85 crew cab cummins build...
02-22-2011, 09:46 PM
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85 crew cab cummins build...
well after gathering enough of parts im building the old crew cab finally. Truck started as a 1985 dodge ram w350 that had a 360/4 speed/np203. im replacing the front leaf spring dana 60 for a coil spring dana 60 from a newer dodge that will be 3-linked. the rear dana 60 will be upgraded to a dana 80 with a set of traction bars. ill also be adding a small subfame to tie the front and rear together. new engine will be a 94 175hp p-pump 12valve cummins with a 5 speed nv4500 and a dhd241 case. some upgrades im making as the build goes together will be a big valair clutch, a he351vgt turbo, full 5" exhaust, injectors, some pump work, and a big line fuel system. truck will be riding on a set of 35" nitto terra grapplers and a set of 20" weld evo dagger wheels. the front of the truck is getting a styling upgrade as im putting a complete 93 chrome front clip on the truck as well as the dash and interior trim pieces. should be a fun build and should go pretty fast...
the crew cab when i picked it up...
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...4&d=1298184241
donor truck for engine/tranny/axles...
interior and front clip donor...
getting started...
there has been tons of progress since the last pic, but i will save those for another night ( I really screwed up the attachments some how and will need to redo them all). inside and firewall are painted so this week all of the sound deaden-er material will go in. i still have to take the seats to the upholstery shop and wait to hear back from my buddy at ACC on the carpet. chassis is 95% finished with the exception of the 5"exhaust and e-brake. i have to get the exhaust all mocked up then i'm having the last section that goes over the axle ceramic coated, it should make for a nice finish. all of the stereo equipment is slowly rolling in and will be installed fairly soon. i have been figuring receipts tonight and have just a hair over 15k in parts alone, no labor. every nut, bolt, washer, bearing, race, seal, and synchro has been replaced in every component of the truck other than the motor itself. most people think im crazy for spending the money on this truck that i am but in the end its what i want and you cant just go buy one at the dealer like this! its been how i have wanted it every step of the way and after a long 5 months to get this far the last one will be the most brutal. i'm trying to get it done the week before for the Florida race in gainesville, we will see how that goes!!!
james
the crew cab when i picked it up...
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...4&d=1298184241
donor truck for engine/tranny/axles...
interior and front clip donor...
getting started...
there has been tons of progress since the last pic, but i will save those for another night ( I really screwed up the attachments some how and will need to redo them all). inside and firewall are painted so this week all of the sound deaden-er material will go in. i still have to take the seats to the upholstery shop and wait to hear back from my buddy at ACC on the carpet. chassis is 95% finished with the exception of the 5"exhaust and e-brake. i have to get the exhaust all mocked up then i'm having the last section that goes over the axle ceramic coated, it should make for a nice finish. all of the stereo equipment is slowly rolling in and will be installed fairly soon. i have been figuring receipts tonight and have just a hair over 15k in parts alone, no labor. every nut, bolt, washer, bearing, race, seal, and synchro has been replaced in every component of the truck other than the motor itself. most people think im crazy for spending the money on this truck that i am but in the end its what i want and you cant just go buy one at the dealer like this! its been how i have wanted it every step of the way and after a long 5 months to get this far the last one will be the most brutal. i'm trying to get it done the week before for the Florida race in gainesville, we will see how that goes!!!
james
02-22-2011, 09:53 PM
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15K for the exact truck you want is cheap! And it will not depreciate much in value either. And you will have dead reliable, easy to work on (Because you know every part intimately) and crazy cool truck when your done.
I noted one of your other pics you posted of your front axle set-up...very trick!
I noted one of your other pics you posted of your front axle set-up...very trick!
02-22-2011, 09:57 PM
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thanks, i had around 30 pics loaded but i screwed them up somehow. i guess i can only load 5 attachments at a time. i will load the rest later.
and 15k is no labor, i will have probably close to 10k in labor for paint and fab work when is all said and done. paint labor is the killer!!
and 15k is no labor, i will have probably close to 10k in labor for paint and fab work when is all said and done. paint labor is the killer!!
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02-23-2011, 05:22 AM
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Now THAT is BAD A#%!!!!!!! 
I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again, but this is another fine example of why Dodge really missed on continuing to build four door trucks when they got the Cummins contract.
James, that front end is a thing of beauty... actually, the whole project is a thing of beauty! And as you said, you can't go get one of these off the dealership floor, and besides, even if you could it'll cost more than double what you have in it and it'll still be just another truck. I am in awe and envy of you!
I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again, but this is another fine example of why Dodge really missed on continuing to build four door trucks when they got the Cummins contract. James, that front end is a thing of beauty... actually, the whole project is a thing of beauty! And as you said, you can't go get one of these off the dealership floor, and besides, even if you could it'll cost more than double what you have in it and it'll still be just another truck. I am in awe and envy of you!
02-23-2011, 06:47 PM
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seat for the front to be recovered...
axles after being rebuild, blasted, metal etched primed, and sprayed...
fuel system with 1/2 lines and big truck filter...
axles after being rebuild, blasted, metal etched primed, and sprayed...
fuel system with 1/2 lines and big truck filter...
