So here is the deal guys, i have a 1950 3100 5 window truck that needs some work. Here is my plan. i'm attending WyoTech in Laramie and i would like to design and build a custom frame while i am here. It will have a duramax. period. I don't know what engine code though, but i do want a 6 speed allison behind it. I want a 4 link in the back and IFS. i will be using a duramax rear end and matching front spindles. I just have a few questons though.
1.) how much room will the dmax require?
2.) will the cab have to be tunneled for the alli? if so how much?
3.) what axle ratio should be used?
* side notes*
what size of tires?
looking for the cool effect more than drag strip times
i want it to ride low, but maybe not to lay frame> air bag suspension on all 4 corners or just rear?
ALL POSITIVE INPUT WELCOME!

bump bump! anyone?

2wd, right? Put a ZF in it! Nothing like rowing your own gears in a classic... Whatever you do, sounds like a real cool build. Good luck with it, and good luck in school.

a zf-6 with a short throw shifter does sound good. but how many 2wd zf's were made? could i even find a donner?

Definitely enough to find one. Have seen a few on ebay here and there.

what do you mean what size tires? sorry but shouldnt you atleast state what size wheels you would like to use? also the truck is in front of you not us and seems like you would have a better idea than we would of what can fit. if it were me the only option in wheel size would be 15's as old trucks with big wheel look terrible, not that i would EVER put anything bigger than 16 on a vehicle to begin with but old trucks look best with 15s and some meats not pizza cutters with rubber bands. i guess though if you want a bigger rotor to stop the hog you plan on building you might have to go with 16s which would be acceptable too. sounds like a cool build though good luck with it!

The truck is 250mi away from him and he's looking for ideas.

what do you mean what size tires? sorry but shouldnt you atleast state what size wheels you would like to use? also the truck is in front of you not us and seems like you would have a better idea than we would of what can fit. if it were me the only option in wheel size would be 15's as old trucks with big wheel look terrible, not that i would EVER put anything bigger than 16 on a vehicle to begin with but old trucks look best with 15s and some meats not pizza cutters with rubber bands. i guess though if you want a bigger rotor to stop the hog you plan on building you might have to go with 16s which would be acceptable too. sounds like a cool build though good luck with it!

what do you mean what size tires? sorry but shouldnt you atleast state what size wheels you would like to use? also the truck is in front of you not us and seems like you would have a better idea than we would of what can fit. if it were me the only option in wheel size would be 15's as old trucks with big wheel look terrible, not that i would EVER put anything bigger than 16 on a vehicle to begin with but old trucks look best with 15s and some meats not pizza cutters with rubber bands. i guess though if you want a bigger rotor to stop the hog you plan on building you might have to go with 16s which would be acceptable too. sounds like a cool build though good luck with it!

I think that you are right and wrong at the same time. let me explain, 20 inch rims or bigger? No, you are correct. 16 and 17, yes this is something i would use. but i was thinking, when i posted that, what do i want the tire size? not rim. i was hoping for something common enough that they aren't hard to find if i'm out on a trip with it and need one.
maybe that question was premature in coming out since i don't have my final drive ratio figured out yet.

How about 355/50/18"s :rolleyes: ):h J/K! So far I've found one 2wd truck and it was a bit high priced for a donor. I'll keep looking.


I think that you are right and wrong at the same time. let me explain, 20 inch rims or bigger? No, you are correct. 16 and 17, yes this is something i would use. but i was thinking, when i posted that, what do i want the tire size? not rim. i was hoping for something common enough that they aren't hard to find if i'm out on a trip with it and need one.
maybe that question was premature in coming out since i don't have my final drive ratio figured out yet.

Sounds good!

The truck is 250mi away from him and he's looking for ideas.
i dont see anything about that in his post. i wasnt trying to rag on him, sounds like a very cool project i look forward to its progress!! i just thought it was a bland question, there are so many options and when its all said and done it just depends on what he likes best. but once again i would keep it "vintage" if it were me.

You should have plenty of room for motor but the ally is huge so some tunneling will be necessary I think, just by going on memory. shouldnt be that bad though.

I'm starting to like the ZF-6 idea more and more. is the zf all around smaller? or willl it require the cab to be tunneled also?

They're similar in size. I can snap a pic of that ZF in the shop if I can remember later.

I'm starting to like the ZF-6 idea more and more. is the zf all around smaller? or willl it require the cab to be tunneled also?

i finally got to talk to my chasis fab instructor friday afternoon:cool: This guy is a bad ass. he did welding on the hubble space telescope and all kinds of other cool stuff. but back to the project, he said that it would be a cake walk to build as long as i get the body out to the school. so i'm getting pretty excited.

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Sorry but you are worthless! thanks for you input

pics won't be up until thanksgiving at the earliest, unless 01duramax6pd can snap a few pics for me.

It will fit, i personally i wouldnt worry about anything more in that truck than a 400 trans.....example...70 chevelle 1st gen duramax, turbo 400, 12 bolt with 2.54 gears, 3 '' exaust, 11.20s 1/4 mile and over 25 mpg, i'd put a disk brake camero clip in the front and put the engine in, 3 or 4 link the back