Standard Cab Short Bed Diesel- Best Method?
 

Hi all,

I am looking to do a standard cab short bed 2nd gen diesel project in the near future but I am torn with what platform to start with. I have seen a few builds where guys have taken 2500/3500 standard cab long beds and chopped them. But I have also see that 3/4 & 1 ton axles are relatively easily swapped under a 1500.

So the question I am asking here is, what seems to be the better option? For argument sake, assume the engine/trans are already sitting in my garage:
1998-2001 Ram 2500/3500 SCLB.
Pros: No dash changes, adequate frame and axles for diesel power levels
Cons: Complexity of cutting the frame and rewelding. Inflated purchase price if its a cummins truck (Could look for V10s?), Take off short beds seem to be hard to find? Need a different fuel tank and some other components will need to be "shortened" to accommodate.

1998-2001 Ram 1500 SCSB.
Pros: No drive line changes needed as when shortening the frame, Very cheap trucks to purchase (especially trucks with junk motors)
Cons: Dash change? Axle swap. frame may need reinforcing? 3/4 or 1 ton axles needed.

A new driveshaft will be needed for either of these paths.


Any insight from people whom have built SCSB Diesels or just any general input would be great!

Thanks!

If it was me i would look for a 2wd reg cab long box 2500 or 3500 and shorten the frame as you will need that heavy frame and suspension to handle that motor and all that torque
If done right that thing will be sweet and fast
There were lot of 2500 and 3500 built with the 360 or 5.9L gas pot in them in that year of truck

That's a good point, I am just used to seeing them with a cummins I guess. I've also considered the idea of doing a 4x4 since I am in Minnesota and I would probably drive it in the winter if I did build it. Haven't looked too far into how that would work out with either the 1/2 ton or 3/4 options.