Msperlazza
Active Member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2010
- Location
- Clemmons
This has been a long time coming, but I have finally broken ground. For years (since high school), I have wanted to buy/build a dent side crew cab, but never had any luck finding a decent one to buy. On my 24th birthday, my brother called me and told me to come outside to see my gift. Not only did he buy me a 76 crew cab, but he managed to find a factory high boy 4x4 with a dana 60 front. Unfortunately, it has been a little over a year since he bought me the truck and I am just starting to get my hands dirty. Although I haven't been able to get much done on the truck I have been able to collect some parts (will list below).
Truck Specs (vague and going off memory, will update later):
1976
390/360 Engine (was told 390, but who knows)
4 Speed Trans
Divorced Tcase
Low Pinion Dana 60 front
Dana 60 Rear (?)
Service/Utility bed
Available Parts:
Full 1994 dodge 2500 Cummins, automatic, 2wd truck.
Two Eaton manual transmissions, one 5 speed and one 6 speed (out of freightliner FL60s)
NV4500 2wd transmission out of a mid-90s 1 ton Chevy (need to confirm usable with new input shaft?)
Plans:
If there is one thing I know about these plans, it is that they are likely to change as I get further into the project. Without having it apart and seeing how much room I have to work with, my initial thoughts are to use the Cummins out of the 94 dodge with the 6 speed Eaton behind it. If possible, I would like to keep the transfer case in it's stock location, but unsure how much room that leaves. Replace the service body with a short bed.
First, the body will come off the frame and I will spend some time fitting and mounting the motor/trans. Once they are mounted, set the cab back on and get the front clip back together and figure out radiator, intercooler, etc. Once I am confident the body can be set back on without any other (major) modifications it will be sent for body work/paint, and I will blast/paint the frame.
Advantages:
Full shop with any tool necessary; vehicle lift, plasma cutter, welders, forklifts, engine stand, etc.
Basic mechanical knowledge (have done engine swaps etc. before)
Disadvantages:
This is my first build of this caliber, and it will take me some time to figure things out
Lack of electrical/wiring skills
DISCLAIMER: This project is JUST starting and will take a long time. I have a lot of other obligations that could potentially get in the way (lets hope not).
Truck Specs (vague and going off memory, will update later):
1976
390/360 Engine (was told 390, but who knows)
4 Speed Trans
Divorced Tcase
Low Pinion Dana 60 front
Dana 60 Rear (?)
Service/Utility bed
Available Parts:
Full 1994 dodge 2500 Cummins, automatic, 2wd truck.
Two Eaton manual transmissions, one 5 speed and one 6 speed (out of freightliner FL60s)
NV4500 2wd transmission out of a mid-90s 1 ton Chevy (need to confirm usable with new input shaft?)
Plans:
If there is one thing I know about these plans, it is that they are likely to change as I get further into the project. Without having it apart and seeing how much room I have to work with, my initial thoughts are to use the Cummins out of the 94 dodge with the 6 speed Eaton behind it. If possible, I would like to keep the transfer case in it's stock location, but unsure how much room that leaves. Replace the service body with a short bed.
First, the body will come off the frame and I will spend some time fitting and mounting the motor/trans. Once they are mounted, set the cab back on and get the front clip back together and figure out radiator, intercooler, etc. Once I am confident the body can be set back on without any other (major) modifications it will be sent for body work/paint, and I will blast/paint the frame.
Advantages:
Full shop with any tool necessary; vehicle lift, plasma cutter, welders, forklifts, engine stand, etc.
Basic mechanical knowledge (have done engine swaps etc. before)
Disadvantages:
This is my first build of this caliber, and it will take me some time to figure things out
Lack of electrical/wiring skills
DISCLAIMER: This project is JUST starting and will take a long time. I have a lot of other obligations that could potentially get in the way (lets hope not).
Last edited:
This gonna be GOOD!!
