Forgive me if this has been asked before but hopefully y'all can help me. I have a 96 ram 4wd 2500 extended cab (no rear doors) with a V10. I love my truck but it is starting to fall apart. It needs a new bed, new cab (floors are past repair) and it could use a new front fender.

Here is my question... I have seen numerous 98+ cabs (diesels and gas v8) that are in great shape. Someone told me that the 98+ will not work with 97- model trucks. Is this true? If so, what would need to be replaced? Would it be easier to replace wires in the cab or under the hood? Anything else?

Thanks for the advice/help!

 

If you are just replacing the metal..... I do believe the newer cab will bolt right on. None of the dash electronics are compatible though, and I think the floor pan is shaped different, so seat mounting is also different. (as are the seatbelts.) Would hate to have you spend the money for the cab, only to find that it was more work than it was worth though.....

Around here, there are folks that regularly go out to points west, and pic up rust free bodies, beds, etc, bring 'em back, and sell 'em. Might want to see if there are folks that do the same near you.

 

I guess a craigslist ad is not a bad idea. I have been searching for parts with little to no luck. I did end up finding a 98 cab from a Cummins truck that was missing front seats, one piece of plastic and the gauges. The only major downside is that the guy wanted 1600 for everything. There is a carbon copy of my truck for sale in the area with a perfect body but it is 2wd. The price isn't too bad and I have been thinking about swapping bodies with that truck and just reselling the truck, or keeping it for parts.