Chasssis swap?


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Posted by Charlie on Friday, December 22, 2000 at 23:36:28:

In Reply to: How about this for an upgrade? posted by Jonas on Friday, December 22, 2000 at 18:28:41:

As you probably know, I'm a big proponent of certain mechanical upgrades for the Power Wagon and M37: re-power, preferably with 4cyl diesel, less desirably recent model efficient fuel injected small block gas V8 or large V6; 5 spd tansmission, 4.89s, front disks (preferably boosted), PS, bigger radial tires. The whole package is needed to have the power to efficiently push the rig at 65 mph, and to safely handle and stop it.
But there comes a point where it's certainly more cost effective to transplant the body of your choice on to a modern chassis. I think my particular vehicles are on the "near" side of that point, because I use the stock transfer case (which is a good strong reliable easy to shift item) and the stock axles and suspension (all of which are good except for the borderline rear axle shafts, lockers and 4.89s are added).
If you go past this point, you should consider the "chassis swap". Carl Buckingham
in Aspen has transplanted a PW body onto a 1 ton Chevy chassis, with V8, SM465, NP205,Dana
60/14 bolt w/Detroit Locker and 5.13s with 40" tires. Doing any drivetrain upgrade with a 1/2 ton WC might be better done this way since it has the 8.75" diffs and smaller axle shafts.
I wouldn't be proud of a chassis swap onto a weak 1/2 ton chassis with axles like GM 10 bolts, Dana 44s etc. The vehicle with its' name and reputation deserve 3/4-1 ton running gear - Dana 60 up front, full floater of some sort in the rear.
Charlie



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