Ramcharge equivalent
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Ramcharge equivalent
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?
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?
#2
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sterling, Va
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#3
Administrator
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.
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.
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
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?
- 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?
#6
Administrator
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.
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.
#7
Registered User
Thread Starter
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.
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.
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