Would this be smart?

[123abc]

Would it be smart to use an EXT cab late 70's dodge for a mild trail rig? I'm kinda planing ahead for when my cars done. I read that with the club cab trucks, theres too much flex in the cab and thats why I'm wondering about an ext cab. I'd eventually bob the bed in front of the rear wheels. Suggestions?

[Pavemen]

Not sure about frame flex of the 70's but its not too bad on my 97 1500. BTW, bob the bed sooner than later. Then pull in the rear axle. Ext cabs are too long, though I seem to do okay in most situations with my 139" wheelbase.

[123abc]

I'd like an ext cab more because of the room. If i wanted to go out for a weekend wheelin, I'd have lots more room than with a reg cab. Also, the more I think about it, i'll probably end up bobbing the bed right away.....90% because of its smaller size, and 10% because it'd look cool.

[tv_larsen]

I used to wheel my '75 Club Cab long bed regularly. Nothing serious, but I got it twisted up and lifted tires regularly. The frame on my CC is about 1.5" taller than on a reg cab truck. The frame flex was very minimal. The most I ever saw the cab/bed body line miss-aligned was about 1". The doors and tail gate all still opened easliy when twisted up.

Frame twist is nothing to worry about on old Dodges. Look at people wheeling long bed GM's and Fords from the 70's, they all have way more frame flex than any Dodge I've ever seen. Start with a CC short bed and shorten the wheel base as much as you can and you'll have a bad off-road rig. Check out Brdprey's (think thats his screen name) Dodge, I think it's similar to what you're thinking.

[123abc]

Cool, thanx for the info. I do modeling on the pc for a game as a hobby and made something like what I'm thinkin of. Here's a pic:



My plan is after my dad and I get my car done, I'm gonna save up for a nice trail rig that I can still drive to work and school etc. And being I'm a mopar guy through and through, I had to go with a Dodge.

[jedrattle]

I am in the planning stages ( actually dreaming-just lost my job-company sold out-bastards ) of a club cab short bed rig. The main reason is for more interior space. Mild trail use shouldn't be a problem but I want more than to do more than mild. I need to be able to tow with it and be able to put my cr450 in the bed. I know what your thinking too tall of an order for one truck. We'll see. I am thinking stock wheel base, bobbed step side behind rear fenders. A set of 60's on 40in MTR's with front/rear three links and coilovers The frame will be reinforced like crazy to avoid ripping the cab apart. I am having a problem with my powerwagon flexing the frame too much. My last trip out to the desert resulted in tweaked front fenders. It bent on the curve as it starts to bend at the back of the front wheel well opening On this truck I'm going full cage front to back to avoid the problem. I think coilovers up front will keep the front in better shape because,
the springs won't be pulling on the end of the frame like the springs do. I
already have the front link material, the club cab, rear 60, step side, efi 5.9
magnum, 518 trans, and some other small things. Plus winning the lotto might be helpful!!

[jstandle]

I think it would be a great idea. I'm with you on having the extra cargo space, always handy. Thats one of the reasons I'm running an XJ for a mild trail rig right now. We can haul everything we need in it and have room to spare.

Jordan

[SeaBass44]

I still have my 78 clubcab longbed 4x 4sale in N-cal, trade for a 68-70 charger, what ever year the dukes od Hazzzzzzzzzzz was

[J33P_XJ_89]

the dukes charger was a 69.......and if anyone has it..they better give it to me..before you...

[123abc]

I still have my 78 clubcab longbed 4x 4sale

Too bad i'm broke at the moment. lol I got another project goin at the moment anyways, a 67 belvedere. But, if you still have it within the next couple years (highly doubtfull) i'll let ya know.