Got the bed in one part of the shop, on furniture dollies, using it as THE storage space for small removed parts...
The cab and front clip are off and sitting on furniture dollies in another part fo the shop...
and the frame is in front of the shop waiting for the pressure washer....

Hardest part was the cab/clip....I could use about 2 more feet of space between the truck and the overhead I-beam chain hoist...

 

Sounds like you have your work cut out for you. Where are the pics?

 

frame

 

That brings back memories! What are you working on?

 

89 dakota short bed, had 4 cylinder motor, manual 5 speed, will end up having a 98 version 5.9L magnum engine with a holley 4bbl carb and auto tranny. The 7.25 rear axle has to go, in favor of a 3.55 8.25 with sure grip. Dumping the air conditioner and the power steering as well....and adding front and rear sway bars.

I am way too old to swap major parts the hard way, figure removing all the body parts will make it easier. Looking at a Shelby dakota a while back, it also seems easy, and cheaper, to put a new crossmember right ahead of the stock crossmember and rack/pinion to mount the v8.

 

Cool! Sounds like its going to be one nasty fast truck when your done.

I hope you do a write up for us! We only get asked about a pre-91 V8 swap every other day! :P

 

I can do a write up, will also take pics where it will help....
Since the AC will not be put back in, I am thinking that there might be room for a radiator where the condensor was, leaving room for a fan blade. We'll see...

 

I've actually thought about that before. Its definately worth a try if you ask me. Of course, I'd still put an electric fan in there, but at least it could still be behind the radiator rather than a pusher fan in front.

 

Keep the power steering. It is not worth it. Even if you get the manual steering gear boxes. You will regret it. I had a Drag strip ONLY Trans Am. I took off the PS pump and it was harder the hell to turn it. And it is made just to go straight. Keep the PS!!!