78 Ramcharger 2WD 12V build
#1
78 Ramcharger 2WD 12V build
Well I'm starting a build thats been in my head for a long time. I have a 93 Cummins crew cab that i'm using as a donor to make it happen.
As of right now i'm collecting parts over the cold months here in Michigan so that I can jump right in to it as soon as the weather turns. I do already have most everything from the donor to do it but I will need some guidance along this way from you seasoned builders.
Here is the rig that is getting the attention..
The current combo is a 400 with a 727 trans. Like the thread title says i'm dropping in an intercooled 12 valve between the rails. I will never tow with it I just want a fun truck to cruise and take to shows.
The cummins is attatched to a 47RH from a 94-95 truck and was looking for some advice about a trans crossmember. I am looking at a 89-90 3/4 ton diesel crossmember to swap in as the 78 one looks like it might not even be close to modifying to work with the newer trans. I am no stranger to fabrication of parts but thought this might be an option to save some time from having to build a whole new part. Any opinions on this?
This will be a slowly updated thread because it really won't start until spring but i'll post with parts I accumulate as time goes. I'll post pics of hhe donor truck as well (some of you guys might hate me for tearing that truck apart).
Anywho, thanks for any help and hope you enjoy the build as it goes.
As of right now i'm collecting parts over the cold months here in Michigan so that I can jump right in to it as soon as the weather turns. I do already have most everything from the donor to do it but I will need some guidance along this way from you seasoned builders.
Here is the rig that is getting the attention..
The current combo is a 400 with a 727 trans. Like the thread title says i'm dropping in an intercooled 12 valve between the rails. I will never tow with it I just want a fun truck to cruise and take to shows.
The cummins is attatched to a 47RH from a 94-95 truck and was looking for some advice about a trans crossmember. I am looking at a 89-90 3/4 ton diesel crossmember to swap in as the 78 one looks like it might not even be close to modifying to work with the newer trans. I am no stranger to fabrication of parts but thought this might be an option to save some time from having to build a whole new part. Any opinions on this?
This will be a slowly updated thread because it really won't start until spring but i'll post with parts I accumulate as time goes. I'll post pics of hhe donor truck as well (some of you guys might hate me for tearing that truck apart).
Anywho, thanks for any help and hope you enjoy the build as it goes.
#2
Registered User
Sweet ride!
Welcome to DTR
I will be following along. I see you found my similar build I aim doing on a 2WD Ramcharger too. I will be happy to help answer question as you move forward.
I have the 2wd diesel transmission crossmember if you end up needing one too.
Welcome to DTR
I will be following along. I see you found my similar build I aim doing on a 2WD Ramcharger too. I will be happy to help answer question as you move forward.
I have the 2wd diesel transmission crossmember if you end up needing one too.
#3
Thanks very much! Ya, I was super excited when I found your build thread because its pretty well exactly what I'm doing.with mine. I'm sure I will need to pick your brain a few times along the way so I appreciate that. Just by looking at pics of crossmembers I think the diesel setup might be my best option to start with. Let me know what you need for that one you have.
Thanks again!
#4
Registered User
I have a feeling any 89-93 2wd crossmember from a 6" frame will work. The one in my 90 D150 looks the same as my 89-90 D250 diesels.
I decided to go 8lug/4000# suspension on my '84 2wd ramcharger. Goes in easy. One of these months i may even finish it....
I decided to go 8lug/4000# suspension on my '84 2wd ramcharger. Goes in easy. One of these months i may even finish it....
#5
Registered User
Oh man, that's a sweet looking RC! I like the soft top. Otherwise looks mostly stock still.
Much rust to deal with?
Do you have plans for the 400?
Thanks for sharing!
Much rust to deal with?
Do you have plans for the 400?
Thanks for sharing!
#6
Here is the only rust on it (**** mice)
And here are a couple of pictures of the donor truck.
I hate to do it but I've owned it for around 13 years and its getting a little rough around the edges and its time for a change.
