Frame swap to 4WD?

[simplysmn]

Very True Mark it all goes off of what you want to spend on a project

[Diesel]

Does anyone know if a GAS frame would work for me? I have my stock rear suspension and axle so if motor/trans/front works between gas and diesel that would open me up to so many more frame options.

[Mark Nixon]

I haven't noticed any appreciable difference from a gasser 3/4 ton frame and a diesel one.

Mark.

[Diesel]

Mark you are saving the day (possibly). So motor mounts from my cummins should fit where the V8 was?

[Mark Nixon]

Is is a "diesel era", 88-'93, frame?
If so, all of the holes should be there to do it, even for the mounts on the engine.

{edit!}
The last 2 will definitely be the tall frame, the 1st one POSSIBLY will, but the chances are less than 50/50.

Mark.

[dazedandconfused]

Id go with the second listing personally

[Diesel]

I am in the process of acquiring the space needed to make this happen. Got to have a buddy give me a little space and I can do the rest. I'd love to get the frame and get it cleaned up, painted, and do any repairs it might need first.

[Diesel]

Ok so the second listing is still around...

I think $1500 for a gas truck with no reverse is kinda pricey...I guess I could try an offer.

Mark I hope you're right that the 93 is tall because its a good while away from me!

[Mark Nixon]

Simple, tell him where to measure it, if it's not the tall one, don't go.

Mark.

[Diesel]

Still waiting to hear whether the frame is clean or not. I'm hoping one pops up locally!

[Diesel]

UPDATE:

Ok getting closer on some trucks but need a couple things highlighted:

If I choose to use my frame and swap over mounts from the GAS 1ton will the holes be in my frame?

Will the OD housing and output from a GAS 1993 360 Magnum V8 work on my A518?

[Mark Nixon]

UPDATE:

Ok getting closer on some trucks but need a couple things highlighted:

If I choose to use my frame and swap over mounts from the GAS 1ton will the holes be in my frame?

Will the OD housing and output from a GAS 1993 360 Magnum V8 work on my A518?

Yes on the holes.
No on the tranny parts.

The diesel uses a non-lock-up convertor, the gas is lock-up.
IIRC, there's differences in the passages when going from one to the other.

Mark.

[Diesel]

Thanks Mark...so what do you think: would you swap brackets to my good 2wd frame? Do I still have to pull engine if I want to swap 4wd parts on? I figure using my frame will save me from having to swap over a lot of little things...

Edit: if I only want to swap parts over to my frame would an older gas donor be a problem? Is the front 60/springs/tcase/brackets still going to work? Like this: http://lancaster.craigslist.org/cto/3057947261.html

[Mark Nixon]

Diesel, I mis-read your post on the holes, there are some that are off, or just not there.
Some guys are taking the 4x4 "donor" and stripping the brackets off and cutting the 4x4 frames up to make templates of the front framerails.
With it, they can bolt the template to the already-prepped 2wd frame and locate the holes for the engine cradle and the rear spring support holes.

PERSONALLY, if the 4wd frame is as nice as the 2wd frame, I'd just swap the running gear and body, but that's because I don't have the place or the patience to drill/grind 50 (exaggeration) frigging rivets to convert to a 4wd.

Besides, I don't care for 4WDs, anyway.

Mark.

[Diesel]

Oh ok I don't have the patience to drill all those holes. Then swap over to a frame it will have to be. I wonder how the gas front springs will like my cummins...