So does this long list exist?

Needs to be:

2nd gen truck
12V cummins
Regular cab
Short Bed
Manual Trans
2WD

That's just what I really want. I'm expecting the answer to be something like "they made about 10 of them," or something.

The other option is to get a 1500, reg cab, shortbed, 2wd (easy to find and cheap), then build a bombed 12V with getrag and drop it in. From what I have read, I need a engine, trans, and rear axle from a 12V, 2wd.

 

I don't believe that Dodge ever made regular cab short bed 2500 or 3500 series. Could be wrong, but i've never seen one. I don't think you can just drop a diesel in a 1500 either. The suspension can't handle it.

 

For a 2nd gen 2500 or 3500 your options are either std. cab long bed or ext. cab short bed (98+ I think) or ext. cab long bed. Doing a swap sounds like more work then it's worth. Just my $.02

 

just buy a 2nd gen 12v 5sp single cab and cut the frame and put a short bed on it... that'll be your cheapest/easiest route

 

Yeah. OR, just get a std. cab long bed and be happy with it. The added weight of the extra 2 feet of bed isn't going to make a difference.

 

I agree with Forrest Nearing just cut a long bed frame and use a short box, lots easyer to find and the 1500 frount end will not handle the Cummins 1200+lbs. The 2500 and 3500 2wd don't last long.

 

the 1500 rear end isn't THAT bad... there are a number of 1500's running around w/ 5.9's in them, but I'd rather have the 2500 brakes, etc.

and I'm looking at a total cost standpoint... it'll be cheaper dollarwise, but time is money, and it'll be a LOT cheaper there too!

you won't have to worry about vehicle inspection (if you have to worry at all) at 1500 will have to pass the gasser smog test, etc.

 

I wouldnt want to ride too far with a 2500 SWB truck running empty.

At the very least have an industrial sized Kidney belt.

 

I'm in the process of building a reg cab short bed 2wd auto. Not very expensive if you do it yourself. Picked up a short bed with a linex for $600. Now all I need is a fuel tank, and get a driveshaft made. Looking at about $800 for the total conversion.

 

I know this is an old link,
but for what it's worth....
I took a 1997 extended cab long box cummins (1997 5 speed)
and took 18" out of the frame just behind the cab. I did a little cab mount work, ,shortened the double driveshaft (took 18" from the rear-most tube)
got a fuel tank from a 1998-and up quadcab short box truck, found a box the same color(short box,mind you)and took out a factory 18" extension to the emergency brake cable,shortened he fuel line and brake lines done. Truck looks and drives great! I paid $300 for the box, and $35 for the fuel tank.
I even got a real nice tailgate too! AND...an accordion-style aluminum tonneau cover that works and looks good. Just the tonneau cover sells for just over $600.00 I know I got a good deal and finding the correct color box is what was the clincher for me to do this.
It took me one weekend to do.
I had the front end aligned to check the frame cuts and everything is perfect.
DJD