Hey guys, I'm new here! I just discovered this site an hour ago, and you guys look like a very informed and knowledgeable group of posters for me to learn from.

I've got a 99' W4500 (40K mi/7400 hrs!! when bought and 63K mi./8200 hrs now) that I bought 1 1/2 years ago, with a somewhat wasted motor, thanks to the bozo who owned it before me. Does anyone have any knowledge or info about whether this swap is possible? I've been dreaming about the Dmax HP & torque swapped into the 4500, as I also have an 03' GMC 2500 Dmax with an Edge juice module. I'm wondering about issues like clearance, electronics, fuel pressurization, gearing, and systems integration in general. More trouble than it's worth? Should I keep throwing money at my anemic 4HE1-TC motor? It always opperates at the 14,500 lb chassis limit in the Colorado mountains at 6000' +/- altitude?

Are there ways to pump a new 4-banger up reliably, or....Is there a simpler swap to do that will give me reliable & somewhat economical better HP/torque. I get about 10 MPG now, although it's a real toad on the highway.
I'm also considering just swapping my box onto a NEW and heavier duty chassis (W5500 or C5500. Big $$ ?)

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, a little obvious advice from me. Don't idle your diesel all day for 4 years with trashed oil and a thermostat stuck open like the guy who owned this truck before me!! And, pull the valve cover BEFORE buying something like this from a friend of a friend/salesman who said it was 'well maintained' by the previous owner, who was supposedly a diesel mechanic. Ya, right! -:t Thanks. Daryl

PS....I originally posted this in the Med. Duty GM forum....Maybe this is a better place for it?

I finally got the chance yesterday afternoon to put the tape measure on all of it. The Dmax motor is to tall and too wide to fit between the frame rails and under the cab. The length was no problem. So, it looks like I'll have to live with the 4 and just do the repairs. It was fun dreaming about it though! :D Daryl