Someone made mention of their being easier diesels to swap into a GM S-10 truck. I am interested in this, as it is the next phase of my rig.
I have a 1989 S10 Blazer 4X4, but I did a solid axle swap so I've moved the front axle forward 3.5" and I do believe all of the maor challenges to a diesel swap are gone- the front diff and so on. The only thing that remains is the heater box on the passenger side, and the steering arrangement, which honestly is easy enough to work around by way of an interstitial shaft and bearing, should it be needed.
So- the question basically becomes: what diesel engine is easiest to bolt to a 700R4 transmission without having the width issues of a 6.5/6.2 deisel? I am looking at the Mercedes OM617 family, Cummins 4BT, Isuzu NPR truck engines, and that's pretty much the extent of my knowledge.
Interconnection to the hydraulic system misn't a huge concern, as long as the hydro pump has enough flow to support steering AND braking, as I converted to hydroboost brakes when I did the SAS, as I knew Phase Three would be going diesel and thus I wouldn't have enough vacuum to run the OEM brakes (to say nothing of the poor braking performance when I went to such a larger wheel cylinder bore).
If anyone is interested, I am running Wagonner Dana 44's front and rear, 33" tire, minimal lift of approx 7".