Compressor (94 and newer), Alternator (If you’re Converting a Gas Powered Ford, or a Non Powerstroke Ford Diesel), Throttle Cable, Downpipe, Fuel Injection System, Fan, Fan Hub, Grid Heat and Air Horn.

24v – Complete engine with Turbo, ECM & PCM with Engine wiring harness and PCM wiring harness, Power-steering pump, AC Compressor(94 and newer), Alternator(If your Converting a Gas Powered Ford, or a Non Powerstroke Ford Diesel), Throttle Cable, Downpipe, Fuel System, Fan, Fan Hub, Grid Heat and Air Horn, All Sensors.

Commonrail 24v -Complete engine with Turbo, ECM with Engine wiring harness, Power-steering pump, AC Compressor (94 and newer), Alternator (If you’re Converting a Gas Powered Ford, or a Non Powerstroke Ford Diesel), Throttle Cable, Downpipe,  Fuel System, Fan Hub, Vistronic Fan, Grid Heat, Air Horn, All Sensors and Intake Air Intake Sensor (not on motor, in intake).

460 gas engine – Engine Oil Pressure sensor, Coolant Temperature sensor

5.4/v10 Gas engines - Engine Oil Pressure sensor, Coolant Temperature sensor

7.3 IDI - Engine Oil Pressure sensor, Coolant Temperature sensor

7.3 Powerstroke - Engine Oil Pressure sensor, Coolant Temperature sensor and Alternator if planning to use the Ford Alternator

6.0 Powerstroke - Engine Oil Pressure sensor, Coolant Temperature sensor, Engine Oil Temperature sensor, Starter, alternator, Tach Sensor(if converting to commonrail Cummins)

6.4 Powerstroke - Engine Oil Pressure sensor, Coolant Temperature sensor, engine oil temperature sensor, Starter, alternator,  MAP Sensor, Exhaust Temperature Sensors.

1989 - 1998 12v Cummins Conversion – Conversion truck’s engine wiring harness.  94-98 Cummins Fuel Shut Down Solenoid Plug.

1998.5 – 2002 24V Cummins Conversion – Conversion truck’s engine wiring harness, Cummins engine wiring harness and Harness between PCM and Fuse Block.

2003 – 2005 Commonrail Cummins Conversion – Conversion truck’s engine wiring harness and Cummins engine wiring harness.

2006 + Commonrail Cummins Conversion – Conversion truck’s engine wiring harness, Cummins engine wiring harness, (ECM, SKIM module, and TIPM module and wiring may be required depending on desired tuning)

Download a wiring work order form here

*Currently Diesel Conversion Specialists® only offers wire harness modification services on Ford Conversion Trucks

Diesel Conversion Specialists

760 Airport Road SW

Hutchinson, MN 55350

No, if you are comfortable running electric fans you can leave the transmission in its current location.  However Diesel Conversion Specialists® recommends moving the transmission back to accommodate mechanical fans if possible.  In doing so, you will need to shorten the rear drive shaft, and possibly lengthen the front one if there is a suspension lift on the truck.

Every state has different laws regarding emissions testing and procedures. What’s legal in Montana may not be legal in California etc.  The bottom line is this, we ALWAYS recommend that you check with your local and state offices to determine legality. 

Diesel Conversion Specialists® does not have dealers, and is proud to offer wholesale pricing to the public without any additional sales tax.  We ship parts out of our Montana offices and warehouse.

If you’re looking to maximize fuel economy in your F-150 or Bronco then you have come to the right place.  The professionals at Diesel Conversion Specialists have created a kit that is full of components to help you place a Cummins engine into your truck and retain factory functions at the same time.

ZF5 Manual Transmission - 1987-94 Rated for 420 ft./lbs.  1995-97 470 ft./lbs. 

These transmissions work ok behind the Cummins, but the gas versions may have wider spacing in the gear ratios than the diesel versions.  If you are planning on high performance upgrades, consider a 6 speed swap- as the Cummins will produce more torque than this transmission is rated for.

The 2008 - 2010 Super Duty trucks are coil sprung for excellent ride quality and smaller turning radius.   The cabin's are spacious and well laid out.  There's no reason not to expect reliability in such a beautiful truck.  Let's get you ready to convert.

1988-1999 4x4 Independent Front Suspension (IFS)

Please have a look around our newly-designed website, it has much to offer. Stay tuned for more content being added frequently! Please do not hesitate to contact us and let us know if you have any problems, questions, or even a suggestion. Online ordering is now available.  Thanks, and happy converting!

2003-2010 Diesel trucks require use of the existing throttle pedal. Open this article to see how we identify these pedals to ensure you get the right pedal assembly in your conversion kit.

Ford 5R110 custom transmission tuning is fully supported.

The biggest advantages of using the Ford factory TCM is that you keep the tow/haul functions, retain your factory diagnostics with regard to the transmission, and the stock shift quality adaptive function is retained. We recommend our tuning services for the Ford TCM to assure proper transmission operation and to get the most from your conversion. Be certain to complete your conversion, per our instruction manual before driving your truck.

