Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it?

Posted By: burgmopar

Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 03:32 PM

I'm not having any luck with the search, so here goes:
Looking at a first gen dakota as a donor. It's a regular cab longbed, should be 123.9 inch wheelbase.

What 40's or 50's mopars will fit this wheelbase?

I'm looking at a full frame swap, NOT just the front stub.
So who's actually done this?

burg

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 04:13 PM

Welcome!

Read through the previous posts, there is some good info.
No one has documented a complete Dakota swap with all the info.
I posted frame dimensions, Ron has posted pictures of a 38 with the swap, and there is one guy that is currently working on one. There have been a couple clips, but you say that's not what you want.

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 04:15 PM

welcome to moparts.

shortening a dakota chassis is not hard to do to put it under what ever car you want, here is a 46 PU install on a dakota chassis that went very well.. Ron...

http://rides.webshots.com/album/300985977tszAFe

we am building a 46 dodge COE on one right now and my son is doing a 40 dodge PU on one as well.
and I have a 47 dodge panel truck that will end up on one, Yes they are all trucks but I see no reason why you can't put a car body on one other than the the rear area on a dakota goes up pretty high in the back and you will have to watch for that.

you can change the 6 lug rotors to the pre 91 5 lug rotors and you can get 2" dropped spindles for then too.
and a "B" body 8 3/4 fit great in them to get 5 lug in the rear if you want...

also here is a 38 ply that a moparts member did on one

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 04:27 PM

one more

Attached picture 5326794-4728414-4385012-resized.jpg

Posted By: burgmopar

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 05:08 PM

Thanks for the quick replies.
I've read some of the other posts,and clipping or shortening the frame sounds like the norm, but I'm not sure my "skills" will result in anything but more parts.

Sort of a "Measure Forever, Cut Never" approach

burg

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 05:35 PM

If you aren't sure of your skills, a frame swap is not the best place to start.
It is a bunch of carefull work.
If you go truck, it's easier.
If you go car, your best bet is to get one with a decent frame and upgrade it.

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 06:13 PM

taking a welding class and getting a mig welder(or a friend with one)

is a good idea when playing with cars that need fabrication work.
I started years ago with a stick welder but getting my mig was the best investment I ever did.

I suggest doing a PU for your first rod they are pretty easy to find and you can move beds and fenders around a little to fit your needs, but it still requires making motor mounts or putting in a different frontend and rearend(so back to the welder again). Ron...

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 06:25 PM

searching here is different.
Select Street Rodders, type in Dakota and select subject and body. Select 1 year and 250 results.
Hit submit.
You will see that it shows every post, not just each thread.

Posted By: rabid scott

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 06:28 PM

I have a '40 Dodge Coupe with a really really hacked frame, so I may or may not do the whole frame swap.

I just bought an '87 Dakota, just need to get the thing home and begin parting it out and then I can start taking measurements.

I will definately be taking pictures!

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 06:32 PM

To give you an idea of what's involved in a frame swap, take a look at this thread on another site.
WARNING! this isn't the show quality way that many would try to accomplish, and it's NOT a mopar chassis. The guy is doing it all himself on a budget and has documented it well. It also has a lot of pictures, so it's not dial-up friendly!
If it loads slowly, remove the "&showall=1" at the end.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=346922&showall=1

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 06:35 PM

Quote:

I have a '40 Dodge Coupe with a really really hacked frame, then I can start taking measurements.

Did you take a look at the measurements I posted earlier here?

Quote:

I will definately be taking pictures!

Please do! We love to see cars, and anyone that will document work is always appreciated!

Posted By: rabid scott

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 06:55 PM

Quote:

Did you take a look at the measurements I posted earlier here?

Yep!

Posted By: burgmopar

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/01/09 08:05 PM

RodSTRace, I totally missed that frame info you posted...It is very helpful. It looks like some of the '49 and '50 Dodge wheelbases (123.5") come pretty close.

And that other frame swap thread is just plain scary! That's NOT what I'm looking to do!

Perhaps, as Mopar Ron suggested, it would be smarter to find a pickup...

I think there's a lot of

and

in my future!

burg

Posted By: dodge41

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/02/09 10:57 AM

I'm currently working on mounting a 41 Dodge(Fargo) pick up on a complete 93 Dakota chassis. I had to take out and re weld 15 inches out of the frame though. I have some pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/55539330@N00/

No, the first few pics of a Fargo in the trees aren't my project, just one I swiped some of the stainless grill trim off of. I'm not that ambitious!
Matt

Posted By: Flipper1938

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/02/09 11:06 PM

Quote:

I'm currently working on mounting a 41 Dodge(Fargo) pick up on a complete 93 Dakota chassis. I had to take out and re weld 15 inches out of the frame though. I have some pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/55539330@N00/

No, the first few pics of a Fargo in the trees aren't my project, just one I swiped some of the stainless grill trim off of. I'm not that ambitious!
Matt

Hurry up already! ...and take good pics.

I've got pieces for the same build (41 Dodge/Fargo front sheetmetal/Dakota chassis). I just need to finish my boat-tail first.

Posted By: dodge41

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/06/09 10:26 AM

Quote:

Hurry up already! ...and take good pics.

I've got pieces for the same build (41 Dodge/Fargo front sheetmetal/Dakota chassis). I just need to finish my boat-tail first.

