CTDYoungGun
Seth- Fuel Injection Guy
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2007
- Messages
- 1,568
So here's my current idea:
To buy a "cheap" older truck (70's or 80's Chevy or Dodge 3/4 or 1 ton) and essentially gut the drive-train and some body in order to drop in a 12 valve p-pump cummins with a 5 or 6 speed tranny. The truck will be built to run in the local association's "open class" which allows all trucks, tractors, etc as long as safety equipment is satisfactory and a fire-suit with helmet is worn.
The engine will be a mildly built engine (cam, head work, some lower end balancing and re-enforcing) most likely utilizing a 2.7ish turbo. I am not intending to build a nationally competitive truck, just something to run for fun in the open class and hopefully avoid some of the drama associated with specific truck classes.
The truck will eventually be built into a solid rear axle (tube frame utilizing the stock frame rails) and the front end will be allowed to travel, but with minimal movement.
So the input I'm looking for would be:
1. What year, make, and models have or could easily be built to have the most durable front and rear axles, driveshafts, etc?
2. What year, make, and model would have the best frame design to be welded to and retain it's strength while pulling?
3. Any other USEFUL info about the do's and dont's of building a solid rear-axle truck and other tips...
I'm leaning towards a late 70's reg. cab 3/4 Chevy, but if another option is much better, I'm open to ideas.
Once again, this truck will be a "play truck" only, and hopefully be built dependable while staying on a reasonable budget and as for now it's only a current "toy project" idea...
Thanks in advance :Cheer:
To buy a "cheap" older truck (70's or 80's Chevy or Dodge 3/4 or 1 ton) and essentially gut the drive-train and some body in order to drop in a 12 valve p-pump cummins with a 5 or 6 speed tranny. The truck will be built to run in the local association's "open class" which allows all trucks, tractors, etc as long as safety equipment is satisfactory and a fire-suit with helmet is worn.
The engine will be a mildly built engine (cam, head work, some lower end balancing and re-enforcing) most likely utilizing a 2.7ish turbo. I am not intending to build a nationally competitive truck, just something to run for fun in the open class and hopefully avoid some of the drama associated with specific truck classes.
The truck will eventually be built into a solid rear axle (tube frame utilizing the stock frame rails) and the front end will be allowed to travel, but with minimal movement.
So the input I'm looking for would be:
1. What year, make, and models have or could easily be built to have the most durable front and rear axles, driveshafts, etc?
2. What year, make, and model would have the best frame design to be welded to and retain it's strength while pulling?
3. Any other USEFUL info about the do's and dont's of building a solid rear-axle truck and other tips...
I'm leaning towards a late 70's reg. cab 3/4 Chevy, but if another option is much better, I'm open to ideas.
Once again, this truck will be a "play truck" only, and hopefully be built dependable while staying on a reasonable budget and as for now it's only a current "toy project" idea...
Thanks in advance :Cheer: