Frame swap

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Micchi

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1999
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So I decided to do something crazy. Since my current frame is rotting away, I'm going to attempt to swap everything over to the new frame.07876e433d549d056646d2d2480faa49.jpg

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02ramboi

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Good luck looking forward to seeing finished product


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Micchi

Micchi

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Had for about a month and trying to get everything disassembled and sanded so I can paint it with Chassis Saver.

Made myself a shelter so I can work in bad weather. So far it's done a good job keeping the rain out and the dirt in.6b2503d59e0bdbf1144e6edb1ad1605e.jpgecedb74547e4dc859cac64e991e5fd3b.jpg

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02ramboi

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Nice looks good. I'm sure it's going to be a fun project


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Micchi

Micchi

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Found out some good news when taking apart the axle. This frame was from a 2000 and not a 99 like I was told. So much to my surprise I have dual piston calipers.

The lower control arms were the only difficult part so far. Wasn't expecting them to put up a fight but, in the end I won...with a cut off wheel7c001d5ed081a7217df1b751d3934224.jpg4248814b19464a38a6b43e0e2120ae62.jpg110bca86cb0883df0237081c3bb19825.jpg

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Micchi

Micchi

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Think she'll be my helper for most of this. Already have her using the impact.48844854b5932b9a12989578e2a2b024.jpg

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02ramboi

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Haha when I'm working on mines my mines are always asking can I help let me do something lol teach them young


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Micchi

Micchi

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So for some reason Dodge decided that this 1 part of the coil spring mount needed to be solid. The other side and the rear part of the mount are open to allow water and dirt to fall through. When I cut into it there was about 2 inches of dirt built up.

Cleaned it up and welded the inner edge.d981972a30b3f5208d82225ad00f9fd3.jpgf0f01d6bb4757052a9d1ceacb6c9b300.jpgf2c0062daa3002d3aa4604c398853e9c.jpg3848fd47a7212e7e4a237f5a94d1a013.jpg

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Micchi

Micchi

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The brakes look like they've barely been used. I'm conflicted because there's a part of me that wants to replace everything but the other part of me says to save the money and reuse the brakes.2bffd352f90b6922278f90144d2f96b8.jpg796e4f54691e9fd588a682bdd95eec13.jpg8ba78d735d2ae18155719bbc65450b39.jpg

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02ramboi

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That's a very tough decision I did that one time with my brakes and I had to end up going back afterwards and replace but yours look ok


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aheeejd

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What an awesome project. I have a 03 Ram with a 4.7 that died. 240 k, I bought remanufactured & dropped it in. My frame is ok cause the last several years I had it hot oil undercoated. Guy in my area makes a hell of a living in his garage doing this. Funny, now that the motor is all in (finished installing last Dec) & running great, I'm bored. Like I want to be wrenching on the truck. Following this thread will have to suffice

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Micchi

Micchi

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Made a little progress, need to get the ball joints out and clean up for paint.81b1f9a13e3ee26ad2ef9bbcd5c1ca70.jpg

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Micchi

Micchi

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So I'm considering putting a limited slip in the rear but I have no experience driving with one and don't know if it will be worth the cost and hassle.

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crazykid1994

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Limited slip drives the same. I have a 97 with open diff and my 17 has limited slip. No difference driving except my 97 feels like a brick driving down the road :p if you do any off-roading or anything I would look into a Detroit diff since it's not clutch packs. Less likely to dig yourself into a hole if you go onto sand as well from one tire spinning.


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Micchi

Micchi

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Don't have any plans to go off road. I didn't know if it would be beneficial in the snow or not.

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crazykid1994

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I can't say as it would help or hurt in the snow. Never driven in the snow myself as I'm in Florida...


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crazykid1994

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Well I might be doing this same thing you are. My 97 has some rot to it. Might be looking at a 98 to use as a parts truck. :)


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R/T_Fire

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For the snow yes... the more wheels that give power to the ground the better.... I'd say its worth the expense..

But looks like a fun project... it will be a "brand new" truck when your all done
 

dudeman2009

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So I'm considering putting a limited slip in the rear but I have no experience driving with one and don't know if it will be worth the cost and hassle.

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My personal opinion, good tires did more for me than fixing my limited slip diff. If you're going to spend aprox $300 on a LS diff, why not just bump it up to $600 and get yourself an eaton locker that will do wonders in the snow.
 
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