My '55

Wheels? If you want to set the tires in and narrow the track width, try the latest Ram wheels. These wheels have very positive offset of 7" bac space. There are dozens of new sets of these wheels on Craigslist here and I imagine the same could be true where you live.

I'm looking for some wheels that go with the style of the truck. In 5 or 6 lug, there are a ton of custom wheels available, but not much in 8 lug. I really like this wheel and have sent the company that makes them an email, asking if they can machine the center with 8 lug pattern and hole, but I'm not holding my breath on that one. The wheel is available in many different sizes, and I would like the 20x8.5 for the front and 20x15 for the rear.

http://www.mhtwheels.com/mht-luxury-all ... m?id=15690

8 lug rims usually have a more offroad inspired look to them and aren't available in the different offsets

Here a few wheel ideas from our shop. NO, I d not do work for anyone other than ourselves. I think you could do well to do some more research into 8 lug wheel styles. It is your call.

Check with these guys, see if they can make what you want. viewtopic.php?f=38&t=699

thanks, I'll look into it if I can't get aluminum rims that I like.

On all my frame swaps I've had to move engine/ trans back in the frame about 8".
You might need to do the same.
It's relatively easy (was for me) using plasma or cutting torch remove engine mount brackets from frame and then just slide them back and reweld to frame where engine fits the best.
The trans crossmember is a similar thing.
Or you may need to fab a new trans crossmember or trans mount. No big deal.
This quickly gives you the room you need up front. Certainly changes weight distribution in a positive way, too.

I forgot to add that the driveshaft and exhaust will need to be shortened accordingly. Again, no big deal.
I carefully measure driveshaft length and then cut off in chop saw.
I use cutoff wheel to remove end from tube, line up u joints, check to see if the end has run-out using a piece of channel and something to measure relative run out.

I only have the front section of the Dodge frame left, I cut it right after the transmission. Once I position the cab against the front clip, I can see how much room I have against the firewall and what needs to be cut out to move the engine back some. Then I can build the new rear frame section, narrowed and with the 4 link and airbag setup.

Finally got around to do some more work on the truck. Started the new frame sections. The 4 link parts are also coming in this week.

This is how the truck sits when bagged, the body sitting on the ground. The tires are just about to rub on the fender. And there is still a bit of room left between the top of the engine and the hood.





The middle section of the frame is 5x3inch , 1/4inch wall. The rear is 4x2, with 3/16 wall. Right now it's only spot welded and there will be of course more braces and brackets.

I'm excited to be back on the truck and making some progress.

Took the bed and the cab of the old frame and cut the bed floor out so the bed can drop onto the new frame rails. Unfortunately the fenders hit the tires before the bed sits on the ground. I'm missing 2 1/2inches. I'm going to take the fenders off and mount them 2 1/2inches higher up on the bed sides. Still needs metal work in the back, where the fender doesn't go down as far as it does in the front.





The new bed floor will be raised up and there will be a cover at the top of the bed.