2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission rusted frame

[MShankin]

1996 Dodge regular cab 8ft bed gvw 8800
rusted frame
1- What year 2500/3500 frames can interchange with little or no modifications (ex. 95-98?)
2- The coil spring perches/cradles on my dana 60 front axle are rotted. Will these need to be fabricated or are they available through an after market source.

any help greatly appreciated!

 

[GAmes]

You sure have been sitting on the fence a long time for the first post!

You should do some measuring to be sure, but I think any 2nd gen ('94-'02) reg cab, 8 ft bed 2500 or 3500 frame will work. For ease of swapping parts I'd go 2WD to 2WD or 4X4 to 4X4, whichever you have.

Take the time to fill in your location and a signature line about your truck for future reference.

 

[Loghead]

The passenger side spring bucket on mine was rusted to the point that needle gunning it to prep for paint left it full of pinholes.
I looked around for a replacement but I never found one, so I cut the old one out, made a template to orient the hole for the shock absorber with the steel tabs that support the bucket to the axle.

I made the new bucket out of 3/16" thick plate (8" diameter, if memory serves)with 1/8" x 1" strip welded around the perimeter, except for where the sway bar and control arm brackets are.
I left slots in the plate for the steel tabs to stick through; I welded the plate to the tabs and anywhere else that could be easily reached, and the outer strip to adjoining structure on the two aforementioned brackets.

I was working with the axle in the truck, and while I'm confident in the repair, the job would be a lot easier with the axle on the shop floor or the ground.

If you want, I can probably find the template and take a picture of it for you, and maybe a picture of the repaired axle/spring bucket.

 

[CBloom]

I don't know where you are at or if it will work but I have a 99 quad cab shortbed 4wd frame that I don't need. I believe it is the same wheel base as a regular cab. Located in southern Illinois craig