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1st gen Cummins 2x4 to 4x4 conversion

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Discussion starter · #501 ·
Speed thanks for the kind words. And whats up Dave.


As far as if I were to do anything definitely or start with something else. Well, the thing is I had most of the parts before I got the Dodge(4500/HP60/14bolt/205/front springs). I think I said it in the beginning (I might of not though) but I got the Dode for the motor only. It was supposed to go into the K30. But to do it all over again, I would of started with an 80's Chevy Crew cab. The only reason is I am really familiar with that body style. Nothing against the Dodge, its still doing great.

And its still chugging along, nothing has changed. I did get that wider Van 14bolt but have not installed it yet. And it looks like its leaking oil from the tip of the dip stick.:shaking:

Yes my springs suck, they have sagged a bunch about an 1" or so on the pass side and about 2" on the drivers. I will be re-arching them by taking them rite-way axle. But have not had time.

Also the sector shaft has play on my "new" PSC box.:shaking: I guess I should of installed the ram. Well after I fix that I will.

Speed- What you want to do is ask yourself what is the end result you want. Std/Extra/Crew cab, Long or short? And are you familiar with one of the 3 over the others? Drive trains can always be moved around and translated. The one thing that sucks is that Dodge never offered the CTD in a Crew. Also it was easier for me to leave the Engine and all the cabs wiring and plumbing alone, and work on the drivetrain(shit that I am really comfortable and familiar with). Remember its my first Dodge. And yes I love the CTD, with the 4500. I'm not familiar with the 5600, But I do know that it is heavier and longer than the 4500. Also you can make the 5600 work with a 205 although it would be a Chevy/Dodge 205. I have not seen a Ford 205 behind a 5600. Shit give me a a few and I'll make them work. LOL.

If you don't mind the LP maybe a K30 is good start. You can keep the Body, Front and rear axles and maybe the T-case. Or you like the Ford and a F-350 is better for you. You can keep the Body, Front and rear axles. although I believe that the trans and t-case would be swapped. Not to familiar with what will fit and what will last behind the CTD. Or you stick with a Dodge. First Gen you get to keep the Body, Front axle, (if a 4x4) the Engine, and the T-case. Second Gen lets you keep the Body, Engine and Trans. On both Dodges I would trash the rest. (All My opinions).





One thing that is different is I traded my little pop-up camper for a Lance!!! I got a late 70's 9.5' Lance. Looks like the OP kept it really nice. It does not have a shower or a shittier but a huge closet:homer:. So that will be one of my next projects. Oh and it had been left on the jacks when the wind picked up and torn them out so I will be reinforcing the corners (like I did on my pop-up). I will document it on here. I think that I can get away with not running a hitch extension:smokin: (even though I have one).
 
#502 ·
davyjeeper said:
Speed, I've towed and wheeled with all the big 3, and I'd get a Dodge with the Cummins and NV4500 or 5600 already in it. Only caution is, the Cummins is heavy.
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I agree with this, and I currently have a 95 12V Dodge 2500, but it's automatic. I could swap it and fix all of the things that need to be fixed, but I'm stuck because I just can't decide if it is worth it, or if I should start with an older truck that actually has more things I want, or maybe even a newer truck. I just can't make up my mind!

K5runner@hotmail.com said:
Speed thanks for the kind words. And whats up Dave.


As far as if I were to do anything definitely or start with something else. Well, the thing is I had most of the parts before I got the Dodge(4500/HP60/14bolt/205/front springs). I think I said it in the beginning (I might of not though) but I got the Dode for the motor only. It was supposed to go into the K30. But to do it all over again, I would of started with an 80's Chevy Crew cab. The only reason is I am really familiar with that body style. Nothing against the Dodge, its still doing great.

And its still chugging along, nothing has changed. I did get that wider Van 14bolt but have not installed it yet. And it looks like its leaking oil from the tip of the dip stick.:shaking:

Yes my springs suck, they have sagged a bunch about an 1" or so on the pass side and about 2" on the drivers. I will be re-arching them by taking them rite-way axle. But have not had time.

Also the sector shaft has play on my "new" PSC box.:shaking: I guess I should of installed the ram. Well after I fix that I will.

