Firewall Differences 94-98 vs 98.5-02

[BRI7070]

The project,
1978 Dodge Ramcharger body on a 1996 Ram 2500 frame. I have installed a dash from a 1999 Ram 2500, so it looks like my 2001 Ram 2500, and will be installing all the wiring, vacuum lines the HVAC box from the 1996 so everything will be plug and play, hopefully.
To mount the HVAC box I am planning on cutting out the passenger side firewall from a 94-02 Ram and welding it to the 78 Ramcharger body so the HVAC will be bolt in.
So the question is,,,,, Is there a difference in the firewall and how the HVAC box bolts up between the 94-97 and the 98-02.
TIA,
Brian

 

[GAmes]

I think they are the same. I'm not sure about hooking the wiring from a '96 to your '99 dash though.

 

[BigPapa]

Gary's right. '99 cluster is driven by the ECM. The '96 doesn't have an ECM.

Firewall should be the same, I would think.

 

[JMcCoy]

Cool project. Are you set installing the '99 dash. I was contemplating the same project, but keeping the Ramcharger interior. I would think it would make for a cleaner swap. Good luck and post some pictures when you get a chance.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Given the overall width of the cabs, and their differences, I would think it would be quite a chore to get the newer dash in the older truck... I'm curious how it'll turn out...

As for the firewalls 95 to 99, they're almost identical, with only some minor differences on the driver side where the clutch master cylinder bolts in. Everything is easy enough to swap over. I've done several cab swaps to the older 12v trucks, using the later 24v cabs.