My 12v cummins build

[1500ram12]

Started on the frame with a wire wheel. Took the shock mounts off and the support braces for the trans mount, also removed the skid plate.









2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Got the front leaf springs off, cleaned and bushings out. All brackets that I pulled off are cleaned up and started on the front axle. Going to attempt to remove the knuckles with axles attached so I don't have to tear each side down so I can clean up the axle housing easier. Ordered a few parts, new bushings for the front leafs, new shackles, pinion seal, front diff cover (oem replacement) and power steering lines. Would like to get the front axle back underneath the truck soon. I feel a little uneasy having the front end supported by 2 jackstands and a 4x6. Would rather have jackstands under the axle.


2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Axle tore down and almost ready for paint.






2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Took a little longer to get everything ready for the first coat, but it's on. Really wanted to get 2 coats on today. I'm using Eastwood platinum rust Encapsulator.










2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[Digger Dan 188]

WOW!! Seeing a 12V again make me lonesome for my dad's truck. It was a 90 W 250. By the time he decided to sell it I had a 95 SLT Ext Cab Dualie and didn't need it. We sold it to a friend's dad who is still driving it today. Loved the noise, the smoke, and the smell!!

Good Luck on your rebuild.

 

[1500ram12]

And 2 coats of Eastwood Extreme Satin Chassis Black







2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Replaced the leaf spring bushings so they are ready to go back on. Ordered some 1" taller than stock shackles from far from stock. Those came in yesterday. Had just enough chassis paint to paint those and the new front diff cover.

I didn't remove the outer sleeve from the original bushings because they are pretty much in there for good so I'm trying to modify a set I have to fit. Then I can hang the leaf springs. Once that's done going to start replacing seals/bearings on the axle so that can get back underneath the truck.


2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Leaf springs are on with Far From Stock 1" longer shackles. Started on the trans mount bushings. I need to grab some new washers to finish it up. Upgrading any suspension/steering bolts to grade 8.





2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Trans mounts are in and complete. I have some touch up to do around where the existing mounts were. Took the front diff cover off, pinion and seal. Ordered some more parts (mainly seals for the front end) and tools. Don't reeeaaallllly need the tools, since they are "specialty" tools, but I'd rather have the right tools then mess around finding something that may work or damage the part. I think besides anything braking related, I just need some seals for the spindles, kingpin spring eliminator kit and new locking hub kit the front axle will be all set. Then I need to take a spending break. But once the front axle is back on I am going to try and get the cab off the frame. It's going to be easier to work on when the time comes on the floor. Then I can work on cleaning up the back half. I am going to try and fab my own steering box Brace. I believe I have everything needed to build one.


2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Got the new lower kingpin bearings, races and seals in along with the pinion seal and new diff cover. Had to order a sleeve for the pinion yoke. Had a decent groove in it which would prevent it from sealing properly. Also installed the shock mounts and new leaf spring clamps. These are quite beefy. I may flip them tho. Hopefully will be able to get the axle back under the truck tomorrow. Also got the skid plate back on.











2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Front axle is back on





2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

I trimmed and flipped the leaf spring clamps. Looks better that way.

Cab is off. Time to get the rear axle out and start cleaning up the frame






2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Rear axle is off.

It's not pretty but I had some scrap plate and tubing so made a steering box Brace






2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Rear leafs are off along with the rear hangers. They were shot. Going to remove the front hangers also. Driver's side is OK passenger side is on it's last leg. Removed the shock cross member for clean up.
Got the frame cleaned up. Have a few repairs/supports to add towards the back of the frame. Also got the steering box mounted.





2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Got the rear axle cleaned up and some of the cross members and blocks.



The front yoke repair sleeve came today so that's on and the yoke is painted.



New dust shields for the front stub axles came. Got those on and painted



And removed the front rear leaf springs brackets and sprayed the frame down with loctite rust converter. Seems to work pretty good.




2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[1500ram12]

Doesn’t seem like I've accomplished much lately. But the back half of the frame, rear axle, leaf springs and misc brackets, cross members and brake parts are cleaned up and ready for the rust Encapsulator and chassis paint. I do have some repairs on the drivers side lower frame rail where the gas tank was. Hopefully have that knocked out this weekend. I did break down and order the rest of the seals and bearings and u-joints for the front end so I can start getting that back together. That just leaves the brakes, locking hubs and the king pin eliminator kit and the front axle will be done. That's going to be a rough ~$800 to swallow when the time comes. But plan on getting the seals and bearings done on the rear axle first.

I knew going into this that it was going to be costly but it doesn't hit you until you need the parts to move forward. I HAVE to take a spending break for a bit with Christmas right around the corner.

I'll probably post a cost break down of the build so far so if anyone plans on doing this you'll know what you're in for


2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[tipnitty]

Making great progress in my eyes. Keep up the great work!

 

[1500ram12]

Here is a screen shot of my expenses so far. Not included are degreaser and brake clean. Probably another $100+ in that and some tools bought like bearing/race installation, spindle/yoke sockets and a couple others so another ~$150.




2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250

 

[392DevilDog]

So you still got $50,000 more til you get to the proce of a new diesel lol

 

[1500ram12]

So you still got $50,000 more til you get to the proce of a new diesel lol

Haha yep. I'm hoping to stay close to 10k total when I'm done.


2018 2500 6.4L Hemi Tradesman
1990 5.9L 12v Cummins W250