I'm relatively new to 2nd-gens, so bear with me.....

I recently picked up a '96 Ram 1500 xcab, shorty, 4x4, 318, 5spd. Yesterday, I got a whole '95 3500 4x4 for parts (less cummins, broken/rusty frame). I also have and a pair of '95 2500 axles.

I'm expecting this swap to be mainly a lego sort of affair. Are there any hidden gotcha's as far as swapping in the Dana 60/80? I see the rear leafs are narrower.

What about frame differences for doing a cummins/NV4500 swap later on?

 

You will need to swap out the hangers and shackles, for the 3 inch wide rear springs.
Other than that the frames should work well together.

You can just drain the gas tank, rinse with some diesel, drain it again.
Then fill up with diesel and a diesel in tank sender so you get the needed return line for the diesel fuel.

Use the heavier duty front diesel coil springs.

The rest should be pretty lego style assembly.

Enjoy the swap.

 

Good luck and post some photos.

 

Might be a little while yet.... I have a Ramcharger to swap first. But I can at least show you the 1500, and a couple of the donors

 

Excellent info!

Unfortunately I can't keep the p-pump engine... my buddy is using it in his boat. However, it will get a non-intercooled 12v/5spd and NP241.

 

Glad to help.

The circa '89-'91 12V Getrag NP-241 combo will work fine.

The biggest problem maybe the getrag shifter wanting to pop up under the dash of the 2nd gen.
I believe there is a ABS sensor over the center hump on the lower dash that gets in the way.
I have not done that swap, but my friend tried the Getrag in a 2nd gen and the shifter location was a problem.

You will also need to figure out a way to use the 2nd gen style radiator…
The easiest way would be put a '91.5-'02 style upper radiator neck swap on your 12V, to get the radiator hose headed over to the drivers side.