I swapped the engine and g56 from my 05 3500 2wd dually into a 2003 ram 2500 4wd 48re and I took frame pictures, hopefully to qualm the idea of putting a front axle in your 2wd dodge, it’s more then you think.
I did a massive swap in 80 hours or 5 days, alone. So forgive my lack luster pictures, it was day 3 and I had to get home, 2 hours away because I did this on vacation, with no back up vehicle.
This isn’t a swap break down, this is just frame pictures.
I will say this, it’s the engine, tranny, complete dash, engine harness, rear harness, interior harness, headliner, fuel tank, exhaust and fighting with out removing the engine head and oil pan.
Please post around different threads and make comparison pictures to help guys out!

 

 

 

Hopefully this helps some poor bastard that wants to swap their 2x4 to 4x4 Cummins
a 3” lift should allow engine removal without taking apart the engine
i unbolted the cab and jacked up the cab a few inches to allow the whole engine to slide in TIGHTLY!
Any questions??? Feel free to ask!
Ive had an 03, 04.5 and 05.5 engine in and out and don’t mind helping anyone like I said spread the pictures so everyone can know!
thanks and God bless!

 

So, where do you live that there's a frame with zero rust you're swapping that engine and trans into ?

Is it on the road ?

Do you have to deal with Motor Vehicles Commission now that you've swapped it over ?


Gotta love southern trucks, eh ?

 

I live in Florida and yes! Even the old hub bearings popped out with a couple hits from a 4lb hammer!
Yes it was driving the 4th day and day 6 I drove it 2 hours home and have been daily driving it since!

I think I mentioned it to the dmv and the insurance what I did, I wasn’t worried because it really doesn’t matter, it’s still a 4x4 diesel truck. I just swapped the registration for about $25 at the dmv in a few minutes and called the insurance and they transferred that in about 5 minutes. Even if Florida had emission laws, the truck is older and didn’t have a catalytic converter (fun fact for the 03 year). From what I know they would want the 03 to pass 03 emissions so the 05 is a cleaner engine, especially if I put the cat in it. Right now it’s just a straight 5” exhaust that dumps in front of the rear axle, talk about a loud truck!
I took this picture a couple days ago with the new 35s, 3” lift and custom ranch hand bumper I made for it all installed

 

Nice work, there SW.

Got any more welding shots ? Such as that front bumper project ?


I'm a 5 or 6 year novice, and welding is a lot of fun for me. I fix tools, make stuff that previously didn't exist, and I'm pretty good at gluing two pieces of metal together. As time goes on, I get a little better each project I take upon.

I'm no pro, but I do have fun doing it, especially after spending 30+ years making stuff out of wood. I don't care if I ever pick up another wood working tool again. Me has a new love..... welding.

 

Accident damage g

The other day, with headlight guards cut down and center bar removed

After repairing ranchhands **** welds, they really can’t weld worth a ****

Had to cut it apart to straighten, that harbor freight welder was returned, I broke the nozzle off the mig gun, because I tapped it too hard