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Hello, my build intentions are to swap my, 1989 Ranger Super Cab 4x4 5 speed, cab on to a 3/4 or 1 ton frame and drivetrain with a 12valve 5.9l Cummins engine as the power house.
I want to build this truck to tow my 25' 5th wheel (7700lbs) so that I don't need to take 2 vehicles to go camping. While keeping it capable of off-road cruising
It looks like i will need to use a Regular Cab Long Bed Pickup as the donor. The wheel base is 133" for a 73-97 Ford and 134.7" for a 89-98 Dodge. So to be able to tow my 5th wheel I'm going to need a 7ft bed anyways which would bring the wheel base of my ranger up to 131.4 which is definitely close enough for me.
I'm in search of any general input that would help in this build. I want to change the whole interior of the truck which would include hacking on the firewall to fit the engine of course. i have not started on it yet so there is not any specific things to ask about.
My main question now is what frame should I use?
The Ford frame and drive train would be a lot more expensive because i would need to adapt it to use the 5.9l Cummins engine and purchase the engine seperatly. The good thing that I like on these is the lock out hubs are aleady installed.
The Dodge Frame would already have the engine and only need adapting to the Ranger cab and bed. So it looks to be the cheapest route. Plus, I like the coil springs and lock out hubs can be added.
Here is an old thread with same general concept but just negative criticism and no useful input.
Thanks,
Eldridge
I want to build this truck to tow my 25' 5th wheel (7700lbs) so that I don't need to take 2 vehicles to go camping. While keeping it capable of off-road cruising
It looks like i will need to use a Regular Cab Long Bed Pickup as the donor. The wheel base is 133" for a 73-97 Ford and 134.7" for a 89-98 Dodge. So to be able to tow my 5th wheel I'm going to need a 7ft bed anyways which would bring the wheel base of my ranger up to 131.4 which is definitely close enough for me.
I'm in search of any general input that would help in this build. I want to change the whole interior of the truck which would include hacking on the firewall to fit the engine of course. i have not started on it yet so there is not any specific things to ask about.
My main question now is what frame should I use?
The Ford frame and drive train would be a lot more expensive because i would need to adapt it to use the 5.9l Cummins engine and purchase the engine seperatly. The good thing that I like on these is the lock out hubs are aleady installed.
The Dodge Frame would already have the engine and only need adapting to the Ranger cab and bed. So it looks to be the cheapest route. Plus, I like the coil springs and lock out hubs can be added.
Here is an old thread with same general concept but just negative criticism and no useful input.
Thanks,
Eldridge
