I bought a 6 ton 48 GMC COE and want to put it 1 ton chassis with a newer duramax drivetrain- Its not going to be 4 wheel drive- but just a dependable cool tow rig and shop truck. You guys seem to know your stuff with conversions and whatnot- Im sure ill have alot of questions- just wanted to introduce myself- heres some shots of what ive got to work with so far

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/scotzilla/driverfront-5.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/scotzilla/coe.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/scotzilla/coe4.jpg

Anybody got any leads on a wrecked or rollover duramax?

Why wouldn't you just leave the chassis that's on it and turn it into a flatdeck to haul cars on?

Why wouldn't you just leave the chassis that's on it and turn it into a flatdeck to haul cars on?


Maybe easier to get parts for a newer frame? My guess at least.

Anybody got any leads on a wrecked or rollover duramax?

There is a guy here who rolled an 07 dodge cummins 4x4 with like a 4-6 inch lift it has I think under 10K miles and he's trying to sell it for $8000. (not a duramax but just a thought)

Cummin>duramax

im not here to argue what would be better- I want to go with a gmc drivetrain in a gmc- THey both will get the job done- THe 76 chassis is ok but if i used everything from a duramax then i could use alot of the existing plumming and speed sensors and abs stuff. Im planning on using a bobbed tow truck style bed and making a removable dove tail so i can drive onto the back of it. I dont want it to be too long to fit in parking spots or driveways

And you think the plumbing and ABS stuff will be good on a rolled-over or "wrecked" one. Riiiight. I'm not saying it won't all be usable, but depending on how and where it's been hit will determine how much IS usable. I've always been a fan of the KISS rule, especially for something that is going to be a work truck. If you want a GMC Duramax truck, maybe buy one? And let's not forget changing the chassis to a one-ton will decrease it's payload to, well, a one-ton...

And you think the plumbing and ABS stuff will be good on a rolled-over or "wrecked" one. Riiiight. I'm not saying it won't all be usable, but depending on how and where it's been hit will determine how much IS usable. I've always been a fan of the KISS rule, especially for something that is going to be a work truck. If you want a GMC Duramax truck, maybe buy one? And let's not forget changing the chassis to a one-ton will decrease it's payload to, well, a one-ton...

do you even think before you post? I want a one ton! Who cares if part of its damaged- Its alot cheaper to start with something that was already engineered to work with the powertain you are going to run instead of fabbing it all yourself- Why are you such a hater?:shaking: Everyone and their mom has a 1 ton dually- Why not build something with old style- new technology and dependability not to mention unique

I like it looks saweet! did ever thing fab up ok? was the steering hard to get right? tell mmmooorreee:smokin:

its two different trucks- origonally i bought the camo one on the 76 1 ton chassis- A freind did the frame swap and it was really simple and easy- FOr stearing it got a econoline stearing box- It doenst have a column yet but thats the easy part. Its got a 454 and a turbo 400 sitting back in the frame on a cradle. Ive measured a duramax chassis and it appears the conversion will be pritty straight forward-THe hardest part will be the stearing and getting the cab to sit as low as i want it to since the engine is right under the floor boards

That's sweet lookin' body. Now I want one.

What wheel base are you goin' for?

I'd pimp that shit up and down the coast...:smokin:

I'm not sure the keepin the Duramax frame and shitty IFS is worth the trouble...but engine, ECU, Allison Tranny etc would be saaaweet.


6BT Cummins would be mo' better...but keeping it GMC is cool , too.

Either way, just build that fawker.

I'd pimp that shit up and down the coast...:smokin:

I'm not sure the keepin the Duramax frame and shitty IFS is worth the trouble...but engine, ECU, Allison Tranny etc would be saaaweet.


6BT Cummins would be mo' better...but keeping it GMC is cool , too.

