OK i have an idea for modifiing my Dakota. I have been drawing up plans for the build, and i have figured out that this is going to be a crazy long and hard build but i think well worth effort. So i am righting here to u guys to get ur opinion and expertise.

OK first thing first i was planning on relocating the motor to center of the truck to eliminate the drive shaft. Motor i am thinking about useing is either 5.7 l Hemi charged or 5.9 L Cummins twin turbo. Transmission not sure which one yet, Axle i am not sure yet either. But i do know i am going to making a full tube chassis reinforcement of the whole frame plus boxing in the frame of the truck. Also i will have to make a rear fire wall cause part of the motor will end up in the back of the truck. i was also thinking that i might have to extend the frame in the back alittle but i wont know how much until i have the motor , trans, and axle here in place.
For cooling i was thinking of useing the radiator of a bigger diesel truck and have a cooling air tunnel under the truck threw the area where the trans sits now. probly going to need 2 batteries not sure yea which will be located to the front of the truck. with a reinforced bumper to make the front a little heavier so it dont lift to much when i load in to the pedal. :P Wiring i have no clue what i am going to do i might have to make a full costume set for the truck. exhaust it probly just going to be straight pipe. Fuel tank i was just going to use a racing tank. everyting else i am still working on.

So what to u guys think and any hints or idea for me
???

 

Cool idea but easier to start from scratch. Get a straight truck frame(something from a 1500-2500 if you want it stronger than a dakota) Then just start building. Axles and motor will depend what you wanna do with the truck.

 

Well the truck will be turned in to a power street truck. i was thinking about use viper rims with a wide rear tire.

 

well my question is would the dakota body pieces fit on a 1500 -2500 frame ?
cause i am tring to keep the dakota look.

 

No as the ram is wider than the dakota. Just figured if you wanted a stronger frame then something from the ram would be better.

 

well then it looks like i will have to make a frame extention and reinforce the whole frame.

 

looks crazy... would be interesting... keep us informed

 

i shall be posting pic when i start the project and such but as of now i am trying to figure out most of the info and put the funds together for a new truck before i start working on this one

 

ok well i need a bit of help deciding something. i cant decide on with motor and trans to go with for this build. The motors i was looking at would be a 5.7 L hemi, or a 5.9 L cummins. and transmissions i have no clue yet any ideas would be great.

 

Beware cummins are HEAVY! Need lots of bracing for that. Depends if you would go with a 12v or 24v. 24v would need a few things before you throw power at it. Guages,lift pump,and a build auto or aftermarket clutch before you throw a programmer on it. 12v pretty much fix the killer dowel pin and beef up the tranny before throwing power to it.