OFFDUTYEXPEDITOR

I am interested in purchasing a 3rd generation 3500 and stretching the frame so I can get a 84" cab to axle ratio. I cannot afford one of the new 07 Cab/chassis and Dodge did not make them from 2003-2006.

I want to mount a 12' cargo box on this truck. I realize the extra work this would require i.e. lengthening the driveshaft, brake lines and taillight wiring.
Has anyone ever done this? Can you recommend a company that does this type of work and how much $ I am looking at. I am in central Indiana but all responses are welcome.

oscaroc

Maybe Centurion if they are still around.

rammtuff

Any truck frame shop can do it. I had a International done years ago. We added 8 feet, doubled the frame, and added a lift axle. Cost me 6500.00 excluding tires.

jkitterman

The problem is going to be if they can safely strech a hydroformed frame. It this case, it probably will be better to go with a 2nd generation and stretch that.

OFFDUTYEXPEDITOR

In that case I would just try to find a good low mileage 2002 cab/chassis. My main reason for wanting a 3rd gen was for the 4-full doors on the quad cab.

picdodge

Check with your local weld/fab shop, They should be able to handle it. I have done a few semi frames, stretched and shortened. Not that big of deal, getting tube fabbed to match the frame would be the toughy. Probably should be fish plated from under the cab to at least the spring hangers to handle the added length and stress on original frame. Shouldn't be a problem welding on the hydroformed frame since everything is welded to it. Good luck and keep us posted.

ataboy9026

There is a place called M&M Fabricating on county road 6 in Elkhart Indiana. They do most all of frame mods to RV chassis for all the manufactures up here. If anyone can do it they can. They have the best driveshaft equiptment in the nation. They do a lot of motorhome stretching and modifying. They are right across the street from the Elkhart Airport.

OFFDUTYEXPEDITOR

Thanks ataboy. That was just the type of info I was looking for. I figured someone up there in RV land would be able to do it. I see alot of 3500 CTD's hauling RV's that have been stretched for their sleepers.

ataboy9026

I looked up their number.......... 574-262-4777. I live about 2 minutes from them. I have had many driveshafts done there for race cars and 4x4's. They are very good at what they do.

Shovelhead

These guys do stretches also.

http://www.bayerauto.com/index.html

OFFDUTYEXPEDITOR

Thanks guys. I also found the website for M&M Fabricators.

www.mandmfabricators.com

jb903

if you just want the frame done and no bodywork theres a big truck place called got wheelbase. they do all the stretches on the big trucks.

4x4not

You can say bye-bye to you Dodge warranty. I think I read somewhere they will deny it in a heartbeat if you modify the frame. But hey, what do I know?

Jfaulkner

I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty anyway. If you sneeze in the truck they want to void it.