I just picked up an old book and decided to share some of it with the members here. Lots of people here have helped me, and there have been questions on frames and frame swaps. I hope this can be used for some of those questions.
Chrysler

Desoto

Dodge

and finally, Plymouth

I went ahead and found the 1992 Dakota frame specs too. I was not able to grab an earlier one.
I haven't printed these out and compared, but for those wanting to tackle a frame swap, HERE'S YOUR INFO!!!
BTW, these are metric measurements...
and the other measurements are attached.

I think I have a 1990 Dakota service manual if I can find the frame drawing I will post it up here. I am assuming most would be interested in the 112" wb frame?

A 1990 frame should be the same and the info would be in the body service manual, but if you have it please post.
Many have asked what frame fits the older cars, and some have used the Dakota chassis. Since I have not done this, I just wanted to provide what hard data I could for those interested in trying.

Just a for those that missed it.

Found a 1937 frame spec on another site, so here it is.

bump for a recent post

Some great info I needed here thank you

Just about to put a 340 in a `40 Dodge, seems the Dakota swap would work out well.


Any been there done that input will be helpful. Just picked up the car but no mods done yet just research.

I put a 48 Plymouth business coupe on a 90 Dakota frame. I used the entire frame because the coupe's frame was complete junk. (put your hand through the top of the frame rail kind of junk.)

I used a long box, standard cab and had to take 8" out of the Dakota wheel base. I also used the Dakota floor pan and bottom 1/2 of the firewall. When I shifted the "cab" (the floor pan and firewall) towards the rear 7", the firewalls between the 48 Plymouth coupe and the modified Dakota matched up perfectly. I modified the Dakota cab mounts so I could reuse them. I also used the entire Dakota drive train, which I also shifted towards the rear 7" to match up with the "cab" placement. I trimmed the Dakota floor pan and set the coupe body down onto it, built rockers, and attached the Dakota floor pant to the coupe body.

The biggest issue is the Dakota frame kicks up 6" once it gets behind the cab. I used the Dakota box floor as well and I have a step up on the floor, behind the seat. My car is a business coupe without a back seat, so the step up is not an issue, but if you intend on having a back seat, something else would have to be done.

My car has 3 summers of driving on it. The car is a blast to drive (EFI V6, 5 speed, 3:55 limited slip). Gene

That looks like a fun MoPar

Thanks for the ideas