Great!
Sounds like you already have a plan and you've probably already thought of these things.
Please fill us in on some more of the details, and we love pictures.

Do you already have the engine and transmission?
Have you figured out electrically how to run the duramax without the original truck wrapped around it? There are a few wiring choices/kits out now.
What shape is the 65 truck in to start with, do you need to do much restoration work to it as you also swap the engine and transmission?
Do you have plans to upgrade the brakes to match the power and possible speed the new engine will give you?

How will the truck be used, and what rear axle gears and tire size do you have planned?
Gearing is possibly the single most important part of a diesel engine swap. I've driven a few diesel conversions with poor (slow) gearing, then the same trucks with gears matched to the intended use, the difference is like night and day.

Grigg


•1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
•1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
•1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-