TurboJ4000 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 22, 2021 10:55 am
Are you planning to weld the frame back together or just bolts? The original just riveted together is much different than bolted together.
I would think at the very least it needs to be welded along that seam but a straight vertical weld isnt great for the stresses on a frame either which is why this is often done at an angle and with fish plates to add strength. Looks awesome though I love the body swap idea (hence I'm doing one too).
I am confused by your first post though. You said your goal was an automatic 5 speed but the Dodge you bought is a manual?
I will probably box the frame in at the spliced section and weld it solid, drilling holes where the bolts are so I can periodically check that they are still tight.
The original quest was to find an auto I could just easily bolt on. After researching the topic I saw that there were none, so then I thought just do an adapter. But all said and done, a new trans, an adapter kit to mate the trans to the engine and the transfer case to the new trans (or new transfer case that is native to the trans), cutting and balancing the drive shaft, and running a transmission controller was 10X what I wanted to spend. It was actually MUCH cheaper to just buy used vehicle and do a body swap. I could have just done an engine/trans swap but I wanted the axles, brakes, and HVAC system so a body swap just made more sense. In the process I also got a much better frame as well with out having to piece everything together on the drive-train. Of course I had to piece EVERYTHING else together but its been smooth sailing so far... except the fuel tank abortion... what a mess. As I said before, if I started all over again, I'd just have one custom built or make one myself.
So to answer the question more, I figured if I was going to to a frame swap, I wanted a manual trans. I just like manuals over autos, just my preference.