If the diesel engine in your truck starts to show its miles and needs replacing, you have some options, but often purchasing rebuilt diesel engines direct from the rebuilder is the most sensible solution. The rebuilt diesel engines you are looking at may offer different warranties and very different pricing, so it is vital to check out the remanufacturer before buying an engine. 

Short Block Engines

When you are looking at rebuilt diesel engines, there are several options that you will have to consider. The short block is typically just the engine block, pistons, and lower half of the engine. You will need to add the heads, intake, and many other parts from your engine to complete the assembly. 

For truck owners who plan to customize the engine in their truck, this offers them the ability to add additional performance parts to the engine and only pay for those parts one time. If you talk with the remanufacturer, you might be able to get them to use a better crankshaft, more durable bearings, and thicker cylinder sleeves when they assemble the short block for you.

A properly-rebuilt short block will provide a solid starting point for the new engine going into your diesel truck. 

Long Block Engines

Another option in rebuilt diesel engines is the long block. The difference in these engines is that the long block comes complete, except for the engine's accessories and sometimes the fuel system. Using the alternator, injector pump, starter, and other parts currently in your truck allows for a simple installation of the new engine. 

The engine rebuilder will assemble all the critical engine parts for you, so all you have to do is install the engine. A shop that offers rebuilt diesel engines will often need cores to start with, and many times, if you agree to give them the old engine out of your truck, they will often discount the cost of the engine you are buying by several hundred dollars.

New Engines

You can buy brand-new diesel engines that are complete and ready to install in your truck, but the cost of a new engine for sale can be significantly higher than that of remanufactured diesel engines, especially if you are buying a short block and changing the engine yourself. 

If you have a mechanic working on your engine swap, that might be the case because there is a lot of labor involved in adding all the parts onto the short block, but a remanufactured long block is nearly as complete as a new engine without the high price tag. These options are worth considering if you need to replace your diesel engine.