My 87 is a 1/2 ton Scottsdale swb gasser. What needs to be done to the truck for a diesel upgrade? I already have a reman'd TH400and torque converter and would have to get an engine rebuilt for it. Or, should I go to the scrap yard and get one already with a 6.2 in it and start from there?

well, I'd sugest going to the scrap yard and finding a few of these trucks. look for alot of things. if you really like your 87, then look at these pages and see what people are up against daily, and then look at the time involved. if you have alot of free F-ing time and energy, then I'd say to look for a wrecked 6.5 turbo truck. you'll get some power and fuel economy combined. if you choose to go with a 6.2, you must accept that it could get the same mileage as a gas motor if you don't drive it nicely. also, the HP/tourque ratings of this motor put your driving excitement at the 305 level. if you don't mind driving slowly and want to be frugal at the pump, then this is the right idea for you. I really like my little half ton 85 2 wheel. but, if I want to drive like I'm 16, I save no money. good luck with your decision.

just like black said, depends on how you want the truck to perform, I run a 82 chevy long bed 3/4 ton camper special with a 6.2L, turbo 400 and 4:10 gears, good get up and go, but poor freeway cruising with the low gears. But for back and forth to work and local errands its perfect. You can always build up the 6.2L for more power.