Hello all, so recently I have inherited my grandfathers 96 ram 1500 2wd. I’ve been throwing the idea around of putting a 12 valve in it. But I am wanting to beefs up the front end. Will all the 2500 ifs components bolt in place of the 1500 suspension? I understand it would probably be cheaper to buy a 2500 instead of trying to covert a 1500 but the truck holds sentimental value

 

It can be done, however, its a lot of work and legally, you won't have the capacities that the 2500 carries (towing and weight capacities). Might want to consider picking up a 2500 12 valve and keeping the 1500 as it is for sentimental value. In addition, the 2nd gen trucks that run the 12 valve diesel motors have a beefier rear axle (Dana 70 or 80) that will need to replace your existing 1500 rear axle, along with the heavier & wider leaf springs.

 

A FB group I'm in has a lot of diesel 1/2 tons and they been running fine. As to the legal weight in PA you can over register your weight and be legal. A buddy has a 2007 2500 Hemi registered as 20,000 gcvwr

 

There are numerous differences between the 1/2 ton a Cummins equipped trucks. The Cummins uses the 8800 pound chassis, heavier brakes, rear end and so on. I think you'd be happier just to keep your Grandfathers truck as it is. I have a few things of my Grandparents and some of them, like a mantle clock Grandfather rebuilt, I can close my eyes and listen and see them sitting in the parlor. If you want a diesel, get one. Changing the truck might not work then you have a pile of parts and no truck.