To D, Or Not To D

[d300wonton]

I am considering a D300 for hot rod type project. I am more interested in driveability and speed than low end torque for 4x4ing or hauling. Is D300 a bad choice off the top? With a big block motor, right transmission and rear end, can they be built for speed? I also want P/S and P/B, custom wheels. Are these things practical, or am I barking up the wrong tree? Thanks.

[712edf]

The things that you'd have to change to make it a "hot rod" are what make it a 300 anyways, so I'd start with something closer to what your goal is. Like maybe a half ton.
A D300 will have a low gear axle ratio, slow shifting transmission (if 4-speed), 8 lug dually wheels and ride like a truck.

For speed & driveability I suspect you want P/S, PDB, an auto, something better than the stock gears, softer springs, lighter aftermarket wheels & better profile tires.
Plus maybe comfort of A/C, assuming comfort is tied to driveability.
And we haven't even looked under the hood yet.

What you're seeking is certainly doable. It's just a D300 is further from your final goal than a D100/200.

Bucky

[PwrWgnDrvr]

The D300 frame weighs more, is stiffer and the wheelbase of a 300 is longer so the pickup bed won't fit correctly. Don't recall ever having seen a one ton flatbed hotrod. Ive put 200,000 miles on a 62 W300. Driveability and speed don't exist.
So to answer your question " Is D300 a bad choice off the top?", yes!

[d300wonton]

Okay, okay, you guys talked me into it. :-)
I'm thinking about this as my jumping off point: http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/5046524910.html

It looks like the hood is from the earlier model.

I like the ram bar in the front.

[d300wonton]

And thank you guys for the great info and insight. I think I will take on the challenge of improving the truck's streetability while recognizing it will always be a 1 ton truck and compromises and a balance will need to be struck.

Pwrwgndrvr, do you do any contract restoration or consultation work? I'm just down the highway from you in Oakland Hills.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

The hood on the Reno truck is correct for 68, which is a one yr only hood.
Do u have a truck now, or just wanting to get one? If u want the "look" of 300, but the ride of a street truck, u should just put a 300 cab on a 100/200 frame. The main difference in the cabs is the floor, running board steps, fenders and front valance. If u want a project like that, maybe u should come by my place and look at my parts and trucks stash. I probably have everything u would need. By time u get that Reno truck home u will be into it for 2500-3000 + a lot of time.
No, I don't do work on them for hire. Fix my own when they break, part others out and that's about it

[d300wonton]

Yes, my attraction to the D300 is purely an aesthetic one. I want the beefy looking cab. If i could put that on a D200 frame, that would probably solve a lot of headache. The only thing Id lose that i liked would be the duallies, but I would probably live.

The Reno truck I was gonna try to offer 1000.

[d300wonton]

Yes, Pwrwgndrvr, I'd love to see what you have and discuss options for piecing me something together.

[d300wonton]

Pwrwgndrvr, do you have the pieces to assemble what I'm trying to put together? Namely, a D300 cab, and a D100 or D200 chassis with a Sweptline bed?

[PwrWgnDrvr]

pm sent