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79 Ramcharger 6BTA conversion

Old May 7, 2012 | 11:55 PM
  #31  
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Update 6 May

Lots of progress pics will be up this weekend.

new Alcan springs up front are holding the dana 60 front axle in place. The 3rd gen wheels look really cool but wont spin because the wheel is a 1/4 inch too shallow meaning the hub is too far away from the inside of the rim. I have some aftermarket m&bs that I have had on my Ram. The back spacing is a full 1.5 inches further out. They will work.

The fuel tank filler has been replaced. This was a bigger deal than I thought it would be. Installing a door where one didn't exist was a new challenge and using a wire feed flux core welder is not the cleanest method but it worked and it is in place. The sticker that said "unleaded fuel only" has been removed and the inside of the new door says "Diesel Fuel Only". California compliant!!!

The rear end has been removed and when I get the new u bolts made (Friday) I will sling the D70 back there with the 35x1250R17s all around. I might even bolt up the transmission too!!!

The new (to me) tank has been cleaned and stuffed with a Diesel module. Now the search for the fittings on both ends of the supply and return lines begins. Any suggestions where to find these are welcome and encouraged.

Thanks!!!
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Old May 14, 2012 | 12:14 AM
  #32  
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Update May 13

Fabbed up the NP 203 shifter with a plate of 1/8th inch plate and some pipe. I am often amazed at how much better simple is!!

Bolted the 727 behind the Cummins without any issues. This is truly a "bolt in"! Crossmember bolted right up.

The fuel filler door was welded in and the diesel filler tube installed. Just waiting on fittings for the stock sending unit and then that will get put into place.

The axles are in place and the 35s look better than expected on this with just a 4 inch lift!!

I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel!!!Hope it isn't a freighttrain!!
Attached Thumbnails 79 Ramcharger 6BTA  conversion-ramcharger13may.jpg  
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Old May 24, 2012 | 12:15 PM
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The 35's look good, the true test is the front fenders. The opening is significantly more narrow than the rear. I think you'll be OK, but it's going to be close.

Good progress, keep moving!
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Old May 27, 2012 | 06:26 PM
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Update Memorial Day Weekend

Thanks Devils!!

Found an exhaust from a 91 dually. I picked it up an hour after I threw my back out so there will be no work this weekend. Along with the exhuast, I found all the fittings for the fuel sender (wiring, supply, and return).

Need a good radiator and some time and this CRC will be on the road. Any leads are appreciated!!!

Have a great holiday weekend!! Thanks to those who died protecting our freedom!!! They are the reason for Memorial Day!
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Old May 29, 2012 | 04:24 PM
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Back is better! Fuel tank and lines hung and run. Waiting on the starter and radiator and the hard stuff will be done. Once the radiator arrives, I will be bolting up the front clip and running wires. Wish me luck!!!
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Old May 30, 2012 | 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by sdmark
Back is better! Fuel tank and lines hung and run. Waiting on the starter and radiator and the hard stuff will be done. Once the radiator arrives, I will be bolting up the front clip and running wires. Wish me luck!!!
did you buy a new starter or reman the one that came with the truck? Custom radiator or replacement stocker?
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Old Jun 4, 2012 | 05:46 PM
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Originally Posted by DevilzTower
did you buy a new starter or reman the one that came with the truck? Custom radiator or replacement stocker?
I am buying a new starter that I believe is a reman. The radiator is another story. Spectra has a part number CU1198 but they no longer make it. It is said to be available at all of the auto parts stores but when the string is pulled it is not available. I am hoping to get a radiator for under 300 but time will tell.
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Old Oct 12, 2012 | 07:21 AM
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Did you get your RC on the road? Did you come across any other issues?
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Old Oct 17, 2012 | 11:13 PM
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Originally Posted by SaskAttak
Did you get your RC on the road? Did you come across any other issues?
I have not yet completed the project. I started this when my wife deployed. She came back in June and I have not worked on it since. The CTDRamcharger needs a radiator and a rear driveshaft.

I was able to pick up an NP205 that came from a 1st gen and that might make the driveshaft thing a little easier than getting a custom DS.

I plan on getting after it again after Christmas.

The things left to do before getting it done:

radiator, drive shaft, trans cooler plumbing, brake plumbing, and wiring.

I will start posting again when the work begins!!

Thanks!!
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Old May 16, 2013 | 11:32 PM
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I am moving the CTDRAMCHARGER out of hiding and back into the work spot this weekend. The Radiator is purchased. The wiring has been labeled and I was able to purchase a Dodge NP205 from a 93 CTD. I am pretty amped about getting after it again.
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Old May 17, 2013 | 05:14 PM
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Great to here your getting back on the project..
I saw a mildly lifted, 4 inch lift and 35s I think, Cummins RC last year at a car show
The guy had swapped out the rear output yoke on the NP-205 for the front driveshaft flange style and used a CV joint front drive shaft on the rear.
No cutting the driveshaft, just bolting in stock Dodge parts!
I don't know if I would go out and tow with that set up, but for a lifted driver it might be worth looking into.
It helped him with the short rear driveshaft and the lots of angle you get in a lifted short wheelbase rig.

Nice looking Pop Top R.C.!
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Old May 20, 2013 | 06:40 AM
  #42  
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I have thought about a double cardan rear drive shaft. The issue is the u joint for the rear is 1410 and the front is 1350. Either way I am looking at a custom drive shaft or some professional welding. Unfortunately, this project is still on hold as I deal with some family matters. The hope is to get after it after the 1st of June. Thanks!
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Old May 22, 2013 | 04:14 PM
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I realize this that is why the "I don't know if I would go out a tow with that set up, but for a lifted driver it might be worth looking into" comment
I figure most people building a 6 BT Ramcharger are not picturing the ultimate tow rig.
I re-used my 1350 rear driveshaft on my lifted '85 crew cab 6 bt 5 speed 4x4 build, but once again I rarely tow with.
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Old Apr 6, 2020 | 11:17 AM
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The Cramcharger has been moved to work in progress status again. NonIC core support modified to accept 1 gen IC and 79 headlights. Fenders set in place and the 92 hood is about to get put on to ensure fitment. Wiring harness from Painless modified with the connectors from a diesel harness are on site and will be installed this week. I decided to order a custom (actually a standard GM size) radiator for clearance.



92 hood from a diesel

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Old Apr 6, 2020 | 07:39 PM
  #45  
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Good to see you are back to working on the old Ramcharger!
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