We're all fed up with gas prices. This is old news. Some of us are so fed up we're willing to go to great lengths to ease the pain. This letter comes from a truck owner that can't take it anymore:

I bought a Dodge Ram 1500 a couple years back, and have been driving it less and less because of the appalling mileage. I've also been shopping around for a diesel pickup, and while I can't afford a new one (still making payments on the gas-guzzler), it occurred to me: would a Dodge diesel engine, as is made for the 2500 and 3500 series trucks, be installable in a 1500 gasoline-engine model? Thanks! Chris

Wow Chris, it sound like you are willing to go the extra mile to save some cash on gas. However, I don't think you've chosen the right path in this case. Lots of people have swapped diesel engines into their gas-powered cars and trucks, and many have been very happy with the results. There are a couple of reasons I'd look elsewhere if I were you. The first, and most easy to do the math on, is the price of diesel. Diesel seems to be averaging about 25% higher at the pump than regular unleaded. That's a serious price difference. You'd have to make a huge jump in gas mileage just to break even.

The second, and more serious concern is the conversion itself. The diesel engine you're suggesting weighs a whopping 1,000 pounds, lots more than your gas engine. You'd really be throwing a curve ball at your trucks ride characteristics, and possibly safety, without making some serious suspension changes to compensate for the weight up front. I also think people underestimate the work and expense of an engine swap of this type. It's lots of work, even for a seasoned swapper. You can't just buy the engine, you will need most of an entire donor vehicle to get the correct harnesses, fuel lines, pumps, tank, etc. that are unique to the diesel. Bottom line, sell your truck and buy a diesel if you can't live without one. 1000 pounds for diesel engine. Need donor car, very involved swap.