2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Interchanging Body Parts

[SWashabaugh]

I have a 1995 ctd 2500 and i recently came across a 1995 ram 1500. Will the body parts all inchange. I also heard the frames were the same in the 1500 and 2500 in these years. Are there any other cautions i need to take in inchanging parts on these trucks.

 

[Bill Lins]

The sheet metal is identical- dunno 'bout the frame, though.

 

[DCreed]

had a grill guard for a 1/2 ton mounted to the frame, no go, different on the 3/4 ton. but that was a '99.

 

[David_VT]

Great thread, I am just starting early research about doing a cab swap on my 99. There must be a southern quad cab out there with no rust that can carry me around for a few more years. If I can do this with a 1/2 ton gas donor I am surely going to save money. At least that is what I am thinking... . hmmmm

 

[CSnyder]

I do ALOT of body parts changing at my shop and I can assure you all that it is much easier than most think. The biggest holdback on swapping 1500 parts to a 2500 or larger truck is that the fenders and radiator support dont have the holes or welded in nuts for the diesel parts. I have reworked a few in order to use the parts but it is tedious work. A few examples are the welded in nuts for the radiator and intercooler and the studs for the air filter intake. As far as cabs go you can mount a 01 1500 quadcab on a 96 3500 clubcab frame and so on to replace a cab but you also have the job of changing all the wiring over as well as the interior but its not too bad of a job if you have patience. You can turn a clubcab truck into a quadcab if you have the ability to rewire a dash and fuse panel also. Then you have to have a loaded interior because clubcab parts wont all work inside the quadcab. Occasionally after a swap gremlins can show their face but it happens very infrequently. Ive only actually had it happen on 2 trucks in all the complete ground up builds Ive ever done.



Hope this helps, Chris

 

[CSnyder]

As far as frames go they are mostly the same and in fact Ive seen some 1500 frames that are heavier than light duty 2500 frames. Dont ask me why Dodge did this because I dont know.