The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 70s to 80s 1/2 ton cummins swap, knowledge needed!

13jraven · 02-28-2017, 04:15 PM

I put a 12v/NV4500/205 in a K5 blazer a few months ago. Boxed the frame back to the rear mount of the front leaf springs. Built new crossmembers for the engine and trans. Already had one tons and a 6.5 diesel so weight wasn't that big a factor.

Personally, I don't like cab swaps as they never look right but the Gen 1 dodge pick ups are surprisingly similar to the 81-87 squarebodies. I ended up using a down pipe from a Gen 1 Dodge in my blazer that fit perfectly.

I would look at the frame width on the dodge and see how far off it is from the chevy. Then have it sit the body on there and make cab mounts. Not rocket science if you can weld and fabricate.

I like all the Chevy parts way better than the dodge when it comes to body, frame and axles. The 12v fits in there better than you think.

02-28-2017, 04:15 PM	#5
13jraven Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Hill Country, Texas Posts: 116	Re: 70s to 80s 1/2 ton cummins swap, knowledge needed! I put a 12v/NV4500/205 in a K5 blazer a few months ago. Boxed the frame back to the rear mount of the front leaf springs. Built new crossmembers for the engine and trans. Already had one tons and a 6.5 diesel so weight wasn't that big a factor. Personally, I don't like cab swaps as they never look right but the Gen 1 dodge pick ups are surprisingly similar to the 81-87 squarebodies. I ended up using a down pipe from a Gen 1 Dodge in my blazer that fit perfectly. I would look at the frame width on the dodge and see how far off it is from the chevy. Then have it sit the body on there and make cab mounts. Not rocket science if you can weld and fabricate. I like all the Chevy parts way better than the dodge when it comes to body, frame and axles. The 12v fits in there better than you think.