I'm trying, I'm trying! Haven't had time to do much this summer so far.
Matt

Posted By: HotRodRanch

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 07/14/09 10:42 AM

Quote:

you can change the 6 lug rotors to the pre 91 5 lug rotors

Can you do this on all years, or just up to 96 ?

Posted By: sixpack4spd

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/07/09 02:28 PM

Just to 96.

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 02:57 AM

Is this a good one for a project? I have my 38 Plymouth Business coupe, but was planning on using the stock frame and getting the FATMAN front end for it as suggested by Ron.

but, i see more projects down the road??? This is a 91, running with trans isues, asking $400 and close to me.

Ron, do you use the 418s for certain projects and just use whats in the truck-EVER???
I am thinking RATROD

Dave

http://reno.craigslist.org/pts/1313943857.html

Posted By: bohmer2

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 03:24 AM

Dave do you mean the 518 OD transmission?

It is going to have a 6 on 4.5" bolt pattern being a 91, but the front hubs and the rear axles can be interchanged with the earlier 5 bolt pattern.

It will have the computer, engine harness, and everything you need to run electronic fuel injection, might even have the fuel tank with the electronic fuel pump that can be used.

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 03:39 AM

sorry, what I meant was the 318 engine? i WAS NOT SURE IF HE IS USING THE ENGINES, TRANS, ECT for his Rod projects, or just the chassis and suspension.

think this one is a decent price? or should I find one with a good trans?
I dont even have a car for it, just want some project material. I was thinking of a a 60s era panel truck I found on CL, two for 700, OBO in a thread I posted on the WIW section.

I did not realize they would fit on one. I also know of a COE cab locally. Would look great on one?

Dave
Dave

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 03:43 AM

this cab, Ron, do they fit nice?

Dave

Attached picture 5407470-DSCF6429.JPG

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 03:43 AM

nuther

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 04:56 AM

Why YES they do. here is the one I am doing right now, it is a 93 dakota chassis and I am going to use the 5.2 EFI engine and the 518 OD trans in it. Ron...

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 04:58 AM

this one is on a dakota chassis

Attached picture 5407595-46COEpickup.jpg

Posted By: bohmer2

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 01:49 PM

Quote:

think this one is a decent price? or should I find one with a good trans?
I dont even have a car for it, just want some project material. I was thinking of a a 60s era panel truck I found on CL, two for 700, OBO in a thread I posted on the WIW section.

It is a decent price from what I have seen. I have bought more complete trucks for around the same price but I live closer to the rust belt so some of the ones I see are likely to be rusty. I usually try to recover some of the cost as well by selling off parts, so I look for more completely trucks. But if you look at what you are getting you may be able to sell off the hood, fenders and cab and get some money back. You get the engine, computer, wiring, and a tranny core. The question is without a specific project in mind does it have other things you may want for a project (power windows, air, etc.).

I was also very tempted by those two 60's panels when you posted them. So let me know if you pick them up and only want one, I would consider buying the other from you if you do pick them up.

Brian

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 03:40 PM

Quote:

Why YES they do. here is the one I am doing right now, it is a 93 dakota chassis and I am going to use the 5.2 EFI engine and the 518 OD trans in it. Ron...

Ron, so where does the motor go, when using a COE?

AND if I used a panel truck, any idea what has to be cut out of the frame to make it fit?

and this is a 91, so you think it has a 6 lug wheel, but they can be changed with the 5 lug 5x4 1/2? and is that easy? I am just learning and thinking for a project down the road or even a ratrod roadster [Edited by Moparts - Family Friendly Site - Keep it clean] child of sorts??

Dave

Posted By: Joatha

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 03:49 PM

Quote:

Ron, so where does the motor go, when using a COE?

AND if I used a panel truck, any idea what has to be cut out of the frame to make it fit?

and this is a 91, so you think it has a 6 lug wheel, but they can be changed with the 5 lug 5x4 1/2? and is that easy? I am just learning and thinking for a project down the road or even a ratrod roadster [Edited by Moparts - Family Friendly Site - Keep it clean] child of sorts??

Dave

I'm not Ron. But, look at where the cab sits relative to the frame. The motor will tuck in under the cab. That's why they call it a "cab over engine".

Seriously, that's where it will go. Also, the swap to a 5 lug is fairly easy. If I am not mistaken, they have the same spindles on the front and it's just a matter of pulling off the hub and replacing it and the rotor. On the rear, the axles are also the same. So, all you do is swap them out. You should be able to handle it no problem.

Posted By: bohmer2

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 04:12 PM

Quote:

Also, the swap to a 5 lug is fairly easy. If I am not mistaken, they have the same spindles on the front and it's just a matter of pulling off the hub and replacing it and the rotor. On the rear, the axles are also the same. So, all you do is swap them out. You should be able to handle it no problem.

This is correct the early 87-90 dakotas with the 5 lug pattern use the same spindles as the 91-96 dakotas. The rear ends are also the same width (as long as you have the same rear, I believe the 91-96 dakota had two different rears one for the 4 cylinder and one for the v-6 and v-8.) so the axle swap is just matching it up to the right axle.

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Dakota swap using full frame...Who's done it? - 08/10/09 05:39 PM

Dave generally when I do a COE I prefer to put the engine back behind the cab just so it is easier to work on if you have to.
"BUT" on this project I am going to put the engine up front as low as I can because I want to shorten it to PU style and I want the wheelbase fairly short.
but if I were going to have a longer WB or a flat bed I would move the engine behind the cab. Ron...