My 83 Crew Cab Short Bed

[SmokeShow]

Yeah, I'm not settling for anything less than the dream between my ears or else I'll just be dissappointed. For instance, I know the Cummins is a great engine - I've oned one in 96 Dodge 2500 EC LB 4x4. There is absolutely no denying they are or can be absolute beasts of an engine and run dang near forever even at higher HP levels (mine had 300K on the clock when I sold it to a guy to become a pulling truck). And it would be much MUCH simpler to do the Cummins conversion especially with the multiple write-ups and kits available today for them. But I simply can't do it because I just wouldn't be satisified with it even if it turned out to be the baddest MF'er around because it's not what my dream is.

So yeah, I'm sticking to the original plan even if it becomes a "lifetime" project in order to do so.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.


C-ya

[semperfidoordie]

that's a way to be man sticking to your guns

[DirtyLarry]

Smokeshow,

Sounds like you are dead set on the Dirtymax. Nothing wrong with that as it is a great engine. Just a lot of work to make fit.

I saw your post that the truck has a 14 bolt FF. From the pictures it looked like the hub stuck out further than a typical 14 FF does that is why I thought it was a Dana or Sterling rear axle.

I love that truck and look forward to following your build.

[SmokeShow]

Originally Posted by DirtyLarry

Smokeshow,

Sounds like you are dead set on the Dirtymax. Nothing wrong with that as it is a great engine. Just a lot of work to make fit.

I saw your post that the truck has a 14 bolt FF. From the pictures it looked like the hub stuck out further than a typical 14 FF does that is why I thought it was a Dana or Sterling rear axle.

I love that truck and look forward to following your build.

I'll try to get a picture of it posted and we can try and determine, for certain, what the rear end is. Either way, it likely won't be up to the task at hand in the future.

[SmokeShow]

good news!!! I've got an 06 duramax and 2wd 6-SPD allison coming middle of next week!! It being a 2wd actually should save may big pile of money. You may recall that I was having trouble deciding what to do about the transfer case and front diff depending on which transfer case I chose. Well, now it's going to be sooo much easier. I'm gonna be able keep my GM pass drop D60 front won't have amy trouble mating some different transfer case to the Allison. You got it, I'm gonna run a divorced np205 from early GM or most likely a Dodge.


Few more questions:

1) what fuel tank do you all run that have shortened down the frame to run a short bed? I don't imagine the original tank from when it was a longbed will fit, no?? Just wonder if the mounting points are there for the shortbed tank?
2) I understand that GM may have used a divorced pass drop np205 in some of the older 4wd trucks. Can someone verify that for me and guide to specifictrucks to look for that had them? I fear they may be as rare as hens teeth. . If so, I'm pretty sure they were a little more common in the older dodges but a year range of trucks to look for would be nice to know for my searches. ANY info on either would be nice as well!! Like stock yoke spline count? Any aftermarket big ujoints for them? Etc

[manimal]

I didnt know that GM had a divorced NP205??? Guess ya learn something new everyday.

[OJOE]

i used a 87 blazer tank in mine. you could also use the stock tanks out of a swb. good luck joe

[SmokeShow]

thanks Joe. I was thinking of doing the blazer tanks but I'm virtually certain it wouldn't work with a pulling hitch and stuff back there. Glad to know a swb tank will work though. I'll get my eyes peeled for one.


C-ya

[SmokeShow]

Am buying this truck for the donor vehicle. 2006 Duramax/6-spd Allison auto. 2wd. Should make a NICE donor.

I'll be running a divorced np205 out of an old Dodge and will be able to keep my GM D60 front. Will be putting the rear end out of my 02 under the pulling truck and putting the rearend out of the 06 in the 02 and putting shortbed dually fenders on it. ala shortbed dually. Yet another GM truck they never made.


C-ya

[SmokeShow]

little change of plans and slow progress but progress none the less.

I've divorced the allison idea and have since purchased a ZF6 manual transmission and np261xhd transfer case. I'll be swapping out the GM front D60 for a ford D60 or maybe a late model dodge D60 that is driver's side drop.

The front axle and a clutch (and adequate hydraulics) are the last of the main parts I need to physically mount the engine/trans. in the truck. Then get the harness modified so it'll run in there. Then it's just a lot of little things (interior, gauges, re-wire rest of truck, seats, wheels n tires) and then on to building the engine for all out power!


Just thought I'd update this.

[Tony@AirRideTech]

dude.... i like it .........

[SmokeShow]

I sense a body swap in the near future...


I've about convinced myself to put the 83 body on the 06 chassis. It's just a better chassis over all.

[SBTork]

Originally Posted by SmokeShow

I sense a body swap in the near future...


I've about convinced myself to put the 83 body on the 06 chassis. It's just a better chassis over all.

Good idea. I think it may actually be cheaper in the long run to do it that way. Any time frame on that swap?

[SmokeShow]

before summer is over... Crossing all fingers and toes!

[STOCKISH]

Any updates on this?