Krazy Project: D200 CrewCab onto a Ram Dually Frame

[archlab]

Has anyone done this?
I have a 1996 Ram 3500 Dually w/ a Rough Body,but good Frame & DriveLine. I want to put the Body from a 1963 Slant 6 D200 CrewCab onto the Ram Frame.

I know it sounds over the top, but it would combine the best of both & allow me to simplify into 1 project...if the Geometry is not too far out of reality.

ANyway, I'd love to hear what ya'll think.

ArchLab

[Seff]

the geometry would be a huge factor. is the 96 ram single cab, extened cab, crewcab? also what type of engine does it have?

[archlab]

Hiya Seff,
It's an Extended Cab w/ a V-10.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Start by measuring the length of the engine, then see how it will fit in the swept's engine bay.

[Seff]

also measure the cab mounts on both trucks to see how much work you will have to do.

[soopernaut]

http://sweptline.org/forums/viewtopic.p ... 67#p181367 This thread might give you some info.

[soopernaut]

I just saw this on ebay and it is a similar project. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-Ot ... 4ab10ba339

[gww]

may or may not be something here to shed light on what your wanting to do.
viewtopic.php?t=28592

[archlab]

Hey Gentlemen - Thanks for the info - it's informing me very well. It looks like there are some critical issues, but do-able.

Regarding the SPecific Posts:
1) That EBAY Project is interesting - I'm curious to see what the final bid will be. Due to my circumstances, I've got
everything I need to do the job, but buying a project like the '57 that is farther ahead & converting (if it lended
itslf to it) is worth exploring.
2) Soopernaut's Post about the CrewCab going onto the Frame is directly relevant to what I'm looking at accomplishing.
One thing that got my attention is the tight fit of that Diesel. I am concerned about my V-10's dimensions, but have
to recall that the V10 has 2 columns of 5-cylinder bans as opposed to the Diesel's 6. Also, My 1963 has a Slant-6, so
there is at least some hope. The only kicker might be the mounting locations of the 1963 vs. the 1996.

Another thing that was curious was the fusing together of the 1999 & 2000 frames. I might not have that issue
because I've got a long bed on the 1996....BUT, I may have to get a 'new' 1963 bed, as this one is a CrewCab Short
Bed (ex-USAF truck, I think...scramble, scramble

Once again, I appreciate your time in helping me out.

[mopardwh]

Your biggest problem is going to be the distance from the front wheel to the front bumper. Sweptlines have more fender behind the wheel putting the wheel 6" closer to the front bumper. I'm planning on doing the same swap. I put together these measurements for a visual. The way I plan to fix mine, is to remove the front suspension and mount leaf springs in the appropriate position for the Sweptline body. Both of my trucks are the same length so I'm gonna start with the grille fitting right in front of the intercooler.

[tinbasher]

I'm planning on doing the same swap. I put together these measurements for a visual.

so, for the 154" vs 160" wheelbase, you're going to add that 6" to the frame?

btw, my w250 1st gen ext cab donor is 149" wheelbase

[archlab]

I'm planning on doing the same swap. I put together these measurements for a visual.

so, for the 154" vs 160" wheelbase, you're going to add that 6" to the frame?

btw, my w250 1st gen ext cab donor is 149" wheelbase

Or maybe make a 6" Filler onto the Bed, perhaps in the form of a Toolbox/Storage area? It would have to be well-designed to not look bad.

it also looks like the front Frame from the Newer Truck would have to be dealt with. It could be cut off, but maybe a longer front 'deck' for mounting a winch (among other things) could happen. Again, it would need some design, but looks possible.

[tinbasher]

looking at the pics of that '57, it might not be a bad idea to splice in a straight section where the frame dips for the cab.

that would clean things up quite a bit from a side view and correct wheelbase at the same time.

then again, stretching the box might look nice too.

[gww]

this is a 70 mounted on a 2000 frame. as far as amount sticking out.

[soopernaut]

I knew we had some members who did use a 94 and up frame but couldn't find the posts when searching. It seems Cageman was also working on one or at least the front frame section off of one.

[tinbasher]

just curious, does anybody know what kind of tires are on that '57?

[Ryno]

Your biggest problem is going to be the distance from the front wheel to the front bumper. Sweptlines have more fender behind the wheel putting the wheel 6" closer to the front bumper. I'm planning on doing the same swap. I put together these measurements for a visual. The way I plan to fix mine, is to remove the front suspension and mount leaf springs in the appropriate position for the Sweptline body. Both of my trucks are the same length so I'm gonna start with the grille fitting right in front of the intercooler.

This is awesome information!!!!!