I own a 1988 ford f350 4x4 crewcab long bet with a 460 and a c6 transmission. I am looking to convert this to a diesel. I am looking to buy a donor truck, 87,88,89. My question is can I pull out the 460 and bolt up a 6.9 or a 7.3idi? can I use the c6 that I already have? I found a 1988 donor truck 2wd for $900 and the guy says that it has a 6.9 in it. I have done some research and I am a bit confused. Did the 88 come with a 6.9 or a 7.3? can I just pull the motor and glow plug controller and wires and the few other misc stuff and bolt that motor right to my tranny and if it is a 7.3 can I do the same thing. Please help???

 

This is a classic case of having to transfer everything. If you get the motor in (and the trans will bolt up), you have to change the fuel delivery, lines (I think), wiring, radiator and coolers, and just about everything else.
You might consider fixing the diesel donor (if you can), and transferring the body parts you want on the finished truck. It might be easier.

 

You will need to change all fuel setup. I was going to transfer my f350 with 351 to diesel but was a lot of work. Would have to change suspension too. I just ended up buying a 1989 f350 4x4 5spd longed crew can with 191k for $1000.