1953 M37 Cummins build / Dodge 2500 swap

[spoolin fool]

hey guys

I am Brand new member who is looking to start a 1953 M37 build with a 6BT and a NV4500 transmission

The plan is to put the M37 body on a 1994-1997 Dodge 2500 cummins chassis

I have seen guys do it with a 92/93 W250 chassis, is there any differences in a 1994-1997 dodge 2500 chassis?

Do I need a extended cab chassis or is a regular cab long bed chassis long enough?

Thanks
Andrew

[RMS]

welcome to the board Andrew, sounds like a fun project.

the m37 has a 112in wheel base the dodge 2500 is 119in to 134in. a cowl stretch would be neat. then some wheelbarrow to doghouse action. stretched box is handy but looks out of place.

looking forward to pics

don't for get to add your location, helps when looking for parts

[spoolin fool]

hey RMS

thanks for the response, it will be the exact M37 cab and bed I will not be doing an extended cab

I just didnt know if I could use a regular cab chassis to swap the M37 bed and cab onto because the only 2 similar build swaps Ive seen done used a Extended cab chassis that they cut down.

I will definitely be posting lots of pictures and information along the way

[52PLOWERWAGON]

that is gonna be awesome

cant wait to see pics

[spoolin fool]

thanks I am looking forwward to getting this project started my only hiccup is finding the dodge 2500

[Bearofalltrades]

Check out the thread "Building a reto M37" by retiredguy
He put a M37 body on a Dodge truck frame.

[W_A_Watson_II]

Looking forward to progress details and hopefully some pictures. However keeping the M's 112 WB while fitting a 6BT in it will be an interesting fit. Even to get a 6BT into a Power Wagon with it's 126 WB and hood room required some effort.

[52PLOWERWAGON]

thanks I am looking forwward to getting this project started my only hiccup is finding the dodge 2500

is it any easier to find a 3500, that would be better

heavier frame plus a Dana 80 in the rear ,then just ditch the spacers in the rear


just an idea

[war wagon]

I am building a m37 6bt nv4500 2nd gen chassis now I can help with some of your questions

[k8icu]

I think you have two issues to contend with. The length of the 1994 Dodge truck vrs the M37. You will either have to shorten the frame or lengthen the body. The other and more difficult one is that in 1994 Dodge trucks went to a coil spring front suspension vrs. a leaf spring. So you would either need to convert to leaf springs or figure out how to make the coil mounts work with the M37. But hey figure those two things out and your all set.....sort of.

[just me]

My 1990 Dodge CTD is a coil spring front.

[just me]

My 1990 Dodge CTD is a coil spring front. Not really an issue if you are doing a body swap. Changing frame length is a bit more challenging.