Farmers have a reputation for solving problems with whatever tools and materials are on hand. Years of keeping equipment running in the field builds a unique mix of creativity and mechanical skill. That mindset is exactly what led Mark McIntire of Argos, Indiana, to create this Cummins turbodiesel powered 1968 Ford F-250.
At first glance, the truck looks like a clean classic Ford pickup. Under the skin, however, it is a diesel-driven machine that combines Ford sheetmetal with Dodge heavy-duty running gear and a seriously upgraded 5.9-liter Cummins inline-six. We spotted the truck at the Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Danville, Indiana, and it quickly proved there is far more to this build than a simple engine swap.
Part 2WD Ford, Part 4WD Dodge
The foundation for the project started with a two-wheel-drive 1968 Ford F-250 regular cab shortbed pickup. The truck’s body had survived in good condition thanks to spending much of its life in the dry western United States.
Mark then located a second key ingredient: a 1998 Dodge 2500 extended cab shortbed four-wheel-drive truck equipped with a Cummins diesel. That donor provided the drivetrain and chassis components needed to bring the diesel-powered Ford idea to life.
Because the Dodge chassis was longer than the Ford’s original wheelbase, Mark sourced a longbed from a fifth-generation Ford truck to make the proportions work. He says the bed was found locally but also originated from the western United States. Custom cab and bed mounts were fabricated to properly unite the Ford body with the Dodge frame.
Twin-Turbo Cummins And More Performance Mods
Dropping a 5.9-liter Cummins turbodiesel into a vintage Ford would already make most enthusiasts happy. Mark decided to push the diesel platform further.
The engine now runs a Hamilton cylinder head and camshaft along with marine-application pistons. A twin-turbo setup adds serious power, while a Fluidampr harmonic balancer helps keep everything operating smoothly under load.
Packaging the diesel powerplant presented a challenge. Up front there was enough room for the air-to-air intercooler and the A/C condenser, but not the radiator. Mark’s solution was to relocate the radiator to the bed of the truck. Coolant circulation is handled by a 12-volt pump, and airflow is maintained by a pair of Flex-A-Lite electric fans.
Beefed 47RH Transmission Can Handle Big Power
The Cummins sends its torque through a heavily modified 47RH four-speed automatic transmission. Inside the transmission is a RevMax triple-disc torque converter along with a billet input shaft, flexplate, and transmission pan from ATS Diesel Performance.
From there, power travels through an NP241 two-speed transfer case before reaching the axles.
Dana 60 Up Front, 14-Bolt Rear
Up front sits a rebuilt Dana 60 axle equipped with a Yukon Grizzly Locker to improve traction. While refreshing the axle, Mark also removed the factory vacuum-actuated central axle disconnect and replaced it with a cable-actuated 4×4 Posi-Lok system for improved reliability.
The rear axle is a GM 14-bolt unit fitted with another Yukon Grizzly Locker and disc brakes. Both axles run 4.11:1 gears, giving the diesel Ford plenty of leverage when the terrain gets rough.
6-Inch Lift, 38s, And More
Suspension duties are handled by a full BDS system. Up front the truck runs a six-inch long-arm lift, while the rear features BDS leaf springs and shocks. L&L Products ladder traction bars were added to control wheel hop when the Cummins delivers its torque.
The truck rides on LT395/70R16 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ tires mounted to 12-inch-wide Mickey Thompson wheels.
Interior Reminiscent Of The Truck’s Era, With Upfits
Inside, the cabin retains much of its vintage Ford character while adding a few practical upgrades. The factory gauges have been replaced with digital readouts along with a triple gauge pod that monitors transmission temperature, turbo boost, and exhaust gas temperatures.
A floor-mounted B&M shifter provides control of the automatic transmission. Aside from those additions, Mark kept much of the original interior intact, including the steering wheel and the distinctive plaid seats that help preserve the truck’s classic feel.
The Bottom Line
One interesting detail about the truck is the brown and gold exterior paint. The finish was sprayed in Mark’s farm shop by an experienced painter. According to Mark, every body panel on the truck remains original equipment, which speaks to how well the Ford had survived before the build began.
Mark completed the Cummins-powered F-250 in about a year. The finished truck showcases his fabrication skills, decades of off-road knowledge, and the unmistakable appeal of a classic Ford body backed by serious Cummins diesel power.
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