I would like to transplant a MB turbo diesel into an older (classic) model American made pickup. I will be building this from the ground up. If I can't find one with a standard tranny how difficult would it be to adapt an American heavy duty tranny to the MB engine?
Did MB have 5 speeds in the older model diesels (I don't want an engine with all the electronic crap on it). I assume I would have to have a manual transmission flywheel. Is this a "more money than it's worth project"? I have a big shop and a butt load of tools to incude cutting torches, welders, engine cranes, etc. I am fairly mechanically inclined and have a "diesel doctor" buddy to assist with checking out the engine and doing all the plumbing once the engine is set in the frame. Any assistance, war stories or advice would be greatly appreciated.

190D's were imported with 5 speeds at least in the early years (1984 and up).
Can be found with 2.2 liter 4 cyiinder and 2.5L N/A 5 cylinder. I don't know if the turbo 2.5 came with a 5 speed. Those weren't as common though. May not be enough to move heavy american iron (72 hp I believe for the 2.2L).
Good luck.

Kevin
1979 240D manual 266000miles
1984 190D manual 142000miles