Crew Cab Dually Conversion???

[JBurghard]

I currently own a 93 CTD standard cab and am in need of more passenger space, and will be picking up a 5th wheel RV in the near future so I would like a crew cab dually for this reason.



I cannot affoard a new truck so I wanted to do a conversion but I am not sure what would be the best truck to swap my cummins into. Also I currently have a Getrag and would like to look at going to an auto as well as retain a 4x4. Any info or comments would be a lot of help.



Thanks



James

 

[btanner]

depends on what you like. A conversion is very involved. One of the easiest ways to do it if you have a running truck is to swap the bodies and lengthen the frame. Bascially it comes down to what you like. If you like fords use a ford if you like chevies use a chevy if you like dodges use a dodge. If you want to buy a truck and then install in engine in it it is much more involved but there are several places that can help you. First search around here there is lots of information on swaps into just about any type of vehicle. This is from an email I saved on my conversion.

Randy at Reliable Diesel in Mesa, Arizon. He is the guy I bought these mounts from, he may have the right ones for an '84 as well. His number is 480-325-6262



Ken at Autoworld Hi-Lo. He makes mounts for these conversions. Also, he is a really nice guy and is good to talk with about your swap project. His number is 406-727-8915



Also, there is a website called fordcummins.com. They make kits to put the cummins in ford trucks, but they also make some chevy mounts and are coming out with a chevycummins website soon.



hope that helps



-ben

 

[BV]

It would have cost me about the same to keep my 92 Dodge and have Bayer add a couple extra doors then it did to by the F350 and put a Cummins in it.



I used fordcummins and would explore other options before using them again. Roger is a nice guy but has no idea how to run a business. PM or email me if you want details.

 

[JBurghard]

I would think taking an F350 crew cab dually that had a manual wouldn't be hard?



I might be wrong in my thinking but..... If I used my 93 Cummins with the Getrag out of my truck and the 205 that came behind the getrag shouldn't I just need new engine mounts as well as a new transmission crossmember... . Than the odds and ends like Driveshafts, elctrical, and fuel...



Am I making this sound easier than it would be or what?



Thanks



James

 

[BV]

Originally posted by JBurghard

I would think taking an F350 crew cab dually that had a manual wouldn't be hard?



I might be wrong in my thinking but..... If I used my 93 Cummins with the Getrag out of my truck and the 205 that came behind the getrag shouldn't I just need new engine mounts as well as a new transmission crossmember... . Than the odds and ends like Driveshafts, elctrical, and fuel...



Am I making this sound easier than it would be or what?



Thanks



James

If you are willing to use your engine/transmission/CAC/wiring then the conversion cost drops quite a bit, as for the odds and ends you will need Radiator plumbing, intercooler plumbing, different exhaust, some air intake system and yes some wiring. If you want AC then you open that can of worms and it all depends on how professional you want it to look.



www.fordcummins.com has some pictures you might want to look at. I think my 92 looks better under the hood but I spent more time on details

 

[mgoncalves]

I know of a couple of older crewcab Dodges over in Greeley that would make great donor bodies. I don't know if they are still there (I would imagine they are) or if they can be bought, but it's a start.





Matt

 

[MidwestMotorman]

If you want an easy deal James, check on eBay. There is a crew cab diesel 92 on there for three grand. Using your five speed, t-case, and 4x4 would be easy. Better hurry, as it ends soon...

 

[Thierry]

If interested I have 2 crew cabs that I will be posting on Ebay soon, 1 a 85 ex Airforce D350 Longbed, rough but still serviceable, motor does not run, the other a 82 D350 shortbed 2 wheel drive in great shape, no drive train

Also have a bunch of extra parts including motor if anyone is interested



email me for pictures

at dzlramATyahoo.com



Located in San Diego

 

[MMiller]

All the fords I know of have the front diff on the drivers side, and dodges are on the pass side. You'd have to get a ford t'case.



Since you already have a first gen, get a 1981-85 dodge crew cab. For the most part, these are the same bodies as a first gen. Grill is differnt, but the 93 stuff would go on it. The frame are slightly different, but it is the hieghth of the frame rails not the width. Drive train wise the 93 should be a reasonably easy conversion. Much easier I would think then another make truck. Spring pads would be the same etc. You could find a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton 4X4 and put all your stuff in it. However you would not have a dually. I don't think dodge made any daully 4X4 in that body style, but I could be wrong. Evey dually I have seen was 2WD.



I have been thinking of going this route myself. BUT I spied an early 60's dodge crew cab 4X4, you know the old swept line body. It was even a shortbed singe wheel. That would be cool. Be much more difficult gettin later model, steering, brakes, heat, and a/c+ all the body parts etc. BUT it sure would be differnt!!



Michael