80's Dodge Crewcab

[nmanalo]

I'm thinking about buying a 1982 Dodge crewcab 1 ton 4x4 for a Cummins conversion. It has a small block, manual trans, 205 t-case and Dana 60's front and rear. Whats involved in doing the swap. I'm planning on putting a first gen engine, 5spd getrag, 1st gen core support/radiator/intercooler, grill, dash, cluster, column, wiring and ecm from a 93. I'll keep the 60 in front and swap the rear for a Dana 70 or 80. The t-case will also be swappped from the 93. All your help and information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again in advance !!!!!!!!!

 

[83 crew cab]

if you got a doner truck all you have to do to the 82 is the drivers side mont hole in the fram needs to be opened up 1/8 inch downwards so the eng will set in level



dont forget to change the front spings mine lasted a week till they were on the stops



I am still running the dana 60 in the rear but if you got one you might as well use the 70 George

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The 89-up crossmember under the engine was sunk down and used a spacer for some engine mounts. Check carefully that you can do what the '83 owner did--he should know.

The driveshafts and universal joints are considerably smaller on these crew cabs than on second gen Rams. You may want to upgrade to take the torque.

While the engine is out, fix the dowel pin (KDP) and remove, clean, loctite the bolts holding the aluminum gar case to the block--you can rotate the crank and expose windows in the cam gear to get to two of them, and two more are always exposed--one above the oil pump and one next to the dowel pin that causes most of the trouble. On first gens, I have heard of only a few cases, and loose bolts have been the culprit as often as the dowel.

You will probably not be happy with the NP435 4 speed because its ratios are so wide compared to the useful rpm range of the engine, particularly the first gen. you may want to turn the screw for governed speed a couple turns for more rpm.

 

[nmanalo]

Thanks again guys, I appreciate the info.

 

[78repowerwagon]

Sounds like you have everything you need with the donar. I got my front springs from skyjacker. If you need a part# let me know. I have to agree with Joseph Donnelly, the u-joints that came out of mine were a joke. I don't know how they lived with the 440 turning them.