#7
Registered User
OK, so now you've started a whole nother tale! The '94 donor motor is in an '80s crew cab, what's the story on that? Did you do that conversion? Is the 400 going in there?
Sorry to be so many questions, but inquiring minds...
Sorry to be so many questions, but inquiring minds...
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
Welcome to the forum, I like the build you are doing and will be following but..... There really not that many crewcabs out there and unless it is a total rust bucket I personally would sell that (it might be ruff to you but someone I'm sure would love to have it) That should give you enough to get a good low milage 215 hp P pump and a good 47rh and any other parts you will need as well as some $$ in your pocket, it will also keep another Cummins Crew on the road.. JMHO
The following users liked this post:
nothingbutdarts (10-30-2023)
#9
Welcome to the forum, I like the build you are doing and will be following but..... There really not that many crewcabs out there and unless it is a total rust bucket I personally would sell that (it might be ruff to you but someone I'm sure would love to have it) That should give you enough to get a good low milage 215 hp P pump and a good 47rh and any other parts you will need as well as some $$ in your pocket, it will also keep another Cummins Crew on the road.. JMHO
The following users liked this post:
nonrev (10-31-2023)
#11
Hey guys, its been a while since I've posted anything but.. Here we go.
I moved the CC to my garage for teardown but not before a couple big smokey burnouts, I never really beat on the truck and was pleasantly surprised its ability to put on a smoke show! Anywho, pulled it in the garage and just dove in.
All the sheet metal came off nice, not even one broken bolt! Took a ton of pics just so I know where things need to go when the time comes.
I dropped the trans and got the engine ready to pull and out it came, 12V's really are heavy aren't they. I had a heck of a time just rolling the picker across the garage floor.
Got the engine all cleaned up and slathered on some motor coater paint in satin black, i'll accent it with some gloss black parts and pretty much all stainless hardware just because. I'd rather open the hood and have someone say wow that looks nice instead of wow that looks like crap!
Added one of those 1/4" thick stainless intake plates.
Thats as far as I got with the engine for now and I put it in the corner and covered it up for the moment. I did end up selling the rest of the CC to a guy I work with that will do something with it beside just sit behind the garage in the grass so don't hate me to much. He did agree to let me keep the radiator support in case I try and use it on the RC. I do plan on keeping the stock intercooler and such so that might make things easier to just use that. I know its nothing major to post but its good progress to me. I'll make another post of what I have done the the ramcharger a bit later. Thanks for looking!
I moved the CC to my garage for teardown but not before a couple big smokey burnouts, I never really beat on the truck and was pleasantly surprised its ability to put on a smoke show! Anywho, pulled it in the garage and just dove in.
All the sheet metal came off nice, not even one broken bolt! Took a ton of pics just so I know where things need to go when the time comes.
I dropped the trans and got the engine ready to pull and out it came, 12V's really are heavy aren't they. I had a heck of a time just rolling the picker across the garage floor.
Got the engine all cleaned up and slathered on some motor coater paint in satin black, i'll accent it with some gloss black parts and pretty much all stainless hardware just because. I'd rather open the hood and have someone say wow that looks nice instead of wow that looks like crap!
Added one of those 1/4" thick stainless intake plates.
Thats as far as I got with the engine for now and I put it in the corner and covered it up for the moment. I did end up selling the rest of the CC to a guy I work with that will do something with it beside just sit behind the garage in the grass so don't hate me to much. He did agree to let me keep the radiator support in case I try and use it on the RC. I do plan on keeping the stock intercooler and such so that might make things easier to just use that. I know its nothing major to post but its good progress to me. I'll make another post of what I have done the the ramcharger a bit later. Thanks for looking!