The 1999-2003 Ford 7.3 Diesel 6-speed works well behind a Cummins engine. Ford started using this transmission in ’99. If your truck did not have one of these transmissions originally you may want to consider using a ZF6, especially if you are planning to use your truck for heavy trailer pulling. They are rated for 520 ft/lbs of torque.

ZF6- Ford started using this transmission design in ’99 and they work well behind the Cummins. They are rated for 520 ft/lbs of torque. Our adapter plate for this transmission uses the Ford 6.0 starter, so no grinding of the transmission or engine block is required for starter clearance.

The best option is to use a Ford 7.3 ZF6 clutch with the proper flywheel all of which is included in the complete conversion kits and clutch kits that DCS offers.

Whether you have a 2003-2010 Ford truck that already has the 5R110 automatic or you are considering a transmission swap- find out all the particulars on using this transmission behind a Cummins engine.

This adapter plate kit uses the 6.0L Ford Power Stroke starter. This is actually the same adapter that was designed for the 6.0L 5R110 automatic transmission and it also works for the 4R100 allowing you to use the same adapter plate if you choose to switch to a 5R110.

There is a split between the 6.9L and 7.3L diesel engines in the late 1980's. Using model years as a general guide is usually a good way to judge which transmission you have.  However model year can not solely be relied upon.

We offer transmission adapters for the following Chevrolet and GMC Transmissions:

TH350, TH400, 700R4, 4L60E**, 4L80E, Chevy Allison 1000 5&6 speed automatics

 **Some 4L60E Transmissions use a 300mm torque converter. If your 4L60E transmission has a bolt hole at the top of the "tent" of the bell housing you have a transmission that will require our300mm flex plate option.**

When using a modern automatic transmission behind a Cummins, aftermarket transmission control will be needed for proper transmission operation. Find out more in this article.

If you have a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic, swapping in a 5-speed manual is something to seriously consider. The earlier transmissions were tough, but they simply were not designed for the torque the Cummins engines produce. Their input shafts are smaller, the clutches are smaller, and without an overdrive you will lose all reasonable fuel economy at highway speeds due to running the engine at such high RPM's. 

Some guys say the Ford ZF-5 is a better transmission than the Dodge NV4500 and others say just the opposite. That debate aside; from a conversion standpoint the ZF-5 is better and easier- this article explains why.

Open this article to see how full power screw, fuel pin, governor spring, and smoke screw adjustments can wake up your first gen Cummins.

Are you having trouble with your 89-93 Cummins? Check out this section for some help!

Trouble with your Common Rail Cummins? Check back soon for some answers- in the meantime call.

Already checked the lift pump? Well here are some more ideas...

If you are having trouble with the 1994-1998 12 valve Cummins, reading this article may save you some time and frustration.

General Diesel Performance Tips- this is Performance 101.

Diesel Conversions® provides this information as a guide to help you plan what components you will need to complete your project and also to define descriptions for the parts that are referred to in our sales information and in the installation manuals.

If you are considering using a Common Rail Cummins engine in your conversion project, read this article for valuable pre-sales information.

If you have a 2008-2010 Ford® F250 - F-550: 5.4 or 6.8 gas-powered pickup, this article will help you understand what it takes to install a  Cummins® engine in its place.

If you have a F-450 - F-550 here are few tips to consider before doing a Cummins conversion.

The Ford® Super Duty® 6.0L trucks are the easiest trucks to convert to Cummins® power. No modifications to the firewall, core support or floor pan are necessary. Find out just what it takes and order your kit today!

Many times customers ask about converting 1999-2007 Ford® 5.4 and 6.8 trucks to a diesel due to the fact that they can be purchased reasonably, or they already have one and would like diesel power. There is not too much difficulty with this conversion, as these trucks will accept a diesel super duty intercooler without modification and the frame and transmission mounting is the same as the diesel versions. So turn that gas burner into a diesel truck!

The Ford® Super Duty® 7.3L trucks are one of the easiest trucks to convert to Cummins® power. No modifications to the firewall, core support or floor pan are necessary. The stock radiator and intercooler can all be used as is with the Cummins engine, and the fan shroud usually works with only minimal modifications. Read the overview for more information.

A Cummins in a 1980-1997 Ford? Yes we have the parts and knowledge to help you convert your truck - find out more.

Find out what needs to take place so you can install a Cummins Diesel engine into a 1967-1979 Ford® pickup.

Chevrolet Conversion Overview

There are a lot of older model GM trucks on the road that are prime for a conversion. Our conversion kits supply the difficult to manufacture hard parts, all connected to a technical know-how support staff that’s a phone call away. We can even offer suggestions for sourcing the remaining items.

The "Roverview"

To begin with, this won’t be an extensive overview as we just haven’t had the opportunity to explore all of the possible fitment options. We developed the transmission-to-transfer case adapter to leave the engine options as open as possible. Put in a 3.3 Cummins, a 5.0 Ford or a big electric motor—the limits are yours.