Either way, just build that fawker.

dodges run shitty ifs on 2wds too

cool build though

might try a straight axle & frt steer like motorhomes

scottzilla, you have a good start. No matter which way you end up going, make sure youre happy with it.. it looks good to me, but I dont own it, i dont pay the bills on it. I think a duramax would really make it cool.

build it. drive it. fawk the guys that dont understand.

believe me i dont give a rats ass how anyone else thinks i should build it- Im building it how i want it. I want the IFS to make the lowering and air ride easier- Plus it will have a better turning radius. My wifes only demand is it doesnt ride like a 1 ton- Plus having it lower will make it easier to get a car on the back. I havent settled on a wheelbase yet. I do plan on boxing the entire frame and modifying most of it- I know the motor is gonna have to come back a little-

THanks for all the props- As soon as i get a donor truck ill post some more updates

believe me i dont give a rats ass how anyone else thinks i should build it- Im building it how i want it. I want the IFS to make the lowering and air ride easier- Plus it will have a better turning radius. My wifes only demand is it doesnt ride like a 1 ton- Plus having it lower will make it easier to get a car on the back. I havent settled on a wheelbase yet. I do plan on boxing the entire frame and modifying most of it- I know the motor is gonna have to come back a little-

THanks for all the props- As soon as i get a donor truck ill post some more updates

Does your period button on your keyboard not work?- :flipoff2: -Just kiddin. This things gonna be sweet, i like your idea with using a a GMC/Duramax setup. Good luck with the build, and keep us updates... It's gonna be fawkin' saweeeet.

im not here to argue what would be better- I want to go with a gmc drivetrain in a gmc-

Technically, you can get Cummins diesels in GMC trucks. Well, you used to be able to, don't know if you can now. I mean big trucks, 4500 series and up. Cummins aren't tailor made for Dodges, surprisingly. Not arguing, just being a prick :laughing:

Anyway, I really hope you leave it camo like that. A lowered, camo COE with any kind of diesel engine would definitely be pimping supreme.

Do you know anyone in the insurance or tow business who can hook you up with the wrecked vehicle auto auctions? I would think that would be the most cost effective way to get the chassis and running gear you desire.

whats your price range for the rolling chassis? i spend a lot of time looking at late model salvage trucks, ill help ya find one. also, the 2000-2007 duramax powered trucks have boxed, hydroformed frames already. this is going to be a sweet build hope to see some pics soon!

i do have a few people looking for me but a few more wouldnt hurt- Im open to all options- :D Im gonna keep it camo but not that style- suprisingly my wifes wants it camo as well

A good camo paint job is cool and all, but with that sweet body I think an old school non metallic bright red or somethin' with all the chrome trim redone would be sweet.

this trucks gotta be outside for atleast ten year or so- until i get rich and can afford to build a tall garage for it- Ill will get blasted, epoxied and camoed so when i do want to go back and make it nice the base will be there

not much to report- Just swapped the green cab to the 76 dually chassis and cut up the stock one. Man 6 ton trucks are a bitch to work on compared to race cars-

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/scotzilla/greencaboff.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/scotzilla/greencaboff4.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/scotzilla/greencaboff5.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/scotzilla/greencabooncart.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/scotzilla/greenon76chassis.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/scotzilla/greenon76chassis2.jpg

fawk the cummins and the dura max, that thing needs a detroit!!!!!!!!!!!!!


where are you located? there are a few yards around here that have tow and flat beds on decomissioned wreckers. where is the camo cab?

Such a good idea. D-max, new frame, nice riding IFS all the new features with old school flare. Props. Looking forward to the finished product. Suscribed.

lookin kick ass, one suggestion tho, put a banks turbo on it

i like it. much nicer than a new truck. hell, ANYONE can buy a new truck. this one has style.

are you in livermore off of 1st street? I think I saw the trucks there.

yea im in livermore- Im gonna keep the camo cab and sell the green one- Im interested in an old tow truck bed as a start- WHere in vacaville are these yards? Or got any names I can give them a call and check them out?

you have a pm