Good info, mang! Shoot, if a 3500 will hold up to a 5.9L without issue, I'd love to slap one of dems I'm my truck! I don't need the granny first gear of the NV4500. Plus, 1/2 ton 318/5-speeds are way easier to find than 3/4 ton 360/5-speeds.

 

The one reason I'd go for a NV4500 is for the PTO. But I could live without it. I just couldnt put the bushog mower and 3 point hitch that I have always been dreaming of!

 

Wut?

...

 

I just re-read that link you posted and it's got me all excited! I wanted a 3500 at first due to better ratios than the 4500 (for drivability...I almost never tow anything) and it's lighter but saw the torque rating on it and got discouraged. Seeing those guys with built strokers behind their 3500's gives me a warm tingly sensation.

How do you think the 3500 would do with a lightly modified 360 (I don't plan on anything drastic like a stroker or forced induction) in the much heavier Ram, with some wheeling, street driving, and MAYBE the occasional towing? I don't plan to race my truck (it's a 4X4....why?) and only wheel occasionally.

Thanks again for that info, man! You just raised my spirits big time!

 

PTO, Power Take Off. YOu have never been on a tractor before?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_take-off

 

Ooooooooh! Gotcha. Being that my yard is about half the size of a postage stamp, I don't need to power a mower with my truck.

 

so how much do you guys think this project will end up setting me back? It seems like something interesting to take on and what all will i need?

 

I read a thread over on the *other* forum about a guy who did it in a 2500 truck. He said he didn't need anything other than basic mechanic tools, a good floor jack on wheels (Sears motorcycle jack would probably be better) and a donor truck. He did the swap in his driveway over a weekend.

The donor truck is almost essential so you can see how things mount on your truck from the other one. This is one place where some of those Cash for Clunkers trucks would come in handy but NOOOOOOO.