I need to notch the rear ends of the chassis rails to lower the rear of the bed. Once that is done, I can complete the bed mounts.

 

Anything need to bolt to those holes that aren't going to be there any more??

 

I will be custom fabbing the bumper mounts when I get one. Legally I need one, but I see so many hot rods up here that don't. The car culture in northern Nevada is off the hook! Not surprising, since Reno hots Hot August Nights every summer. I got the ends of the chassis rails notched out, and the bed very close to where it will eventually be bolted down. I am matching the top of the chassis rail with the top edge of the bed sides so they are parallel. The back end of the bed will need to be unbolted and lifted to slide the fuel tank out. If it ever needs servicing, that is. The maximum width rear tire is 16", so I will run either 14" or 15" for some peace of mind. The fronts will be either 6" or 8" wide. Wheel diameter will be 17" front, 18" rear.

 

The sidewall thickness is around 1/4"+, and will go on top of these posts. The rear bed rail sits on top of these.

 

 

Do you want to set the cab before you finalize the bed???

 

I won't be drilling the holes, or welding them to the frame rails until the cab goes on. I pretty much know where everything will sit. Some guys in Canada shot a video series of them doing this body ('52 Stude) on a 1st gen Dakota chassis. It's on Youtube - the guys call themselves Penny's Hot Rod and Customs. Look them up if you're bored and want to fall down the Youtube rabbit hole. All the lines to the cab, bed, and front clip are adjustable up and down using shim or washers. Down adjustment can be pulled off by grinding some material off the cushion material.

 

Since both vehicles have the exact same wheelbase, The correct spot for the bed is with the wheel centered in the wheel well. So I am not worried about whether the cab lines up right now. If the back is centered, the front will line up. Then it's a matter of fine tuning the gaps.

 

I was more thinking body lines, but, understanding now how you are going to mount the bed, yep, shouldn't be an issue.

 

I started to mock up the parallel four link suspension today for the first time. I am using the stock rear axle as a jig, so to speak, to locate the position of the front link bar brackets. Once those are tack welded into position, the Dakota rear axle, leaf springs, and leaf spring brackets can come out. Then the Ford 8.8" axle housing can be held against new brackets, ensuring the same wheelbase is maintained. This was the most accurate method I could come up with using what I have. The only downside to this is the stock Dakota lower shock mounts had to cut off to position the four link brackets. That pretty much renders the stock rear axle assembly unsellable. So it will be headed for the metal recycler.