#12
So with the Crew gone to its new home and a clean spot in the garage I dug out the RC from its 10 year slumber of sitting collecting dust and spider webs. Took lots of pictures of everything as my memory is terrible these days and don't want to ask you guys where this and that goes lol. Everything came off almost as nice as the CC but did break one lower fender bolt, thank goodness for 45 year old undercoating that is still soft and rubbery. Even the dealer installed trailer hitch nuts broke right loose from the stud plates in the rear, pretty funny to see someone used castle nuts for frame spacers back there.
I found a bunch of 5 star mouse hotels by this point, Cowl had more of a resort and spa vibe when I removed the nest and mummified remains. Oliver F made a good point to remove the blower motor and check behind that too.
I got the trans cross member out and found that it only had 3 bolts holding it to the frame, somebody forgot to slip that last one in from the top before the tub went on or something. I got the rest unbolted and pulled the engine/trans in one piece.
Being all happy with the progress this far I figured i'd pull the seat and check out the floor pans. I could see some undesirable problems from the underside that I thought were small but you know that undercoating was hiding a LOT!
OUCH, there is a bit more than what I was expecting. I was surprised to find the 4x4/manual trans tunnel that unbolts in the middle. I'm not well versed in ramchargers like D series trucks and thought this was odd, and also a blessing for trans fitting purposes.
Found this when I pulled up the rubber mat..
I found a bunch of 5 star mouse hotels by this point, Cowl had more of a resort and spa vibe when I removed the nest and mummified remains. Oliver F made a good point to remove the blower motor and check behind that too.
I got the trans cross member out and found that it only had 3 bolts holding it to the frame, somebody forgot to slip that last one in from the top before the tub went on or something. I got the rest unbolted and pulled the engine/trans in one piece.
Being all happy with the progress this far I figured i'd pull the seat and check out the floor pans. I could see some undesirable problems from the underside that I thought were small but you know that undercoating was hiding a LOT!
OUCH, there is a bit more than what I was expecting. I was surprised to find the 4x4/manual trans tunnel that unbolts in the middle. I'm not well versed in ramchargers like D series trucks and thought this was odd, and also a blessing for trans fitting purposes.
Found this when I pulled up the rubber mat..
#13
Registered User
All the Ram Chargers I have seen, even the 2wd ones, have the bigger 4x4 transmission hump. The earlier Ramchargers had the removable transmission tunnel like you have. My '76 RC has that removable tunnel, where my '79 does not.
Finding the build sheet is cool. Where under the mat, was it hiding?
Looks pretty clean and straight. Also looks pretty familiar, right down to the similar shade of brown as my 2wd RC.
Enjoy the build and keep us posted with some details.
Finding the build sheet is cool. Where under the mat, was it hiding?
Looks pretty clean and straight. Also looks pretty familiar, right down to the similar shade of brown as my 2wd RC.
Enjoy the build and keep us posted with some details.
#14
All the Ram Chargers I have seen, even the 2wd ones, have the bigger 4x4 transmission hump. The earlier Ramchargers had the removable transmission tunnel like you have. My '76 RC has that removable tunnel, where my '79 does not.
Finding the build sheet is cool. Where under the mat, was it hiding?
Looks pretty clean and straight. Also looks pretty familiar, right down to the similar shade of brown as my 2wd RC.
Enjoy the build and keep us posted with some details.
Finding the build sheet is cool. Where under the mat, was it hiding?
Looks pretty clean and straight. Also looks pretty familiar, right down to the similar shade of brown as my 2wd RC.
Enjoy the build and keep us posted with some details.
Its in pretty good shape considering what its been through. Sitting around that long and a garage fire. A little story for ya all, picture this. Two 2 car garages put together, so it has a wall in the middle. One morning the far side of the garage lit up and the rc is sitting inside the other side against the inner wall. Fire dept. comes and I know a couple of the guys, they ask if the truck ran "no" we all ran into the burning garage with zero visibility and pushed it out into the driveway out of harms way. That was likely one of the dumbest things i've ever done, couldn't breath good for a week after inhaling all that smoke. Lost my 66 Barracuda and a 38 IHC panel truck that morning, RIP..
The garage...
