also tossing around the idea of swapping the v10 setup. i'll still end up having to fix the trans problem but be cheaper than geting the 4bt and trans to match. so might go that route and i can keep the 4x4 easier that way. still tossing it around. depends on how the v10 measures out. but should be able to make it work too. and i'll post some pics once we get started on it

[quote
But no where as cool as the jeep FC! You should post some pictures as you go. Those FC jeeps have a small but fanatical following.

-Jon

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Here's a well known FC

Workin Woody

If your Jeep is 4X4 like the one pictured, then your v10 transfer case will have the output on the wrong side. If you are going the 4bt route, then find a later model 6 speed(or even a 5 speed) that was behind a cummins in a dodge, and a dodge diesel 205 will mount to it. The Dodge 205 will have the output on the passenger side.

Or use any type of 2wd transmission (auto, manual, 6spd, 7 speed, 10 speed,) that can be mated to the cummins, and a divorced transfer case......

Just some options for an old tow pig like that.

FWIW, before 1989, if you wanted to tow a large trailer, you only had small block Dodges to tow with. In the 70's you could go big block. On the farm we used to tow 20-30,000# on a gooseneck behind dad's 77 dodge 4X4, 400, truck. It did not do it as nicely as our diesels do now, or as efficiently, but it did the job we needed it to. Its all about good brakes, proper gearing, and the appropriate mindset of the nut behind the wheel.

Michael

I've towed at around 5500# with a 360 in a Durango through the hills of Missouri. 3.55 rear. It did fine. A 360 is up to the task with the right setup.

i have a 360 i could swap into the jeep too. but im planning on swapping that into the duster. so looks like the v10 is the way i'm going. We were planning on building a custom bed anyways so who cares if the motor runs into it a little. can you clock the transfer case 180? i know you can clock them but dont know if thats possible. 4x4 and me= not much knowledge

well guys. i took some meausrements. and it looks like i can make it work on the ram frame without that much work. goin run the stock 8ft ram bed in the stock location. with the cab mounted up front its goin leave us with about a 4ft gap bewteen the cab and bed. so we are goin to take it apart apart at the rear seam and add to it. something along these lines.

with the 360, stout engine, had a 94 shortbox auto,3.55 gears, out of O/D had to clean the farm here 3yrs ago, hauling an 80 crewcab loaded backwards, across the scale at 12,600, not the ideal "tool" a shortbox just multiplies the frame sag issue when pulling loads like that.

Can you find a 4 foot sleeper to fit in the gap?

didn't think of that. i'll look and see. goin be hard to find one that small.

If you were closer, I have a 40" Freightliner sleeper I could fix you up with. All Alumnium. All the interior is there just no mattress. That was the standard width for the sleepers that were made separate fron the cab.
Bryce

i was worried about what it would look goofy. but i saw a coe on ebay with a sleeper and i think the look could be pulled off. the bed choice will play a big impact on the final look. just need to see how cheap i can find a sleeper around here. what do they run? I don't even know where to start looking for a sleeper.

if you go 4bt I think you are going to have to drive the little diesel on the floor everywhere you go. It only comes with around 120hp...

As far as gasser motors vs the 6bt... Yea a gasser will pull a trailer, but no where like a 6bt.. The analogy that comes to mind is ... A chevette will get you back and forth everyday but who wants to drive one?

i'm going to be using the 95 ram 2500 chassis and drive train for the this project. I figure the v10 will do a sufficient job for what i need.

There is not a lot of demand for the separate sleepers as most modern trucks are a one piece cab/sleeper. I would take $250 for the one I have. I believe that is a Peterbuilt on your sample and may not be as deep (fore and aft) as the one I have. May have to kick the camera a couple of times to see if I can convince it to work.
Bryce

I know this is our MOPAR site try to be easy on me.
I gave up my 85 318 Ramcharger and now I have an 88, long wheel base, quad cab, single rear wheel, 3.55 gear, F350 Ford with a C6 3 speed automatic and a FI 460. GVW is 9200# GCW is not on door so I do not know what it is.
This rig has good power and the weight and brakes to stop my load which is normally an International farm utility tractor and bush hog that weighs 7000#. Also has the power to drag the load into the back of a field and other rough areas.
Empty the F350 460 drives like a powerful lighter vehcle and the FI 460 mileage is almost as good as the 318.
Fuel economy is 8 mpg towing the loaded trailer and 11 mpg no trailer.
The price was too good to turn down, my Brother gave it to me, needs work but works.

yeah diesels get better mpg. but right now it cost bout twice as much so... and can't warrant the expense of a cummins. i'm too cheap and just don't tow enough to be concerned about the mileage. this ram gets around 12 or so towing.

well made some progress guys. cab is off. now we need to get to stripping the other chassis. we decided on using the 97 1500. it will be sufficent for what little towing we do. be putting the v10 in it still though. and made a car domain page for it.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3250892

well sold off the v10 2500. motor dies on me and those things are way to expensive to rebuild. Traded a homebuild car trailer I had bought years ago for $150 off for a 318/727. I'm thinking of just using the 1500 frame I have and run 2wd for the time being. I just don't think I want to run the stock frame because of how much shorter it is than a normal truck. Then when we have some extra money get some rockwells and play with the big dogs.

For a 2k trailer plus car I think you'll be OK with a 1/2 ton + 360 Magnum. I've towed a similar rig behind a Gen 1 Durango with a 360 though the hills of Missouri and it did fine. I generally ran 65 and lost some speed on the steeper hills.

I've also towed simialr rigs (also heavier) behind a gen II Durango with a Hemi. Going across the hilly NY throughway I ran 75 and got up most hills without loosing speed (also without abusing the Hemi). Fuel mileage with the Hemi was a little better.

A diesel and 3/4+ ton would be nice but not necessary unless you need it for other reasons.