frame swap question

[dodged200]

Would a 1977 w series frame work as well or just d series 1/2 ton?

[LC]

LC from PA if you are thinking of swapping frames from late 70,s to sweptlines the frames are different longer wheel base wider and narrower in some spots can be done????/ if you check out all mount location etc Good luck LC

[OregonDodgeboy]

Ah-hem! (Quietly raises hand) Did this swap a long time ago with great results. Anything specific you need to know? You did search posts about this subject,... right? It pops up probably about once a month.

[dodged200]

I didn't know if the w and d series were the same. I'm going to lower my truck quite a bit and now that the 72-80 dodge trucks have lowering kits, I've decided to go that route instead of buying the very expensive fatman kit. So yes, I knew this was brought up alot, I just needed to know if the w and d frames were the same.

[soopernaut]

I didn't know if the w and d series were the same. I'm going to lower my truck quite a bit and now that the 72-80 dodge trucks have lowering kits, I've decided to go that route instead of buying the very expensive fatman kit. So yes, I knew this was brought up alot, I just needed to know if the w and d frames were the same.

I don't think they are the same. I haven't really looked at a W frame but the D frame would be way to narrow in the front to use leaf springs.

[OregonDodgeboy]

Wow, now that you ask I am questioning myself. I haven't looked that closely either. I want to think they are the same (for manufacturing simplicity), but from an engineering standpoint you would think they'd be different. Guess someone will have to go out and compare the two. I know that someone on here must have one of each to look at.

Now, about these lowering kits; please enlighten us. I'm sure that Slick and I aren't the only ones interested in lowering kits for 72-93 Dodges on this board. Got a link or something you can share?

[MountainMoparRobin]

Please more info on the lowering kits? This could open a hole new route, and I wouldn't mind one for my 83

[dodged200]

I saw it on moparts and ramchargercentral.com. I was very excited as well. Didn't keep any link, sorry, but I know they make them now.

[soopernaut]

I saw it on Moparts too however they must clear things out from time to time. I searched and couldn't find it.

[dodged200]

Hope this helps.

lowering kits for 2wd 72-93-IL
« on: March 15, 2008, 06:58:42 PM »

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are selling a complete kit to lower the 72-93 half ton Dodge truck and Ramcharger 4" front 6" rear $819.99 + shipping add $20.00 for powder coated arms

parts are also available individually +shipping

boxed-bucket lower control arms with ball joints $545.00 add $20.00 for powder coated arms
springs (1.5 coils shorter than stock $85.00
front shocks (they will not bottom out) $22.00
rear shocks (they will not bottom out) $45.00
shock plates-mounts $50.00
spring perches (must be welded to the rear housing) $25.00
u-bolts $21.00
stock length springs also available for a 2" drop front $75.00
installation at our shop $450.00

the rear is a flip. It puts the rear on top of the leaf spring. No cutting required to the frame in the rear.

In the front we use a bucket style lower control arm and shorter springs.
The bump stops must be shortened or removed in the front which is the only cutting you need to do.

also fiberglass interior trim molded off of nos 93 plastic interior parts coming soon. put the 1993 LE interior in any 1972-1993 truck

We are located near St. Louis in Wood River IL. For installation and ordering
contact Eric at Mid America Customs 618-407-7374 or eric@midamericacustoms.com
midamericacustoms.com under construction

[soopernaut]

Yeah, that helps. Glad that somebody saved the information and it should remain here forever.

[slick]

http://www.truckn.com/

I bought these for my truck. Pretty well constructed, it's just a recessed pocket in the lower control arm, then add a shortened coil and there's your drop. I was going to use them, but they didn't work with my airbag set up. The pictures don't match what they look like. I will post a pic when I get home..

I've also read that the D-300 lower control arm is already recessed so I would look into that as well

[CrazyMatt]

It would be nice to see some pic on the net of how a frame swap is done - finished project wise