This is where the truck was sitting, all the light bulbs and a 66 barracuda back window above it exploded from the heat and never melted of ripped the soft top. It was ALL black from the smoke but I got the hose out and scrubbed everything before it really ate its way in.
I got the trans tunnel unbolted and eyeballed the damage of sitting in one spot on a concrete floor for nearly 25 years. I love how they just spot welded the panel over the t case lever cutout, no seam sealer nothing just a big open seam.
Got a patch made and welded in on the passenger side.
The other side was a bit of a larger patch and I don't have all my metal working tools at hand so I did it in two pieces. I beat the tar out of the side patch to make it fit nice then just welded on the lower flange
All welded up and polished with the grinder.
I layed in the chinese floor patch pans to see what I did and didn't need, marked the lines to cut and went about doing it. Tell ya what, finding those spot welds is a lot of fun when you can't see them for the rust pits
Thankfully all the braces are in fairly good shape.
This is the first time i've ever seen this area where the rocker to floor brace are enclosed I don't recall ever seeing this on the trucks.
All the panels just kinda layed in place. I won't weld them in until I get a 2WD 47RH and get the x member position figured out. If I need to drill new hole further back it will be a lot easier getting at them from the top so probably next summer i'll finish them up.
This is where i'm at right now besides just wire wheeling and scraping the frame and suspension so I can put some paint on it, then i'll run new brake lines and start on the fuel system. I also kept the throttle pedal from the 93 so i'll be doing it just how oliver did on his project, also snagged the shift linkages as i'd like to keep the column shift. Want to keep the inside as stock looking as I possibly can
Going to try and pull the fuel tank down later this evening. Thanks for looking!
#15
Hey all, I been picking away at some little things on my weekends off. I got the front half of the chassis all scraped and wire brushed some of the surface rust off brushed on some satin black and i'm pretty happy with how it looks.
And.. all painted up. I'm going to leave the lower suspension and such alone for right now. Once I get to swapping out to the 3/4 ton springs I'll clean up and paint while it tore apart.
So today I went to the garage to just tinker around a little and my curiosity got the best of me. Didn't know what holes in the crossmember were going to work so I just plopped it down in there. Well, I just wanted to see it sitting in there for fun to. I tightened it all down and bolted up the SP exhaust manifold and ran out of time so thats as far as I got. Going to mount the turbo so I can start on the exhaust, make the oil drain line and figure out the power steering lines from 78 to 93. Looks like the trans is going to be real close to the pinch well where the trans tunnel starts so i'll see how that goes, that brings up a dumb question for you guys. Is the 47RH 4WD trans mount position in the housing the same spot as on a 2WD? If so i'll slip my 4x4 trans in and get the crossmember figured out because I won't be getting my suncoast 2wd unit till next year.
Thats it for today, hope someone enjoys the pics. Not to many details to go over thus far, just kinda wingin it as I go.
And.. all painted up. I'm going to leave the lower suspension and such alone for right now. Once I get to swapping out to the 3/4 ton springs I'll clean up and paint while it tore apart.
So today I went to the garage to just tinker around a little and my curiosity got the best of me. Didn't know what holes in the crossmember were going to work so I just plopped it down in there. Well, I just wanted to see it sitting in there for fun to. I tightened it all down and bolted up the SP exhaust manifold and ran out of time so thats as far as I got. Going to mount the turbo so I can start on the exhaust, make the oil drain line and figure out the power steering lines from 78 to 93. Looks like the trans is going to be real close to the pinch well where the trans tunnel starts so i'll see how that goes, that brings up a dumb question for you guys. Is the 47RH 4WD trans mount position in the housing the same spot as on a 2WD? If so i'll slip my 4x4 trans in and get the crossmember figured out because I won't be getting my suncoast 2wd unit till next year.
Thats it for today, hope someone enjoys the pics. Not to many details to go over thus far, just kinda wingin it as I go.
The following users liked this post:
nothingbutdarts (07-13-2024)