Posted by Brian in Oregon on Saturday, March 03, 2001 at 10:59AM :
In Reply to: Engine or Chassis swap?? posted by Dale D., the NEW Mexican on Saturday, March 03, 2001 at 10:13AM :
The 41 has, relatively speaking, the weakest frame of all the PW family. On the other hand, it is the most flexible frame.
IF you 41 frame is rust free, and shows no signs of cracks or other problems, and IF you are going to use the original axles, then go ahead and run it.
But if the frame is decayed, either get another frame (and there are a lot out there) or if you want to do an axle swap, then the late model frame looks inviting. You need to make sure you are close to the original 116" wheelbase. There's going to be a fair amount of fabricating to fit the cab and sheetmetal to the new frame. Do not scrap the old frame - you may need to burn off things like the cab supports. W/ having the frames side by side, I cannot say if they will mate (you should be so lucky) but at least you can use them for a pattern. At the very least you'll need the measurements and it is easier to get them off the intact existing frame instead of turning the cab over to measure them.
If you are going to go that far, you might as well consider what transmission you are going to use. A 318 with a 727 mated to a transfer case is the easiest. Failing that, the 318 with a NP435, NP540 or 727 and a divorced NP205 makes sense.
The radiator is going to have to be custom, unless someone can share if they have found an existing one that fits the cramped space of the 41 radiator shell.
A friend is making a super 41. He is making his own frame from 3" x 8" x 1/4" C channel. The frame is done, and he has added the cab. Axles are Dana 70's front and rear, hell for stout, a 440 and a 727 with a divorced NP205. This has to be the most rugged 41 ever built. The stock sheetmetal is being used. Not suggesting you build your own frame, just that the sky is the limit.
The bottom line is - how hard are you going to abuse it. Under normal conditions, that is, daily drives with occassional offroad, the 41 frame is perfectly fine. The guy who owns Dodgezilla probably abuses his 41 more than anyone else and it's still going strong. But if you want to haul a lot of weight, or really abuse the truck, or tow a heavy trailer, then the chassis swap looks good.
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