4G63 in a pickup

[Matt Cramer]

I'm not sure exactly how far this build will go or how often I'll work on it, as I have another project on the front burner. But I thought I'd share this one here.

A friend of mine named Roy had a rather beat up old Dodge Ram 50 (aka Mighty Max) that he used for occasional errands. It didn't get much in the way of maintenance, and he was pretty much planning to drive it until the wheels fell off.

So, one Sunday when it's threatening to rain, I get a call from Roy. Sure enough, he'd had one of the wheels fall off. More specifically, a front ball joint was broken and the wheel was flopping around on the upper control arm. And the police had been complaining that his truck was sitting on someone else's property on the side of the road. So Roy asked if I wanted the truck, as is, where is.

Of course, I agreed. So I put a new ball joint on it, right there on the side of the road, just before the rain hit. And we brought the truck up to work to use as a shop truck. I've been slowly rebuilding the suspension so as to make it a safer driver. Here's some pictures of the truck.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc170/MadScientistMatt/Project%20Ram50/high.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc170/MadScientistMatt/Project%20Ram50/interior.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc170/MadScientistMatt/Project%20Ram50/low.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc170/MadScientistMatt/Project%20Ram50/engine.jpg

That last engine shot may not look all that recognizable, but it's a 4G63 with a single cam head. Naturally, I've been researching what it will take to put the later DSM motor in there. :)

[Asmodeus]

I don't know if he comes around any more. But you should drop LSR Mike a line. He knows a good bit about them.

[The_EE]

Looks like my might max minus the dresser handles to close the doors from the inside.

Do it Matt, DO IT!.

Some starting info if you didnt already know about it (http://www.projectzerog.com/transmissions.shtml)

I wanted to do it with my mighty max but could not due to space, could only keep 2 out of 5 cars hehe and it had to go.

[tstkl]

that older auto is still a narrow block. The oem 6 bolt dsm motor will bolt right up to the tranny, and you should be able to use the motor mounts already on the car. The rest is plumbing/wiring and your good to go. project zero g is such a good website for information on this. I'd suggest swapping the tranny with a different narrowblock rwd tranny that can hold more power though. I don't think you have to do anything to the stall converter to get it to bolt up if you wanted to use the oem tranny, but I wouldn't suggest any neutral drops or anything.

[Matt Cramer]

Nice to have some confirmation that this is a narrow block automatic. The transmission is starting to misbehave anyway, so my idea was to find one of the shops around here that specializes in Mopar transmissions. The A904 can hold up pretty well behind a 440 Wedge if built right, so a built 6 bolt shouldn't be a problem.

[93_GSX]

I'm jealous, that looks like an awesome project! Good luck!

I really don't know much about these trucks, but how strong is the rear diff? I'm assuming its open, which won't be great for traction, is there a decent supply of after market parts?

[Matt Cramer]

I have no idea if it's possible to do anything with the stock rear diff. If it breaks, I'll probably just see what 9" Ford or large GM truck axle would be easiest to swap in.

[93_GSX]

Not that its the best, but have you considered welding it to make it "possi"?

[DSM Loki]

If/when you blow out that diff, if you're looking to ford, go with the 8.8, it can be made to handle power, and isn't as heavy or expensive as the 9"

[Matt Cramer]

Not that its the best, but have you considered welding it to make it "possi"?

While this will be a bit of a ghetto build, I want this to still work reasonably well as a street truck so I don't plan on welding the diff or running a spool. I have been thinking about using a rear axle from a six lug GM truck as these have the same bolt pattern on the wheels.

[yeahitsaturbo]

Wow, I miss my 89 MM. I have one site for you to check out for a lot of detailed pictures and walk throughs of the 4G63 swap. My truck is in there to. Check out www.Mightyd50.com.

[Stephen]

I saw a mighty max 2 days ago at the grocery store. It was silver and in complete mint condition, not an ounce of rust.