Definitive Dakota frame swap list

THE S-10 and Dakota threads have been closed. Please carry on the discussion for those, and for the Ranger/Explorer in the Definitive Chassis Swap Social Group.


The S-10 thread brought up idea of using a Dodge Dakota frame for those applications where a S-10 was just too narrow.

Post up your builds that used a Dakota frame.

 

i've got a '88 dakota frame under my '47 kb-2, its a nice fit .

 

I think the biggest issue with the Dakota chassis are those damned 6-lug wheels.

 

The early ones are 5 lug (5x4.5) and the later 6 lug ones can be swapped over to the early 5 lug pretty easy with just a rotor swap and axle swap. I want to find one and use the clip under my 1955 S-100 International, i all ready have 2 IH's with S-10's under them.

 

I have Dakota frame under my 48 ford coe . I'm real happy with it ,rides nice

 

There is a guy in Denver CO who runs a full Dakota set up under an early F1 pickup, looks great.

 

the early ones where 5 lug, the second generation were 6 and i believe the newer ones are back to 5, but there still too pricey for a donor frame i.m.o

 

I bought a donor 92 Dakota for less than $500.00 a few years ago. No drivetrain, but they are out there if you look.
I even cut the rear cab mount out of the Dakota to use on my 56 Ford pickup project. I think the front frame horns are the main problem with the frames, but that's what tourches and plasma cutters are for.
Larry T

 

I had a friend who was going to do a '54 F100 on a Dakota chassis. He had everything to do it too but lost interest. It was one of the 6-lug designs and I told him he should be able to swap the spindles/brakes with something comparable.

I didn't intend to discount Dakota's because of the 6 lug pattern, just saying to be be advised. The Dakota has a strong chassis for sure!

 

yea ive been looking for one for my 56 dodge truck

 

damn strong... ive totaled mine twice, and was able to repair it and it still drives great, except for the fact that i cant figure out why its not charging

 

I am waiting to hear from El Polacko on this subject. I think he probably has more knowledge about this topic than anybody. I would think that the small v-8 would make a great swapper.

 

I'm planning to use one under my 56 suburban. The cool thing is there are two different wheelbase frames, 111" standard and 118" on the longbeds. There are quite a few examples over at www.moparts.com go to the street rodders board. Lots of good pics.

 

Currently working on a '50 Ford F-1 on a '87 Dakota frame. Real close to going to the paint/bodywork phase of the project. I'm running a 302 and C-4. I had to shorten the frame about 8 or 10 inches (have to look at the "build list"-can't remember) at the factory seam at the back of the cab area to get the wheelbase right. alex

 

My son is in the process of putting his '53 Willys on a Dakota.

 

just like the 50's, bro...........

 

Anybody got pics of the ones sitting on Dakotas?

 

Here is a pick of my 47 kb-2 on a older dakota frame with a 500cid caddy motor

 

Why do these "definitive list" posts always turn out to never be a definitive list?

 

How about track width? Anyone have specs? What motors fit? I've got a 72 440 and 727. Been thinking about putting it in my 46 Stude p/u. Was going to use a S-10 chassis, but maybe the Dakota would be a better choice?

 

Looks like it fits pretty well. Got any pics of how well the front sheetmetal interacts with the front of the frame?

How wide is the Dakota front end? (outside tread to outside tread)

 

I didn't use the whole frame, but installed one of El Polacko's IFS kits in my '50 Burb. Very happy with it! Rides great, steers great, easy instructions too. Alignment shop had no troubles with it, and tire wear is non existant at 1100 miles.

Industrial Chassis in Phoenix, for those who don't know Steve (El Polacko)

 

Hey Guys- I own a salvage yard in North Florida and can help out with a bunch of specs- First off according to the Hollander Interchange 87-90 were available in 112" and 124" after that the 112 124 and 131" wheelbase becomes available- these numbers hold true through 99 after that we don't have too many specifics. I can measure the track width if you would like, but i do know they work quite well under most 50's trucks. also- a quick note off topic a bit- the 98+ explorer w/112" wheelbase is a damn near bolt on for a 38-39 Ford truck- that is what I have under my wife's truck now- any questions I can answer with the Hollander information (all 81 and up stuff and SOME older stuff if I have the right book) I would be more than happy to help.

 

Are the track widths the same width throughout the years?

 

Did you use the whole Explorer frame? You mentioned bolt-on, did you mean the cab bolts on, or the front end bolts on to the 38-9 frame?

Thanks

 

Beat me to it, man!

FYI, don't forget to check out these threads, too:

Definitive S-10 Frame Swap Vehicle List (closed 12/24/10)
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274702

And

Definitive Ranger/Explorer Frame Swap Vehicle List
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=287382

~Jason

 

Is anything really definitive?

I prefer to think of them more as repository threads. A searchable memory dump, where folks can find answers...

~Jason

 

FYI, here's LarryT's '56 F100 thread:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79590

There's some good info in there, Larry!

~Jason

 

Check THIS thread out:
http://personal.kitusa.com/stan/

It's a very good one, with a '47 Dodge WC on a '90 Dakota frame.



LOTS of info there! Dude practically walks you through!

~Jason

 

Yep!

Found that info here:
http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=4724540&an=0&page=0

Incidentally, this is another Dakota frame swap thread! LOL!

~Jason