Speed- What you want to do is ask yourself what is the end result you want. Std/Extra/Crew cab, Long or short? And are you familiar with one of the 3 over the others? Drive trains can always be moved around and translated. The one thing that sucks is that Dodge never offered the CTD in a Crew. Also it was easier for me to leave the Engine and all the cabs wiring and plumbing alone, and work on the drivetrain(shit that I am really comfortable and familiar with). Remember its my first Dodge. And yes I love the CTD, with the 4500. I'm not familiar with the 5600, But I do know that it is heavier and longer than the 4500. Also you can make the 5600 work with a 205 although it would be a Chevy/Dodge 205. I have not seen a Ford 205 behind a 5600. Shit give me a a few and I'll make them work. LOL.

If you don't mind the LP maybe a K30 is good start. You can keep the Body, Front and rear axles and maybe the T-case. Or you like the Ford and a F-350 is better for you. You can keep the Body, Front and rear axles. although I believe that the trans and t-case would be swapped. Not to familiar with what will fit and what will last behind the CTD. Or you stick with a Dodge. First Gen you get to keep the Body, Front axle, (if a 4x4) the Engine, and the T-case. Second Gen lets you keep the Body, Engine and Trans. On both Dodges I would trash the rest. (All My opinions)
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Thanks for your input. I definitely want an extended or crew cab, that is for sure, as my 2nd Gen Cummins is reg cab now and I want more room. So that's where I cant decide which one. I was looking really hard at K30 crew cabs, as I do like those, but pretty hard to find anywhere near nice. And the dodge w250 and w350 are hard to find period for me. There is one pretty nice w250 around me but it's a gasser, so dana 44 axle and it is reg cab.

Any thoughts on the frame strength of the those 3 in these years? I would assume all similar, and I would assume not near as strong as the newer trucks. I was going to put all the money into my 2nd gen to get it where I want it, but it would still be reg cab, and there are so many things I would have to change I feel that it would end up stupid money.

Let me know more opinions!
 
#503 ·
A gas engine W200/W250 could be equipped with the 4,500 lbs D60/D61/D70 front axle depending on the year but they are very rare, especially in newer models. My D60s are out of a '81 W250, 360 4 speed. You can find Club Cab Cummins W series trucks but they are not real common. Crew Cabs are either gas engine or someone swapped a Cummins in. As far as Dodge trucks go, the Cummins frames are heavier than most gas engine trucks but the frame thickness does go up depending on 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton. Boxing the frame is always an option and will eliminate any frame worries.
 
#504 ·
For a long time now, I've been keeping an eye out for W250's & W350's w/ the Cummins & Getrag's. Sometimes looking for the later models too. Lately, I've turned to the insurance auctions. If you don't mind salvage or rebuilt titles (which is how I got both of mine), this could be a good way to save ca$h upfront & do a little repair work yourself. Don't know if this post really helps, but I've never seen anyone on here talking about this option :grinpimp:
 
Discussion starter · #505 ·
Another thing to think about. Do it like I did, get a 2x4. On a first gen you should re-do the spring mounts anyways, they are too short. And the Getrag from what I read is junk. The 2x4 are wayyyyyy cheaper than there 4x4 brothers.

And speed you said that you already have a 2nd gen with an auto. I do not know if your engine adapter will work with the manuals. But I do know that the manual engine adapters are the same from 94-02. And will fit on all of the 12v and 24v motors.

Maybe Dave can post some pics of his truck. Its pretty bad ass if you ask me. IIRC 79 HP Ford 60, Dana80 rear?, 64" rear springs and 56"? front springs on a 2nd gen. It sat low with 38's (perfect).
 
#506 ·
Truck looks awesome. You've done incredible work on both this and that blazer of yours.

In fact, you've done such an awesome job, you've got me thinking about doing the same and picking up one of these old cummins trucks. Out of curiosity though, how comfortable are the rear seats for adults? I really don't want another standard cab, and given that I'm not a ford guy, it appears my only other option would be a K30 crew with the wonderful 6.2 at least for now. Have you ever put a fullsized adult back there? Is it going to require a trip to the chiropracter afterwards? It definitely won't be very often, but there would be a possibility on some occasions.

Sorry for a rather noobish question, but I have no real experience with the room behind the seats. Here in Michigan, all these old dodges are pretty much rotted away.
 
