Has any one used a dodge Dakota chassis and put there body on it. Or is there a link to doing this. I have access to a 2005 chassis with everything on it including motor and tranny. And complete dash and controls. Is it possible to put my 77 ford body onto it and how hard would it be. Any help would be great thanks.

 

Why ?____ If you want a dodge just buy one and not ruin a good Ford. Or at least use a later Ford chassis if you want things updated.__

 

The only reason I was going to try the dodge is because I can get a great deal on a 05 chassis with the motor and tranny with less then 15000 miles on it. With the complete dash intact. My 77 is a long bed and I want to convert to a short bed. Thought it would be easier using the new chassis with all the modern equipment for handling. I had heard that you could use the dakota chassis as a swap. With little fab. Do disrespect to fords. Any help would be appreciated.

 

No disrespect. Not do. Whoops. 😁

 

Might be wiser to just do the crown vic suspension swap, then drop in a 5.4 3v, or a 5.0 coyote or just freshen up the original engine.
I don't think the dakota chassis would be much better than what you have, except its newer.

 

What are your goals? Doesn't seem like all that good of a swap candidate to me.

 

I think your right. I think I'm gonna pass on it for now. Maybe try out the crown Vic front end. Any good links to that process?

 

Convert a long bed to a short bed? Do you plan on buying a short bed or sectioning out the bed and cutting it up?

 

Sure, if you want real pretty nightmare. I'm planning on getting my bare bones 76 running to be my dd even though it was intended as a project because I HATE my grand cherokee, dakotas are even worse.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...o-67-f100.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...sion-swap.html

 

Thanks for all the replies. I really appreciate it. Yes I had planned on sectioning the bed also. I've seen that done many times. Shortbeds are hard to find, and if you do find one they usually want a pretty Pennie for it.

 

Also the motor that I have in it is a 351 modified. It didn't come with a rear oil dipstick. Just a front one on the passenger side front of block. But I don't think it reads correct. I've put 6 quarts of oil in it and it doesn't register on the stick. I'm also having a hell of a time trying to find a plug to fit in the rear oil dipstick hole. It is threaded bit nothing I buy fits. Anyone know the size of it. The original rear dipstick isn't available anymore from ford. Might try looking at the junkyard.

 

By sectioning the bed, I believe you are going to cause yourself quite a headache. Making it look good will require a TON of body work. Just shell out the extra money for the short bed. I think you will be happy you did.

 

If you know what you are doing then it will look fine. It will just take some work.