Dakota Chassis swap

Just doing some research today as to what will fit a late model P/U ch***is. I found that the Dodge Dakota standard cab has a 112" wheelbase. with a 62 1/2" track. The info I could find and I'm sure there are exceptions, Ford from 1932 to 1940 and probably more are the same wheelbase.

Track width is another matter with the 1940 being 70". I was wondering if anyone has done a swap like this as it seems like a way to save some bodies out there and make a good driver.

 

I'm sorry but sticking a Dakota ch***is would pretty much kill the "Ford-ness" of the Ford wouldnt it? It's bad enough that legions of anti- Fordists discombobulate those old Fords with anything but Ford drivelines, but now this? Why?

 

Hmm, I have a '92 Dakota .........maybe I won't s**** it after all ...

 

How are you going to get around the small bolt pattern 6 lug wheels? They look stupid IMO.

 

Sorry I can not be more helpful, but if somebody out there reads this they maybe able to add more info about this guy.
I met a guy last april in Boulder CO at the showing of a film about the hot rod history in the Denver Boulder area and this guy turned up with an old F1 pickup which looked like a restored vehicle but turned out to be basically a full 4WD dakota with hemi and all the dakota stuff.
It was a very well presented project. If somebody from the Denver area who knows this more senior gentleman, they may wish to PM you with some contact info.

Good luck, it would be worth talking to him, believe me.

 

If you do a search, someone posted a thread about this in the last couple weeks.

 

You can replace the rotors with earlier Dakota rotors. They're 5 lug 4 1/2" bolt pattern. On the back I guess you could replace the axle with an earlier Dakota axle or what ever you want to use.
The main problem I see with the Dakota frame is the weird kickup on the frame horns. I'm gonna try to cut them off and replace them with the the front frame rails off my 56 Ford pickup.
Larry T

 

Pretty simple actually. 1st gen Dakota's (87 - 91 or so) had a 5 lug bolt pattern, 5 on 4 1/2 I believe. So just swap the front rotors, rear drums and axle shafts for the earlier stuff.

edit - LarryT types faster than I do.

 

I've put a 2001 Dodge ch***is under my 1949 Studebaker. Check the build post her: http://www.killbillet.com/showthread.php?t=8489&highlight=dakota+studebaker

 

i know a guy that did a dakota front clip on a 40 ford pu.like you said it is too wide.he ran the donut spare wheels and had them chromed.they have a crazy inset.looked like a front wheel drive.

 

Pretty neat. Any updates?

 

You guys may also want to check this out:

Definitive Dakota frame swap list
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=307020

~Jason

 

Hey Buddy, build it how you like it. What is a factory's previous development?? just a moniker?? Or someones personal opinion...... I like to pile up the other guys "Great Achievements" in ***ociation, collaboration, with my Supercharged Hemi effort.

Don't hold me to "Carved in Stone", but I do believe that the six lug rear end axles also have a couple more splines. Rendering them inoperative... Worth the check!

Think out your dreams,,,, Never get caught wearing shiny slippers!!1111111

 

I have a wonderful 88 Dakota V6 4X4 modified with no computer ****. It's running with the first generation electronic ignition and solid state voltage regulator.

A Mr. Gasket spacer machined to go from the throttle body bolt pattern to the famous performance oriented Holley two barrel bolt pattern. Rock N Roll!

The 318 V8 distributor is set up with a 225 slant six reluctor, and curved just right. The carb is a Holley from a 71 International Harvistor. Which wouldn't be ****, if it wasn't for the cool two stage power valve. Re-curved, 36 degree total advance commin' in at 1800 r.p.m. And guess what.,,,, a choke cable. I had to index the cap, it's held on the Hokey *** way... with wire ****d around a little, clip alignment is off. Rock N Roll!!1

Check out the angle alloy holding up the Hokey *** ****.....

Wondering about a body change..... Thinking about an Aspen, or something to drop on this Dakota 4X4. And to think, there's no getting out of the vehicle and muddying up my Bruno Mollies concerning locking in hubs,,, or stuff like that. I like the 4 on 4 1/2 lug wheels.

Rock N roll..........

 

How about a 47 Stude pickup on an 87 Dakota ch***is? Photo of it in mock up 2 years ago. Older Dakotas had 5 lug wheels. 5 on 4.5 pattern. Starting that project back up again. Check out the build here http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/journal.php?action=view&journalid=22733

 

got my 53 Dodge pilothouse truck on a 91 Dakota frame with the Dakota running gear still in it. Fits like a glove. As for the "hokey" 6 lug wheels, I found that a set of 15" Desoto full size hubcaps hide them well. I have a thread on the build on this site if interested.