Dakota Frame Strength?
 

Ok here me out on this. I have a 1990 Cummins rolling chassis. I got a good deal on it from a friend. Body has already been removed because he was putting a COE cab on it, but got burned out. So here is my dilemna, I have a 1948 Dodge Panel truck that I was going to put on a 96 Dodge Dakota frame. Then the Cummins fell into my hands. The 90 track width is to wide to put my Panel Truck body on. I am now debating pulling the Cummins out of it's original frame and stuffing in into the Dakota frame with my Panel on that frame. Depending on who you ask, some say no problem some say no way. My questions are whether the Dakota frame can handle the weight of the Cummins? I don't plan on big horsepower #'s. Maybe turning up the pump a little. I won't be towing heavy loads with it. Maybe a small vintage Shasta camper, but that's about it. I know the 4bt would be a better choice, but I don't have one and they are a little pricey. Any suggestions, ideas, or comments would be greatly appreciated. thanks, andrew

It can be done, a guy put a 6bt in a Durango and it's surviving just fine. Plus that's the beauty of building ground up, if your good with a welder u can make things as strong as u want. Go for it!

im sure if you plate it it should hold up. oh by the way i think you would have a bada$$ build on your hands

Anythings possible with a torch and a welder, sounds like a cool build

Have the welder and the plasma! I guess my main concern is finding the weakest point of the Dakota. I would guess ball joints or spindles? I've seen a few other Dakotas with a Cummins, but they are either 4wd or 4bt's. The frames are boxed, so I think it's ok, it's just everything attached to it that worries me. I plan on doing road trips in it with kids so I just want it to be safe:hellox:

A guy I met from TDR put a 6BT in a Dakota. Nice truck.

2wd?

No, his is 4wd. I take it the frame you're working on is a 2wd?

yes 2wd...probably will be lowered and possible air bagged...

theres a video a ranger with a 5.9 in it on youtube. lowered, with wide (drag?) tires on the back. its sounds sick and moves pretty good too.