Can this be done? What suspension and drive train work will need to be done? And also can it be done on a budget?

 

Depends on the size of the budget... why are you considering this?

 

Well I do not want to buy a bigger truck right know and also in an a earlier thread I made about towing my company's mini excavator I would like to give the truck some more pulling power and load capasity. If I do this it will not be all at ounce. I just want to know the best way to go about it. Thanks for replying.

 

sell the 1500 and get a 2500/3500 that will be your best bet..instead of doing the conversion. Just my .02

 

Buy a wrecked 3/4 ton and working on swapping the frame, suspension and drivetrain over.


But then you have to worry about inspections....


How much does your mini excavator weigh?

 

Oh yeah, I just saw your other thread and that's a good bit of weight on a half ton. Maybe see if you can get access to a goose neck and pull it like that.

I bet that's over what your hitch is rated for even with a weight distributing set up which it didn't look like you were running.

 

This is not a realistic project. Since the entire driveline, suspension and frame are different, it is not really a swap per say - it is a completely different truck. And there would be no budget minded way to go about this.

It isn't even close - you would be ahead by miles to sell the 1/2 ton and buy a 3/4 ton.

 

I'm with CTD NUT. It would be a lot easier to trade the truck for a 3/4 or 1 ton. About the only shared components between the two other than the body panels/interior is the Hemi.

BTW, that's a hefty load for a 1/2 ton. I'm guessing with trailer it's around 12k lbs.

MikeyB

 

Thanks for all your guys input on this. And yes it was a hefty load for the truck. Now my next question is there any thing engine wise I can do besides cold air and exhaust to give me some more oomph. I was thinking of getting a stronger torque converter is that a good way to start. May be get some helper springs. I should just trade the truck in but I just bought it and next vehicle purchase is for the wife. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

Buy a 1500 Megacab. It's on a 2500 frame.

 

For current trucks, a 1500 with the 3.92 axles can tow about 9000lbs. What is your current gearing?

 

Not really much you can do to the Hemi for you... If you add power to it the power comes in at a higher rpm range and that really isn't what you want when pulling. The ways I know are adding an SRT8 intake and there are multiple cam selections the last time I checked (when I owned a hemi) I think from Comp or you can put in the srt8 cam... but like I said they just make it more of a hot rod than a trailer puller.


Why not buy like a mid 90's 2500 or 3500 gasser? They are pretty cheap really and instead of modding your truck just getting another work truck would put you ahead.

 

Give the wife the 1500 and go get a real puller.

 

i second that you cant make a pony into a clysedale no matter how hard you try

 

no matter what you do to the engine for more pulling power you still have to worry about the stopping. I would much rather have more of that. You can beef up everything else, but DO NOT forget the brakes(safety first)