[davis21]

Ok so after reading a post here about a guy building a reg short cummins from a reg long bed truck I'm think about doing this myself but I'm think more about a 4x4 full out race truck. The one he built looked to be 2 wheel drive. My question is would it be "better" to shorten a reg long or go with a 1500 and strengthen everything. I ask because ill want the truck to be low to the ground like a 2wd would be but 4x4 idk how possible that would be with the solid front axel and all the steering and suspension. So anyone with experience please let me know or direct me where I could do more research! Thank you to all


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[WallaceCRD]

I think from a long box to short would be better but that might just be me seems like you will be spending a lot more going from a 1500 and making it more heavy duty


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[Broaner]

If u want 4x4 starting with a diesel is much simpler. The ifs in the 4x4 1500's isn't strong enough. The rear axle isn't either.

 

[davis21]

If u want 4x4 starting with a diesel is much simpler. The ifs in the 4x4 1500's isn't strong enough. The rear axle isn't either.

Yeah I know that I would have to spend a lot of time building the **** out of the drivetrain on a 1500 but I'm really worried about ride hight on a solid front axel.... I guess I could buy a reg long bed Chevy and shorten it lol damn I hate chevrolets tho! Wonder how hard it'd be to throw a dodge body on a gm frame.... Hmmmm


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[7woody2]

look up lcog jeeps theres guys out there with 40s stock. i have made long beds into shortbed and i also have saw people do what you want on 2nd gen cummins on line. there out there good luck

 

[Moochoff]

2nd gen 1500 would need motor, trans, drive shafts, d80 rearend, and boxed frame.

I think easiest way is to lower your 2500 and tub out the long bed :thumbsup:

For a "full out racer"

 

[Broaner]

How low do you wanna get in a 4x4 2500? As it sits stock the axle only has about 4" up travel before the bumps. You could lower it a bit without going totally crazy by cutting the coil and trimming the bumps. The more custom route, you could also remove the bumps and install coilovers with the bumps built in. For more info on that check out cumminalong's buildthread.

 

[180ls1]

Sounds like you should build a rcsb chevy 1500 gas truck with the 4.8l or 5.3l. Everything will be cheaper. A built trans will cost half as much and the those motors will take 600 horsepower bone stock. So you really only need a turbo kit, built trans and some fuel.

 

[Moochoff]

Sounds like you should build a rcsb chevy 1500 gas truck with the 4.8l or 5.3l. Everything will be cheaper. A built trans will cost half as much and the those motors will take 600 horsepower bone stock. So you really only need a turbo kit, built trans and some fuel.

So the IFS and rearend will take 600 hp???????

 

[rdefayette]

So the IFS and rearend will take 600 hp???????

how in the world did we go from diesel Dodge to Chevy gasser?
ain't the HP that'll kill 'em it's the torque and no they won't take it.
Not even close.

 

[Moochoff]

how in the world did we go from diesel Dodge to Chevy gasser?.

That's what I was thinking too lol. I say stick with dodge 2500 frame and suspension. You'll be ahead $$

 

[[email protected]]

On my old computer I had bookmarked a ton of RCSB builds. A majority were already diesels and just shortened.

Around here, RCLB diesels can be found for a good deal as they are mostly base model work/fleet trucks. Like mentioned above it's going to be much easier to shorten the frame and put a bed on than swap a whole drivetrain.

 

[rdefayette]

FYI, the frame from a 1500 is ENTIRELY different from a 2500/3500.

 

[davis21]

FYI, the frame from a 1500 is ENTIRELY different from a 2500/3500.

Yeah I know it'd be a freaking nightmare just thinking about ride hight. I'd like the stance of a srt-10 truck. I just don't know if that'll be achievable with a 4x4 HD


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[rdefayette]

Yeah I know it'd be a freaking nightmare just thinking about ride hight. I'd like the stance of a srt-10 truck. I just don't know if that'll be achievable with a 4x4 HD


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In a short answer, NO!

 

[Taquache]

FYI, the frame from a 1500 is ENTIRELY different from a 2500/3500.

No its not.... At least not on a 2nd gen, its completely identical right down to the control arms on a 2wd. My guess is 3rd gens are the same


I know this because my gf has a 1/2 ton RCSB with a cummins in it that my self and a few buddies built.

To the OP, for your application you want to stick with a 2500 simply for the better 4wd from the factory. You can lower it about 4" before you run into clearance issues between the pan and front diff when driving it. If its a race only vehicle you can get away with a little more if its set up right.

Look up Nitrouskix, his truck is a 4x4 2500 that he cut down to a RCSB :thumbsup:

Also if you wanting the SRT10 stance add that body kit, it'll lower the profile of the truck a little and help with the low appearance

 

[rdefayette]

No its not.... At least not on a 2nd gen, its completely identical right down to the control arms on a 2wd. My guess is 3rd gens are the same


I know this because my gf has a 1/2 ton RCSB with a cummins in it that my self and a few buddies built.

To the OP, for your application you want to stick with a 2500 simply for the better 4wd from the factory. You can lower it about 4" before you run into clearance issues between the pan and front diff when driving it. If its a race only vehicle you can get away with a little more if its set up right.

Look up Nitrouskix, his truck is a 4x4 2500 that he cut down to a RCSB :thumbsup:

Also if you wanting the SRT10 stance add that body kit, it'll lower the profile of the truck a little and help with the low appearance

well we are in the 3rd gen forum so I just thought i would give the frame question a 3rd gen answer.
You can not put the IFS 4wd from a 1500 into a 2/3500 frame.
The mounting points on the frame (in front of the cab) for the suspension are entirely different from a 4wd 1500 to 2/3500.
If you are going to lower it 4" you just as well should take the springs out as you are going to have the frame stops sitting on the axle housing. (ie. zero /or close to it/suspension travel).
The rear diff. from a 1500 will not live behind a diesel either (especially with the wick turned up).
But then again with a big enough dump truck full of money anything can be made to fit/work.
Just trying to keep it practical.

 

[davis21]

Yes I'm talking 3rd gen. And I realize we are talking about a huge amount of work either way


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[Taquache]

For the suspension yes, but as far as the fame being the same between 1/2 ton and 3/4 (motor mounts, size, boxed or not) they are quite similar not entirely different.


Also the Chrysler 9.25 in a half ton isn't as weak as people think, plus about $500 bucks and you can have better axles with a brand new diff gears. toss in another $300 or so and lock it up.

 

[bobannion]

No its not.... At least not on a 2nd gen, its completely identical right down to the control arms on a 2wd. My guess is 3rd gens are the same


I know this because my gf has a 1/2 ton RCSB with a cummins in it that my self and a few buddies built.

To the OP, for your application you want to stick with a 2500 simply for the better 4wd from the factory. You can lower it about 4" before you run into clearance issues between the pan and front diff when driving it. If its a race only vehicle you can get away with a little more if its set up right.

Look up Nitrouskix, his truck is a 4x4 2500 that he cut down to a RCSB :thumbsup:

Also if you wanting the SRT10 stance add that body kit, it'll lower the profile of the truck a little and help with the low appearance

Don't you have enough on your plate just answering all of my questions?


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