2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Advice.....

[Lesli]

I have a 1998 2500 Cummins with an Edge comp, bhaf, BD X-monitor, DTT trans, BD intercooler boots, New batterys, New brakes, Firestone air bags, New power steering pump, New vp44, Fass system, New bearings and 4. 11 gears, New trail master shocks, 3 inch pro comp lift kit, 4 inch diamond eye exhaust and some other things that I cant think of right now. Its a regular cab and in really good shape it has 110,000 thousand miles. I was getting ready to sell it but now that i have it all fixed up and looking good I don't know. I have a new 3500 Mega Cab with a 5 inch lift and 37 inch Mickey Thompson ATZs. I don't really need the 98. But i have been wanting to build an off road truck for a long time something with 44 inch tires. I am thinking about using my 98. I want to remove the bed and make a flat bed. I also want to cut the front to make the tires clear i know it will need a lot of cutting but I don't really mind when I am done it will not be a show truck but a real off road truck.

What do you guys think? It is sure a nice truck to start cutting on but on the other hand selling it i will never get my money out of it. It has a strong drivetrain and i thought it might be a good platform to start with. Is the motor to heavy, should I go with a gas truck. This truck if I build it will be for off road use only I will pull it to the trails.

Please let me know what you guys think or if you have an thoughts on this advice is welcome.

 

[klaybus]

I would sell it & buy something else to hammer on off-road. Just my opinion though.



Clay

 

[JoshPeters]

The engine is pretty heavy... but... with the size tires you are looking to run they may help in the flotation department. Trail running, you would probably be just fine. There are other members that have run their truck on the trails and some light rock crawling and have done very well. Those trucks are still daily drivers... . so they do worry about scratches and dents.



JP

 

[Joe Mc]

Just MHO - sounds too nice to cut up and too front heavy to go bouncing around in all the time. Why not turn her into a full time drag racer? Maybe not your bag? If your heart takes you off road why not consider something bit lighter, like a Jeep, Dakota, or old (pre-86) Toyota pick-up? You could always use the 98 for the tow rig . . . You know, now that I think harder (sometimes it hurts - real BAD) the 98 would look SCHA-WEET w/44s??? Sorry not much help.

 

[Lesli]

I already have a 2003 Jeep Rubicon with a Rubicon express 5. 5 inch lift and 35X15. 5X15 Super Swampers, It does really well but I think something with 44 inch tires would just be that much better for somethings. I know that i need a strong drive train I just thought it would be a good start. I really wonder about the wieght issue, Is it to heavy? It sounds like most of you guy thinks it is. Has any one else cut up a Dodge Cummins to make a wheeling / Hunting rig out of it?

 

[NKenny]

I am in the same boat. My '01 has over 200K on the odometer, so I don't feel too bad about hammering it a little. I am all for the old pick-up filling a different purpose after it's "usefull" life is fulfilled. That being said, since you have a Rubicon, I would really suggest working on the 98 Cummins in a way that allows it to be somewhat street friendly so you can make those trips to the trail with all your gear, etc.



Once you get the traction aids up front, remove the swaybars, stabilizers, overload springs, etc. , your 98 will really off-road well. I would suggest bobbing the tail when you build the flatbed and flipping the rear spring hangers, too.



Is your truck an auto or manual transmission?

 

[DNewell]

first of all, I'd say kudo's on having the financial ability for all these trucks and such!!! Just like you said, you'll never get your money out of it if you sell it. Sounds to me like you have an emotional attachment to the truck that accounts for a lot. If I were you, and I had the space, I would just keep it and use it as an occassional 4wd'er. this way, you keep your Mega nice, and the jeep and 98 can be used as occassional rock bangers... I'm not much of any help, but by keeping the 98, if anything ever happens, at least you've got one waiting in the wings...