Discussion starter · #507 ·
I had one of my buddies back there. He's 6'+, he ended up breaking the moulding on the back under the rear window.:mad3: The seats face each other in the back. And the most messed up part is that the Pass seat in not adjustable (front to rear). It just reclines and tips forward for entry to the rear. I would look into a crew if you plan on having anybody that is over 12 years old back there. Its cool if its less than 4-6 times a year. Or re-do the seat mounting so that the pass seat slides forward. I think that the rear area of my truck is more for sweaters clothes and shit like that.
 
#509 ·
The sliders from a driver side seat will bolt onto the passenger side. The only problem is that you pretty much have to put the seat back in it's original spot to get the seat to flip up far enough without hitting the windshield early or sticking up too far.
 
Discussion starter · #510 ·
Elwenil said:
The sliders from a driver side seat will bolt onto the passenger side. The only problem is that you pretty much have to put the seat back in it's original spot to get the seat to flip up far enough without hitting the windshield early or sticking up too far.
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Couple of questions for you.

How much height will that add?
Do you have a set?
 
#511 ·
As far as height, I would guess it would be no more than an inch. I have never actual swapped a set on but the risers on both sides are basically the same and the seats are identical providing they don't have the optional armrests so it's should just a matter of taking the seat off and bolting the risers in between. I can't think of any problems in doing it other than the need to get the seat back in the right spot to flip it forward as much as possible. The later seats have a dual release on them as well as the gas strut that may cause problems but I think it can all work together.

And sorry, I don't have a set myself. It shouldn't be too hard to track down a set though, they are used on the driver side of every Ramcharger. The vans used the same buckets but the left slider, the one with the release handle, appears to use a different part number. Not sure why, maybe it moves the lever to a different location, which wouldn't be much of an issue but I am not 100% sure.
 
Discussion starter · #512 ·
So I took off my PSC steering box. The sector shaft had play. Yet another Gem from PSC. That again got taken to Lee to get fixed right. I should get it back before next weekend. I know that the 1000 is coming up and he's swamped. Other than that the Dodge is just hanging out.
 
#513 ·
K5runner@hotmail.com said:
I think that the rear area of my truck is more for sweaters clothes and shit like that.
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I can second this statement. I have an ext cab 93 and not too many people like sitting back there. It is definitely nice to have the seats in time of need, but they are not for long trips by any means. The only ones that don't mind the back seat area are my dogs:shaking:.

Your truck is awesome, I really like the way your truck looks:smokin:. Hopefully I can give my truck an attitude adjustment like yours, right now my truck is stock with some toyo m55's on there.
 
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Discussion starter · #515 ·
adam5432002 said:
Time for a crew cab swap. I love mine, its awesome. Even thow its a short bed, id gladly give up the 2 feet of bed for that back seat area any day.
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Do you have one to sell?:flipoff2: or know of one? I will be all over it.
Even a complete Chevy crew cab truck would work.
 
Discussion starter · #518 ·
Okay. I found and bought a Crew Cab!

Its a 79', Ex-Air Force Truck (2x4). No motor and no tranny. Everything else is there. Just surface rust, no other rust. It does need a new rear driver side window though. I will be scrapping the rest of the body. Please let me know if anyone wants any of the body panels. Most are straight. No bondo or any repairs. The paint is original to the Air Force. I have a Short bed, front fenders, 2 grills, hood, dash, and radiator support. I will post this in the for sale section. The only parts I will keep is the cab, rear seat and rear doors. And the frame for now to be a roller.

Oh and it has 5/8" studs on it for some reason????????

I will post some pics of it soon.
 
#519 ·
A dually would have had 5/8" studs and use the old Budd lug nuts, but a SRW would normally have 1/2" studs unless someone swapped them at some point.
 
Discussion starter · #520 ·
Elwenil said:
A dually would have had 5/8" studs and use the old Budd lug nuts, but a SRW would normally have 1/2" studs unless someone swapped them at some point.
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Not dually but 5/8". It looks like everything is stock. Front and rear????? The rear is a 60 with studs and nuts to hold the axle shaft in place not bolts. I'm assuming not a 30 spline right? Definitely not a 35 spline. 19? Is it worth anything? Probably needs to be bored for 35spline. $5 at the recyclers? Ha.
 
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