2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission frame lengths...

[THenningsen]

the way i understand it is that a regular cab long bed has the same frame length as a quad cab short bed, right? Only difference is where the body mounts are at the rear of the cab? Anyone know any specs on the different frames (reg cab long bed, club cab, quad cab short bed, and quad cab long bed)? Thanks

 

[THenningsen]

i thought fritz's ram page might have some info on this, but no luck.

 

[MonkeyMagic]

I doubt this helps... as I am guessing you are asking about Gen 2 trucks... but Gen 3 measurements can be found here:



http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2004/dr/drfr/drfrmo.pdf

 

[Loren]

The service manual for my (wrecked) 2000 truck lists two different lengths for the cab, as you expected. There are four different dimensions shown for the overall length of the frame. The dimensions are given in millimeters. The table is based upon the wheelbase of the truck and five different wheelbases are listed. From the 2000 model year sales literature, these correspond to:

118": Regular Cab, Short Bed

134": Regular Cab, Long Bed, and the 2500 series chassis cab

138": Club Cab (1500 only) & Quad Cab, Short Bed, and one version of the 3500 series chassis cab

154": Quad Cab, Long Bed

162": The other version of the 3500 series chassis cab



The table in the service manual shows the overall frame length for the 134" wheelbase and the 138" wheelbase to be the same, at 4693. 4 mm, between the frame reference points in the diagram. Certain cross members and/or mounting points are at different places however.



It appears to me that there are more differences than just the cab mounting points.



Loren

 

[THenningsen]

great info guys... . i'm trying to do a frame swap on my 2002 and I'm trying to determine which other frames will work to keep my quad cab short bed. I really need to break down and buy a service manual.

 

[Loren]

From my 2000 service manual I find that the overall length of the 134" and 138" wheelbase frames is the same. These wheelbases correspond to the regular cab, long bed and the quad cab, short bed, respectively.



The main difference is in the mounting points for the cab, which is what you expected. The distance from the front reference point to the rear frame crossmember is also different between the two cab styles.



My guess is that if you are handy and don't mind welding or riveting to your frame, you can make either of these frames work, but if you get the regular cab, long bed frame, you'll have to move some items that are in the wrong places. If it were me, I wouldn't want to weld on my frame, and I don't have the facilities to do a proper rivet job, so I'd find a frame that matched.



Aside: You don't say where you are located. If you put your city and state into your profile, other members may volunteer to help out. If you are near the Cincinnati area, you can come here (in Indiana) and check my manual.



Another resource to check for local help is the TDR Companion. It isn't intended for this sort of thing, but I'm sure that most of the listed members will be happy to lend a hand.



Good luck,

Loren