slow build- 97 Ram CTD family truck/expo rig

[bloodyWEST]

Jkosten I didn't know fass makes one. Thanks. And yes to the transfer pump setup

I thought long and hard about doing a shackle flip, but because I'm going to be at or over gvw with this thing loaded, I decided against it. Then add towing 7-10k lbs

I really like how your truck is set up. It looks like a lot of fun, but this is going to be more practical for the stage of life I'm in. I'll keep dreaming about a carli tuned 3rd gen 4 door for my next truck.


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[jkosten]

The shackle flip with not change load capacity, but how the springs react. But as long and you are happy with it now then rock on!

Here is the fuel neck piece looks like:

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[bloodyWEST]

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[bloodyWEST]

Ok, I got this project buttoned up today. I was able to use the jeep cherokee straps and didn't have to make any brackets. Just drilled holes.
Plenty of ground clearance.

I didn't have to use a tee as kosten showed. On my 97 truck there is an unused port on the fuel basket. It just goes into the top and has a tube down to the bottom of the tank. It was capped on top. I got a 3/8" rubber 90 and then ran to the filter and pump. I found a 12v pump and some 3/8 stainless rigid tubing in stock at my dad's shop. I'm out $30 for the tank from Craigslist and about $40 in fittings/filter/hose.


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[J.R.]

That turned out great! Im going to have to steal that Idea and do it myself. :smiley_drive:

 

[jkosten]

Sweet. Looks good! Having extra fuel will be handy.

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[bloodyWEST]

Little progress today. Got the bed mounted and I'm super excited about how it looks. All the proportions are correct, a utility bed can make or break the appearance of the truck.

Time to start planning and building the bumper.

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[redthies]

Looking good!

 

[Seabass]

That's so sweet!!! It's gonna sick awesome when you get finished!

 

[bloodyWEST]

I started working on some bumper templates tonight. I don't know when I will actually buy steel and get busy, but it's fun to plan.

And here is a truck I'm in love with, and taking some ques from.

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[bftank]

similar build, for some ideas. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/expedition-vehicles/1512922-multi-purpose-dodge-diesel-build-12.html gets a little crazy towards the end. love the kiss approach to your dodge. and the center console start. might have to steal that for the excursion some day.

 

[bloodyWEST]

Got the steel bent up for my bumper.

Finished the 3rd gen brake swap. Now I have dual piston calipers and rotors are 1.25" bigger than my 1997 brakes. I'm very impressed with this mod, $300 in parts, everything bolted on in less than 2 hours.

Got my exhaust finished up. The muffler/stack combo is perfect. It sounds great, it's very quiet in he can, and looks cool

Finished plumbing in the aux tank

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[bloodyWEST]

Got some work done on the bumper and hitch. My friend is helping me with his shop and welding skills.

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[bloodyWEST]

Some progress on the bumper. It's going to be the nicest piece on the whole truck.

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[bloodyWEST]

Well, it's 2AM and my truck is ready for a shake down camping trip tomorrow.

New bumper and hitch are done. Just need paint.

2 new Nitto tires on the front

Just finished up replacing my cracked dash, new heater core and evap core. That was a nightmare project.
No current pic of that. But while I had various parts of the interior out, I did ad some insulation to the back wall, floor, doors, firewall and dash.

Now with the weight of the bumper, I really need to get my add-a-leaves in. The truck is getting saggy.

Here she sits fueling up at 1am

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