What does this site prefer?

[buds truck]

I guess I probably am the odd man out, but I have mine chopped, on a 91 dakota chassis and lowered, but it is what I do and I am enjoying every blessed minute I spend on it. Some like it, most probably don't, but each and every one of the guys on this forum have been at least supportive and none have been negative. good group here. Bud

[Young Ed]

I suspect if the original poster had allowed multiple selections the results would have been quite different.

[raidmagic]

I say build it the way that you want. You are going to be driving it. This is mine, I went with the hotrod truck

Just beautiful!! Any pics of the whole truck? What did you do for the front suspension, is that a clip or aftermarket on the stock frame? I love it!!

[Dave72dt]

smallblockjunkie has a pretty extensive build thread and budstruck has several threads on his build, both worth doing a search for and following along. Dan Babb's Hemi project has generated a lot of interest as has ggdad51's restoration. There's a number of Volare clips, diff swaps, t-5s, stake beds,low beds, high beds.

Mine is also chopped and lowered so Bud's not alone there but it's sitting on a modified original frame with MII out front on coilovers and a triangulated four link on coil overs out back. There's only about 3 panels on the truck that haven't been modified in some way but you'd be hard-pressed to figure out what some of the mods are. Definitely looks like a Pilothouse.

[Dan Babb]

Definitely post up pics of your build. I'm cool with anything - except the really sloppy rat rods. Just don't get seeing people who go out of their way to make it look like crap.

To comment a bit on your plans. I was told the stock rear end wouldn't hold up to the power of a V8. I don't think having the extra gear would help that...you still have more power & torque going through to the rear in the first 3 gears.

I don't see how you could make the floor starter work with a modern V8. With the original setup, the shaft pushes down on the starter and engages a switch that puts power to the starter. I think it would be a huge feat to make something like that work. On my build, I left the floor pedal in, so from the cab, it looks like it's functional. If it makes you happy, just press with your foot while you turn the key.

Good luck with your project.

[50farmtruck]

I don't see how you could make the floor starter work with a modern V8. With the original setup, the shaft pushes down on the starter and engages a switch that puts power to the starter. I think it would be a huge feat to make something like that work. On my build, I left the floor pedal in, so from the cab, it looks like it's functional. If it makes you happy, just press with your foot while you turn the key.

Good luck with your project.

You could possibly mount a heavy duty momentary switch/ starter switch at the opposite end of your floor pedal for it to contact when you step on it. Just a thought.

Bryan

[raidmagic]

You could possibly mount a heavy duty momentary switch/ starter switch at the opposite end of your floor pedal for it to contact when you step on it. Just a thought.

Bryan

It's funny you said that, when talking to my dad about the truck I asked him how those worked and we both decided I could mount a switch under that pedal if needed.

Dave thanks for the leads on what to search for, I'll be checking those out.

Dan thanks for the info on the starter switch and don't worry rat rods aren't my thing.

[smallblockjunkie]

It is 1986 corvette susp all the way around the truck. You would not belive how easy the front end went in. After boxing the stock frame rails there was only 1/16 inch gap on each side and the overall width is the same as the old front axel.

[raidmagic]

It is 1986 corvette susp all the way around the truck. You would not belive how easy the front end went in. After boxing the stock frame rails there was only 1/16 inch gap on each side and the overall width is the same as the old front axel.

You have to be kidding me! I have two 86 Vette parts cars in my yard. Now you really have me thinking!!

[greg g]

There is a very fully documented swap of a crown vic, grand marquise front end assembly put into a Ford F 150. Don't know it if might be too wide for the Dodge at apx 65+ inches. But the deal there is a cast aluminum bolt on cross member that carries the full suspension, steering rack and disc brake set up. Should be more than robust enough for a light use truck, especially if you can get a police or taxi unit. I don't have the link bookmarked any more (I was looking it it for my studebaker) but it is pretty easy to find; key words, f 150, crown victoria.

Only unusual thing is a couple of leading arm stabilizers you would need to fabricate some mounts for.

[Dennis_MN]

The poll didn't give enough choices. I call mine a driver, stock to look at but disk brakes, radial tires, to improve the stop and go. But 4 speed, non syncro, double clutch, no power steering, reminds me that this is a truck.