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swapping new to old

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Old 05-02-2011 | 03:38 PM
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A buddy of mine has a friend who will sell a 4WD 94-97 body style for next to nothing. Motor is thrashed, transmission is still good. My truck is a 2001 2WD. Is it possible to swap my cab and bed over to the 4WD frame? I know certain things will have to be done do accomplish it, but is it worth it? My motor will obviously be swapped into it as well. I just want the 4WD lol and if he's basically going to give it away, would the effort be worth it? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks
 
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Old 05-02-2011 | 04:05 PM
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The cab will swap over but the wiring for the older trans is different. That's the only thing I can think of that'll be a problem. Swapping cabs won't be easy but cheaper than buying a complete truck. If you do this post lots of pics.
 
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Old 05-02-2011 | 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by 97tn4x4
The cab will swap over but the wiring for the older trans is different. That's the only thing I can think of that'll be a problem. Swapping cabs won't be easy but cheaper than buying a complete truck. If you do this post lots of pics.
If you can convince me it is indeed something that can be done, and he is going to give it to me as dirt cheap as he said he would, I will definitely post pics. Any ideas on making the transmission work? What about ECM compatability and stuff? Sounds like a PITA project but something ill enjoy doing.
 
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Old 05-02-2011 | 05:08 PM
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What exact year is the truck you are swapping to as a lot changed over those years?

You do realize that the value of your truck will plummet after a swap like this. Nobody likes body swaps even if they are mint, too much risk.
 
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Old 05-02-2011 | 05:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Gerehead8
What exact year is the truck you are swapping to as a lot changed over those years?

You do realize that the value of your truck will plummet after a swap like this. Nobody likes body swaps even if they are mint, too much risk.
Lol my truck doesn't have much resale value anyways. Im waiting for the guy to get back with me on the specs of the truck. There is also one more slim possibility...

My boss's brother in law has a '98 Dodge Ram 2500 12 valve Cummins, extended cab, black, standard, short bed, 4WD, but a blown transmission. The truck is sitting at one of his family members houses a few miles from here, and he lives in another state. He wont fix it, so he bought a new pickup. He didn't want to get rid of it when I asked him a few months ago, but through the grapevine I heard he is going to get very busy with his job and will probably want to be rid of it soon... not sure how much, but I doubt mud since the tranny is blown. Im not much for standards, but its a cummins... we will see...
 
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Old 05-02-2011 | 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by EndIsNear
Lol my truck doesn't have much resale value anyways. Im waiting for the guy to get back with me on the specs of the truck. There is also one more slim possibility...

My boss's brother in law has a '98 Dodge Ram 2500 12 valve Cummins, extended cab, black, standard, short bed, 4WD, but a blown transmission. The truck is sitting at one of his family members houses a few miles from here, and he lives in another state. He wont fix it, so he bought a new pickup. He didn't want to get rid of it when I asked him a few months ago, but through the grapevine I heard he is going to get very busy with his job and will probably want to be rid of it soon... not sure how much, but I doubt mud since the tranny is blown. Im not much for standards, but its a cummins... we will see...
You said standard so I assume Manual transmission? That would have the the NV4500 in it. Those can be very expensive to rebuild but still cheaper than an automatic built for behind the cummins.
 
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Old 05-03-2011 | 01:16 PM
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I wouldn't want a cummins without a standard shift trans. You could tow your house with that thing. As far as swapping bodies, it wouldn't be that bad. Assuming there both the same engine the computer will run engine but the trans will take a bit more creativity. If it's older than a 96 I personally wouldn't do it because there's not not much for programmers and such. If it came down to it, do your swap and sell what you could and find a 98+ trans.
 



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