junkracing

Hey guys I am in need of a little help. I just bought a wrecked 1996 dodge 2500 CTD/auto 2wd. Plans are to pull the toasted big block out of my 1971 suburban 1/2 ton 2wd, and install the cummins/auto. Can I just take the dodge wiring harness and computer and use it to run the motor and trans? I know how to do the motor part, just not sure if I can use the trans. I'm really hoping to b/c this would be the cheapest route to get an overdrive. Also, if I rebuild the stock front end (1/2 ton) will it hold up? Keep in mind that I'm only using this for a weekend cruiser. This may be an obvious answer, but I'm not sure and need a little advice. What do y'all think? Thanks in advance - Alan

sjbutler2020

might be wrong but i am prety doubtful the front end will hold up look at the difference from a dodge 2500 gasser to a cdt parts are alot heavier due to the weight of the cummins but hey who knows if your not planning on offroading good luck sounds like a cool project.

Dieselnick

I think you could easily beef-up the front end to handle the weight. It may be as easy as putting on some new leaf packs. You might also want to beef up the frame a little as well. The rear should be OK with an AT if you take it easy. hopefully others that are more knowlegeable will chime in.

Nick

rattlerbob5.9

He said 2wd suburban which should be coil springs i don't think i would trust the A arms/ball joints or spindles on that 1/2 ton front end even if you put in some better springs a complete 5.9 weighs in close to a nice even 1k pounds

Sounds like a recipe for another wreck and maybe ruin a good engine at the very least it would be scary to drive I bet it would rip the stearing gear right off of the frame .

Dieselnick

I figured a 2wd as old as a '71 would have leaves in the front. I don't know much about 2wd's. A complete 5.9 is 1200 lbs +/-.

Nick

junkracing

well it's probly getting airride, and I figuted I would box the front section of the frame in and the lower control arms, and go from there. I'm not completely against converting to 3/4 ton, but If I don't have to I don't want to. I really like the wheels that are on it, and its not in my budget to spend another 2 grand. I know a guy who converted his 02 3/4ton to 1/2 ton and backhalved it. with a crazy 24 valve. He don't drive it much but the front end is holding up.

Mcmopar

It can be done, using the 96 tranny will give you some challenges as the 96 is an electronically controlled unit. ATS has a valve body and controller that will work, or get a 94-95 47RH tranny and use two pressure switches or toggle switches to control lockup and OD.

junkracing

Will the ATS controller take care of the speed sensor in the rear end?

Here is a pic of the suburban. Do y'all think its worth it?

haloman

Its worth it. You swap 3/4 ton chevy front end parts to the front, swap the rear end from the dodge in, box the frame and you will be good to go.