new member (intro) with a new toy

[1971D300]

"What is easier?" Well, since I'm not that good at sheet metal work shortening the frame would be a lot easier for me. :)

As far as the frame goes since the number on the frame is different then the VIN on the data plate it looks like I have a cab from a long wheelbase truck sitting on a 133 inch frame. The frame shows no signs of having been cut down so I would have to say the frame is still in it's stock length. Since the 133 inch frame is meant for a 9 foot bed the current 8 foot bed leads to a big gap between the bed and the cab. While I would love to get my hands on a 9 foot bed I know that isn't going to happen. Since the data plate on the cab is not for this frame the 159 inch length listed on it does not apply to this truck as I have come to realize.

[1971D300]

On another note it looks like the transmission isn't an NP435 either. From what I can tell it's an NP445 (or NP4530 or what ever you want to call it). Here's a shot of the left side of the transmission. I have two exhaust pipes going along the right side of the tranny so I can't get a good view of it from the right side.

[Trailmaster]

I know what I would do and it wouldn't involve modifying the bed or the frame. A couple of chrome exhaust stacks would fit nicely between the cab and the bed, and the chrome wouldn't interfere with the smooth lines a bit.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

On another note it looks like the transmission isn't an NP435 either. From what I can tell it's an NP445 (or NP4530 or what ever you want to call it). Here's a shot of the left side of the transmission. I have two exhaust pipes going along the right side of the tranny so I can't get a good view of it from the right side.

The 445 trans is synchro in all 4 gears which is really sweet. I have downshifted into 1st as high as 35mph with no grind. However, it is a close spaced ratio trans with 1st at 4.56:1. Not the granny low of 6:1. On the downside, as a true 4 speed, u will usually have to start in first, rather than second. On the upside, third is higher and u can shift into 4th at 60+ with a 4:10 rear. All this makes driving the W100 383 SWB a blast.

[AZ69dartGT]

AZ69dartGT: If I went the diesel route would most likley go for a Cummins from an early 90's Dodge truck. That or a DD 6V53 just to be different (hey, it's a 318 ain't it?).

I would go for the early 90's Cummins (6bt) too, but the 4BT is the same thing only 2 cylinders less. Some people say there's not enough room for everything, then there's some who stuffed everything in there with no problem. With the 4bt its usually hooked to a turbo 400. Most get an earlier 5 speed from a Dodge.

[Jims68]

Nice pictures and good looking truck!! Thanks for sharing.

Jim

[OldDodges]

Truck looks great. I am seriously considering going that same route with a '69 W300 I just recently picked up. It's factory 133" w.b. and has a utility body on the back, which I'm not crazy about (ex-forestry/fire truck). Same deal as you, finding a 9' utiline isn't going to be easy or cheap. Hopefully can find an 8' sweptline body fairly easily. Mine has the factory duals on the rear, but I want to put singles on the rear and bigger tires. Your truck gives me a lot of ideas though! kyle

[1971D300]

Well, thanks to the Air Force I have to sell this truck. I placed a for sale ad in the classified section of the forums. Look for "1971 D300 for sale in Clearwater, FL".

[1971D300]

Well, the truck has been sold. Went to someone that saw my CraigsList ad and wasn't aware of the Sweptline Dodges so I told him about this web site. With any luck I will have another Sweptline truck by the end of the year when the Alaska PFD's come out. A friend of mine told me about a late 60's D500 that is an ex-Air Force truck. With any luck I will be able to talk the owner in to selling the truck as it has been sitting for a long time.