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1st Gen. Ram - All TopicsDiscussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.
Did you save all the cummins front end parts from your donor? All the OEM 1st Gen 2wd parts are getting tough to find and if you do eventually go with the 3/4 ton suspension you will need the upper and lower control arms, and spindles to support the bigger ball joints.
Scored a front sway bar from a salvage yard truck, so I cleaned it and installed it. Interesting note: while trying to locate bushings for the end of the bar where it attaches to the strut rods, I found out that 88-95 YJ wranglers have the same size diameter sway bar as the truck strut rods.
Is there a difference from Cummins to non-Cummins control arms? 1 ton to 3/4 ton? I'm thinking in regard to bushings and ball joints
Not from what I have seen, cummins vs. Gas 1 ton no difference. As for the 3/4 it has come down to rear axle. If it has a floating D60 or D70 rear, same. If it has a semi floating 8 lug 9.25 I have seen 2 of these light duty 3/4 tons and they had non pocketed front lower control arms like a 1/2 ton.
Trudging onward!
I stripped the donor cab of all the neccessary wiring to convert the inside wiring to accommodate the diesel only particulars, ie. info center and super neat factory tach plug that 92 and 93 trucks came with. The latter was super important as I plan on adding a isspro R8503 tach and this makes wiring it up a breeze. I also wanted to add power windows, locks and mirrors as the RC was not equipped with them from the factory.
So after 6 hours of stripping and cleaning the old harnesses, motors ect. Installation began.
Note: for anyone wondering the truck did start when I plugged the cummins specific engine harness into the original gas RC body harness; all the gauges and lights worked as well, I am just being OCD by insisting it have all the diesel crap.
I was also chasing a leaky transmission pan gasket...it also gave me the excuse to upgrade to a reusable gasket and aftermarket pan that was an open box, but new item off Greedbay. First impression: it is a very nice pan for almost less than half the cost of a Mag-hytec.
Man, that wire loom seems like a scary monster to me but I guess once you get it out and separated from all the rest it ain't so bad?
I've been searching for one of those pans used. Was the open box but new cheaper than the $250+ that they have been going for?
Wiring is super simple, especially when it is not all mangled, sometimes if it is really complex or there are similar connectors, I will put a piece of masking tape on both sides of the connector with a number/letter system which makes it even more simple and easy to follow.
About the pan, seriously the thing is brand new, but they call it it opened, best part.....they have others!!!!!!!! https://www.ebay.com/itm/SALE-B-M-Ca...d=401602315489
Any updates on this glory 'charger? I recently picked up an 88 2wd RC. I think it will stay low and 2wd, as I have a W250, but not sure what will power it. possibly a big block, maybe a Cummins
Any updates on this glory 'charger? I recently picked up an 88 2wd RC. I think it will stay low and 2wd, as I have a W250, but not sure what will power it. possibly a big block, maybe a Cummins
Sweet RC, that will be a fun project for you!
I have had her on the road for almost a year. I changed the rolling stock recently. I also added some CTD decals to the truck. I bought some gauges to put in it, but with school starting back up it, those have been back burnered.
Last edited by Kansascrewcab76; 08-28-2019 at 11:21 AM.
Reason: grammar
As for driving....it is a blast! The truck consistently gets 22-24 mpg. Pretty wild to see 600+ miles per tank when I was use to getting 400 or so in my other truck. Plans are to swap the rear leaf springs and install an 8 3/4 with 3.23 gears; I am on a mission to get 30 mpg! The hope is with the new leafs it should bring the front closer to the ground and hopefully cut down on the front wind profile. I am thinking the factory fuel pump is next on the replacement schedule. I do have a 3200 spring to install in the next couple weeks so we will see how that all pans out.
Nice wheels to get you into 16's Did you need spacers? I think you'll find the gov spring making the difference on the top end.
IMO, try to simulate the ratio change with a tire size change first. I like 33's with 3.54 and the 5 speed (3.07 not tested yet). The a518 may be more particular as the OD is taller plus the TC slip.
My 2wd RC hasn't progressed. I've actually had to borrow pieces to keep the D250 going (5 speed and rotors). On the bright side, I've been gifted a '93 D250 (less engine) to have my way with. Intercooling may now be an option.
09-15-2018, 04:28 PM
Did you need spacers? I think you'll find the gov spring making the difference on the top end.
On the bright side, I've been gifted a '93 D250 (less engine) to have my way with. Intercooling may now be an option. 