I'm dreaming tonight while watching the Super Bowl so help me plan my project. I have several major goals that this project needs to meet:

1) Utilize my existing 1965 Chevy 2dr Suburban body (sentimental reasons)
2) Provide 4WD capabilities - no rock crawling or mudding, just need to get around in snow and mud that my D250 doesn't like
3) Fuel economy of ~30MPG

Because I'm building this for daily driving and economy instead of doing wheeling or heavy towing, I won't want much if any lift. I'm planning to use a mechanical Cummins ('89-'97) and a 5spd tranny but here's what I'm trying to decide:

- 4bt or 6bt
- What axles
- What transfer case

What do you recommend that I consider?

 

Take a look at mine, Mad Max build:

http://ramchargercentral.com/rcs-tds...read-search-)/

 

I doubt very much you see 30 MPG with a 6BT.

4BT should be doable with a OD/MT and reasonable gears. Don't forget, you don't need Dana 60's for light wheeling, Corporate 10 bolt up front, 14 bolt rear will be plenty with a 4BT.

 

Interesting thread Mike337.

Pat, that's what I'm thinking. Skip the heavy axles and keep it as low as possible.

 

Been doing a bunch of reading. Right now I need to keep the scope of the project as small as possible so I'm revising my thoughts to -

- Start with a running 4x4 Ramcharger
- Use it in gas form as a daily driver to make sure that the divetrain is solid
- Retain the stock R/C drivetrain
- Use a 4BT swap instead of the more common 6BT

I've seen several youtube videos of 4BT Ramchargers as offroad rigs but I haven't seen anyone yet report on how a 4BT is as a daily driver.

Any words of wisdom from those who have worked with the R/C?

 

You still going to use the Suburban body?

If so, do some measuring on a standard 73-87 Chevy truck frame ( 4X4 ) the 4BT bolts in with the breadtruck stuff, only mod is removing the front crossmember.

 

Nah. Wish I could right now but it needs too much bodywork and I need a new daily driver before the snow flies. That's why I'm thinking of a running Ramcharger as a platform to start with. Drive it in gas mode for the winter and gather parts and then drop in a 4BT in the spring.

You do bring up an interesting idea since I do have a '74 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 sitting out back.

Need to find a good source of bread/potato chip trucks.