The Dak frame is wider? Really? That is most certainly a surprise. Look like the swap is doable??

 

Yes, I was very surprised when I saw it, and yes it looks like its do able.

 

We expect pics of the process ya know........

 

If I do start this I'll for surely update you guys with some pictures. Progress will probably be slow so I hope you guys are alright with waiting awhile.

 

 

I'm working on one. Using a 2002 4 door Dakota w/ 4.7L auto and have a 2001 quad cad 1500 frame. I drew the 1500 frame using 3D modeling software, now I'm measuring the connection points from the Dak and will see where they land on the frame. The hard part is working around the steering box and placing the radiator mounts and motor mounts where they won't interfere. My plan was to move the Dak back a few inches, which will move the front axle forward. But I'm not sure if that will work with the steering box. I'm putting a flat bed on it so i'm not concerned about the fit of the bed. And I plan on shortening the frame and moving all of the mounts.

 

hey so I have a 99 dak club cab and kind of want to do sorta the same thing but instead I will be putting 1500(2001) ram rear end and front sub frame in a dak so I can gain a extra 4 inches track width lol cheating wheel spacers and plus my rear end is toast ...blah blah with the rest of the list of things wrong with this 500$ truck I bought so how wide is the dak frame? Do you know if its the same as a 99 ? Hit me up and like said before updates would be cool. Good luck with your build

 

I'm not sure of the 99 frame, but the 2002 Dakota frame is about 38" wide and the 1500 is about 36" wide, if I remember right. And the rear 1500 axles are 5" wider than the Dakota. I'll start a new thread when I get pictures to post. I have the 1500 frame stripped down, now I need to take the Dakota apart to get measurements for the computer model I'm drawing for the project.

 

From what I "read and found online" because its always right lol is that the 01 ram had 67.4 and 68 inch tracks the 99 dak had 60 or 60.8 my memory is shot but very close to those #s like I said tho I found that online and plan on doing my own me sharing but ty for the frame info. At that rate the dak frame being almost what 2 inches you said wider. Putting the 1500 axles into the dak should be "no sweat" ......of course I'm lieing lol but ya ty ill make a post when I get started on mine