"Best" Open class donor truck

CTDYoungGun

CTDYoungGun

Seth- Fuel Injection Guy
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:
 
Why not just salvage a beat up, run down 2nd Gen 12V? You could get one with a manual tranny, D60 up front and D80 out back. Everything you mentioned, unless by "open" class rockwells and tractors tires like what they run around here...
 
JFlagg said:
Why not just salvage a beat up, run down 2nd Gen 12V? You could get one with a manual tranny, D60 up front and D80 out back. Everything you mentioned, unless by "open" class rockwells and tractors tires like what they run around here...
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The only thing about that is, even the run down trucks like that around here sell for $5K or more...I am almost sure I could buy a truck, then buy an engine/tranny combo for less than that...but I may be way out in left field...
 
If you dong an open class, why limit yourself to 1-ton and smaller trucks? Go to any junk yard and get a single axle truck and have fun with that! Already have super powerfull engines and trans combos and would def. be unique!
 
Bosshawg600 said:
If you dong an open class, why limit yourself to 1-ton and smaller trucks? Go to any junk yard and get a single axle truck and have fun with that! Already have super powerfull engines and trans combos and would def. be unique!
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Yeah and if it's an open class you can start with something like an IH DT-466 for an engine with a P pump that's going to be hard to beat. McCormick diesel has a drop in sleeve and piston set for the DT-466 to take it out to 572 cubic inches which is going to be hard for guys running pickup engines to run against. The 466 should be as cheap as the 5.9 to mod and there is a wide variety of transmissions that will bolt up to them.
 
CNeubauer said:
Yeah and if it's an open class you can start with something like an IH DT-466 for an engine with a P pump that's going to be hard to beat. McCormick diesel has a drop in sleeve and piston set for the DT-466 to take it out to 572 cubic inches which is going to be hard for guys running pickup engines to run against. The 466 should be as cheap as the 5.9 to mod and there is a wide variety of transmissions that will bolt up to them.
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:Cheer::woohoo::cheer::rockwoot::kick:


DANG GOOD IDEA WITH WHAT HES TALKING ABOUT
 
CNeubauer said:
Yeah and if it's an open class you can start with something like an IH DT-466 for an engine with a P pump that's going to be hard to beat. McCormick diesel has a drop in sleeve and piston set for the DT-466 to take it out to 572 cubic inches which is going to be hard for guys running pickup engines to run against. The 466 should be as cheap as the 5.9 to mod and there is a wide variety of transmissions that will bolt up to them.
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That thought has crossed my mind, but does anyone know if any form of a "stock" drivetrain would have a chance? I would think a built tractor engine would require a bullet proof tranny, transfer case, and probably rockwell axles right? I do work at a diesel shop so the parts and building of the engine wouldn't be too difficult, but the drivetrain might kill the dream...lol
 
Many Turcks running a DT-466 or what ever already run rockwells and almost bullet proof everything! Heck if you realy had some time, I would buy an old single axle cab an chassis with a DT-466 (just picked one up for 5k!) and throw any body you want on it. Thant would be one sweet open class truck!

Im positive it would work and would be a lot cheaper in the long run than modding a 1 ton truck to get to the same power. Its Open class, let you mind wonder........
 
Bosshawg600 said:
Many Turcks running a DT-466 or what ever already run rockwells and almost bullet proof everything! Heck if you realy had some time, I would buy an old single axle cab an chassis with a DT-466 (just picked one up for 5k!) and throw any body you want on it. Thant would be one sweet open class truck!

Im positive it would work and would be a lot cheaper in the long run than modding a 1 ton truck to get to the same power. Its Open class, let you mind wonder........
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Is that a 4wd?
 
Eww, got me there! I didnt even think about it. I guess it would be hard to find a 4wd with a DT in it. Its worth a shot though!

Ive been wanting to do something like this for a long time after I get my truck were I want it. Just something to bring to pulls and have fun with, not competeing at all ( Less DRAMA!) and have a ton of fun!
 
Bosshawg600 said:
Just something to bring to pulls and have fun with, not competeing at all ( Less DRAMA!) and have a ton of fun!
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That's what I'm looking for...something fun, because even running for points is not justifiable in monetary terms...so why not truly do it for fun...


BUT, getting back to the original question at hand, if I were to purchase a beat up old truck, what would be my best candidate? Maybe I looked past the obvious of a 94-?? Dodge with the dana 60 70 or 80 combo...

How about if I asked which truck comes factory with the most durable drive-train? And which could be built the cheapest into something that will last?


Thanks again for the input and sparking some new ideas...I think the tractor engine idea will be done at a later date, when funding is readily available :Cheer:
 
displacedtexan said:
Late 70s Chevy is pretty stout and universal for parts.

A first gen would be easiest to put the Cummins in.
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What brand and model front and rear ends does a 76 and/or a 79 chevy k2500 use? I figured the older chevy's should be cheaper for axle parts since they are used commonly for mud and pulling trucks...
 
A freind of mine just got a 96 2500 standard cab Dodge body not that bad a blowed motor gasser has a Dana 60 front and a dana 70 rear for 800.00 got it off Craigs List.
 
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