JustRamIt91

I'm tired of the cramped space of regular cabs, its all i have. I really like the ramcharger i had and was wondering if anybody has done a chassis swap? I've seen people sticking in a 4bt cummins, but thats just not enough for me. i'd like to find a rusted out, short as possible, cummins chassis to mount the ramcharger body to.

The more i think about it the better i like the idea, and i have a perfect canidate for this project. I would like to get all my ducks in a row before i jump into a project. I don't even know if they would be the same or would even fit on a shortened frame.


....i'll get more information on exactly what i want to do tomorrow.

JQmile

just buy a ramcharger, everything pretty much swaps over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2dyizsJvJQ

Trooperthorn

The only reason I can think to shorten a ctd frame instead of using a rc frame and swapping all the ctd stuff over is to get a heavier frame. There are plenty of 6bt ramchargers out there. I have yet to hear about frame issues. If you do use an rc, everything from dash to wiring to springs to axles swap over. So easy even this caveman has done it.

freight train

I know the wheel bases are different. A RC uses a 106" wheel base and the smallest wheel base you could buy a Cummins is a regular cab long bed which is a 131" wheel base. I have a 92 Canyon Sport and dream of doing this swap some day. If I were to do it I would find a donor truck and swap the engine,harness,tranny,t-case, front and rear into the RC. I have seen a couple of these done and never seen a problem with structural integrety. But keep in mind that most who have done this were not using it to tow more than a boat or accasional tow dolly. I dont think you would ever have a problem with the frame. But maybe someone who has will beg to differ!
Eitherway good luck and deffinitly post pics. I love to see Cummins swaps, especially RC's!

Riflemanusmc

Its been done. More than afew swap's out there. Nice rides.....

DevilzTower

what in the world was done to that RC? P7100? or a crazy max'd out VE?

JustRamIt91

Ok... for a little more info on what i'd like/what i was thinking.

I drive by this ramcharger sitting at an rv graveyard about 3 or 4 times a month. Its the exact same color scheme as my 85 ram, two tone blue on blue. This would be the truck, if i could get it for a good price.
I would next be scouring the state and insurance auctions for any 4x4 cummins diesel, mainly 98.5 and earlier.
I think i'd prefer a manual because thats what crawling is all about. An auto would be nice for owning rice burners that think they are fast.
As for tires i don't think i would exceed 35in tires, 33in are my preferred size.
A few things i'd like to do would be
make custom bumpers that wrap around to protect the fenders and quarter pnls.
Then rocker guards that would also double as a step in two spots.
If any metal was left i'd make a spare tire/cargo/gas rack.

An idea i had for the rear hatch, cut it right below the glass.
Then install a tailgate and make it both fold down and swing open, I already have the perfect brackets for this
Then the upper half would work like a pick-up cap would, and have some sort of explorer or volvo latch to hold it shut.

Trebor

Pennsylvania Conversion Rule #1: Take a trip to your local garage where the guy puts the PA inspection sticker on to get his views on if he is is going to pass your converted vehicle on a visual emissions inspection BEFORE you embark on your conversion. This is why most folks in PA choose a pre-1964 vehicle for a conversion. The other options are going to a Classic or Antique title BEFORE the conversion is done.

Crossy's son

Theres a guy in PA that does Cummins swaps as a hobby... My dad and I were at his house the other day buying some old chevy parts. He has an 89 bronco and a 95 chevy crew cab with 12v's in them...

JustRamIt91

Thanks Trebar, all my cars in pa get visually inspected :-D

Where about in pa brandon? Do you have any pictures?

Real World for this vehicle would be every day driving 1 to 3 days a week. Putting a boat in and out of the water a few times during the summer. Also an occasional car trailer. I'd like this thing to be a real highway warrior.
Depends if it was a manual or at, low gears with over sized tires to make cruising seeds around 70.