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Has anyone done a John Deere swap?

52924 Views 39 Replies 21 Participants Last post by  edpruss
I was searching the site and I haven't seen any completed Deere swaps. I saw questions about people using them but that is it. I was just wondering, if anyone has done one if they could post some pics. and/or info about it. Thanks.
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I am also looking for someone that has completed the a john deere swap. If you find anyone please let me know.

F.Y.I.
Want to put a 5030TW/T56(0.50-6th)/3.08(9in) in a 1940 ford sedan.
Not sure if any of this can happen.
I am also looking for someone that has completed the a john deere swap. If you find anyone please let me know.

F.Y.I.
Want to put a 5030TW/T56(0.50-6th)/3.08(9in) in a 1940 ford sedan.
Not sure if any of this can happen.
Thanks for replying. I'm glad I'm not the only one interested in a John Deere swap. I too have a 5030 engine; model # 5030TT002. It came out of a CT332 track loader. Do you have your engine yet? Are you going to try to modify/increase hp?
I heavily considered using a JD 4045 (4.5L) when doing a diesel swap. Since I didnt have an engine, getting a 4bt was a cheaper option for me. I still want to do a JD engine swap someday when I have more time and resources. I think it would be awesome to have a JD powered truck. Keep us posted if you decide to do it.
JD Adams

I do not have an engine yet. Do you know/ have an engine that I can buy? If so, please let me know! I am not planning on increasing the HP, unless it is unpowered for my car. (Hoping I picked out a large enough engine without mods)
Sorry but I don't know about another engine for sale. The 5030 engines are used in generators, skid steers, and some smaller tractors. From what I have seen they are rated from I think about 70-100 hp with the 100hp version having around 250ft-lb's of toruqe. They are also air-air aftercooled (100hp model). The engines weigh 633lbs dry according to spec sheets. My guess is it would work pretty good in a lighter weight vehicle just don't expect to break speed records. I could be wrong though. I want to put mine in an S-10 4x4 for highway and some off-roading. I will be doing a complete teardown of mine to clean the internals in a couple weeks so I will take some pics.
Can you tell me what the bellhousing is on the 5030? Is it a SAE #3 or an SAE #4?
I think it is SAE 3 but I'm not sure. I 'll take some pictures of it and post them to see what others think. I'm thinking next week I will be able to start disassembly. I can't hardly wait!
Well I finally started taking the engine apart. I took some pictures as I went. So far everything looks good; no deep scratches in the cylinder walls from the broken turbo. I do still need a replacement turbo though. Does anyone have some suggestions? I know this engine can produce at least 100hp but I would like some more. Rated speed is 2,800 rpm, 3.0L. I was thinking maybe a 3.9 Cummins turbo with a 9cm housing. Any thoughts?
I have a lot of JD parts from a 550 dozer eng rebuilt cyl head, injectors new injection pump, turbo and pistons with about 25 hours on them. block is ok
crank is bad
I was doing some looking around on the internet and I found a compressor map for the Holset HX 25. By the looks of things, that would work on the 3L engine for about 120 hp. Does anyone have any experience with this turbo?
JD swap

Guys,
I have done a John Deere swap. I've got a 4045 in a 1995 Chevy K3500 pickup on the road and running. I'll be glad to answer any questions. Roger
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Welcome to the forum, Roger.I know that I speak for many who would like to hear your transplant story...and don't forget the pictures!
Yes please! Story and pictures would be great. Thanks.
John Deere powered Chevy

I have up loaded a few pictures in my album. My conversion uses a JD 4045T engine coupled to the original 4L80E trans running 4.11 rear ends. I wanted the truck to look as original as possible. To avoid putting a hood scoop the IFS had to be removed and replaced with a solid axle to get oil pan clearance. Roger
Roger-----Glad you got on the discussion ,as I was gonna post your name and phone # . Did'nt realize you had switched the front suspension when I saw it at Ken's some 4 years ago . Did you take a 4x4 front axle and modify it ? Dan R.
front axle swap

Dan I used a front axle from a mid 70s 3/4 ton. I didn't modify the axle at all. I had to modify the transfer case to a RH drive shaft. I also relocated the steering gearbox to the outside of the frame. If I had chosen to go with 2 wheel drive I would not need the notch in the oil pan. Roger
What did your engine come out of? My 5030T came out of a skid loader so I have to find a different flywheel. Were you able to bolt the trans right to the engine or did you need an adapter plate?
The engine had about 5 hours on it when removed from a 650H crawler. I replaced the flywheel and housing with a SAE #4 housing and used a Phoenix adapter to couple the engine to the trans. I added three new pictures showing the adapter. The pictures in the album are cropped to reduce size. I'll email larger ones if you are interested. Roger
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I was impressed by the Deere 5030, too. The numbers look good, the design is very clean, and its sounds are quite impressive. However, I am not aware of any 5030 engines used in automotive applications which spooked me. I would be all ears if somebody does a Deere 5030 & compact pickup swap.

FYI - Regarding the original post, I have seen a JD 414 industrial engine put in an early-80s F250. The owner was pleased as punch when I cocked my head and said, "That doesn't sound like a 6.9...what engine is it?" He popped the hood for me and I saw that it was a tight fit.
Also, I believe that there is a guy running in my area who mated an early-90s F150 with a 4.5 Deere. I believe that engine would be a load for the F150 front suspension but I guess he made it fit. He has a Deere Diesel Power decal on the tailgate.
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