Hi. Been trying to read up as much as I could on the 12v ctd and the 1st ten rams. I currently have a D100 w/ a 400/727 but I'd like a rig that's more suited to tow and haul plus 4x4.

So is there anything I should be on the look out for when I'm shopping?
Mods look super easy to get the torque I'd like to have, 500lb, but is there an order I should go in?
I'd perfer a 5 speed and have done some reading about the manual and the auto but haven't been able to find a good break down of one vs the other.
Body swaps? It's crossed my mind, any thoughts or links?

Thanks!

 

What state do you live in. That would better answer, what you need to watch out for..Western states use no salt. We sand roads out here, and the paint shows it!! But even bare metal takes a long time to get rust on it.

 

I'm in Washington, no salt!

I'm thinking about a W250 a guy has for sale, no axles though...

 

if you don't have to worry about rust.

Front end wear is a problem on these trucks, 1000# engine over the front axle all the time puts a hurting on them.'

If you're just using it to tow, a 5spd is the way to go. If alll you can find is an auto, its not biggie you'll just have to upgrade the torque converter with a tighter one and keep the trans cool for towing. But a 5spd is best for towing.

 

cool. I'd really like a 5 speed if I can find one.

My perfect rig would be a w250 with a manual 33" tires and a 72-80 body making 500lb. That would be sweet!

 

Where about in Washington are you?

 

Lol apperently the same place you are.

 

I've been thinking about the 250 with no axles and am realizing I won't be able to get it off the trailernif it's just a frame, I'd have to fix it where it sits.

Anybody have some axles, LOL

 

sure do but i'm kind of far away.

 

If I can't find any in my area shipping my have to be the way to go. I don't even know what years are bolt in, I know it did have Dana 60/70's in there, found a few 70's on CL but no 60's.

 

There are always LOTS of good deals on 4x4's around here, I've looked in other markets and they are always more exspensive.

It's real tempting when I see $600 W200's not to just pick one up...

 

Well unless that w250 is real cheap... i wouldnt buy it. D60s are not easy to find and are very expensive, you could spend almost 2k on axles and still need to rebuild them. I would look for a 92 or 93 truck, 5spds are much better! I have gone through 2 autos and have 3 rebuilds on one of them and 1 rebuild on the one im running, and i still want a 5 or 6spd also i would look for an extended cab. Good luck in your searches.

jason

 

Holy **** 1165lb of toque?! ****.

Well even with axles it may still be a good deal. It's all stock execpt injectors, it is an auto though.

I've seen some cheap 60's and 70's on CL but I have no clue what would be the best swap canidates. There are mostly rears out of ford or chevys. I've been looking everywhere for a break down of the differnces and what will and won't work with no luck.

 

Well I've found some axles out of a 93 w/ 140k according to the seller. I can put the whole rig together for about $2500.

It's an auto and would have me running all over the **** place, about 15hrs of driving..... Still $2500 sounds pretty hard to beat.

 

I'd look for a better rear axle. Skip the 70 and go to an 80 or a 14. Well thats what I'd go with if I had to find axles for my truck. You are gonna be stuck with the front sixy though.
Justin