Project - M715 on 2002 Dodge 2500 Frame

so for planning purpose what tires and rims ( mainly backspacing) are you planning on running? and any lift or rub? thanks

I honestly am not to that point yet. Will be soon so probably 38” tires and some 2” spacers if I had to guess.

This thing is looking great. I am also starting a similar project except with a 2500 Silverado frame with 6.0 and 4l80. Great job and keep the photos coming.

Thanks very much for posting pictures of this swap. I am about to under-go the same swap and it is nice to see how someone else did it rather than completely starting from scratch. Any updates?

Sorry for the lack of updates. I have been working on a Wagoneer and that took up the last 6 months or so.

A few weeks back I started back on the M715. Here are a few pics.

-Pulled the engine and mated it to the transmission.
-Cut the engine mounts off the frame (this was a real SOB)
-Moved the mounts back two inches and rewelded to frame to give better clearance.
-Finished the very last bed mount
-Started to do fender work with a mini sledge for the heavy steel and a slap spoon/hammer/dolly. Turned out really nice.

Engine mount pics before mods

Engine mounts removed. This took a 4 1/2 grinder/cutting disks, a saw zaw, cold chisel/hammer and alot of patience.

In only took pics of one side removed, but they both came out the same way....... very difficult.

Also a trick I used....... I took a small level and drilled two guide holes in each mount, then when the mounts were removed, I used a level and transferred both holes back two inches (total I wanted to move the engine back. Then used drilled two pilot holes on the frame...... lined those up with the holes in the mounts and easy job.... tack in place.

Mounts repositioned and tacked.

I will finalize welds when I am done with the drivetrain.

Note..... I had to move the transmission mounts back also. did not get pics, but simply drilled holes in the trans plate/frame. Took less than 15 minutes.

Engine reinstalled and with about 1/2" gap between the back of engine/valve covers and the firewall....... Also left me 3-4" or so in the front of the engine.

Next step....... putting some blocks under the front clip with rubber mounts. I just put a jack under the clip and the top bolt where the fender/cab mount. And raised with the jack until all the fender bolts lined up well. Measured that and made some blocks.

Next...... fenders and body work. Here is a before pic

And here are some after pics...... alot of mini sledge, heat, slap hammer and Dolly work :lol:

and the pass side lower corner near the cab. Before and after.

Is anyone having issues with the pictures? I had a PM stating they couldn't open the pics.

I did have some problems last night. All set now though

Yes I am having an issue with the pictures, but it seems to be an issue with the server. I will continue to try some other more up to date devices.

On your engine placement, was it absolutely necessary to move the engine back 2 inches? I recall that you originally thought it would need moved back more than that. Just seems like a lot of work for only 2 inches, not doubting you just curious as to what you found during test fitting everything for you to make that decision.

Again, thanks so much for documenting this!

I might have been able to get away with leaving the mounts in stock position but it would have been tight. So while I was cleaning up the frame I just went ahead and bit the bullet and moved them. Now I know I have the room. Plus I like metal work :)

Still cant view the pictures, nor can I view the ones Ive uploaded.

I can't see the pictures either. I love metal work and really want to see. No fair!!:D

Out of my control gentlemen. Hopefully they figure out how to fix pix soon

Well thanks for trying. I am getting closer to starting the fab work on mine, also looking forward to seeing the pics of your build. Any progress to report in the past 6 months?

Are you in any of the M715 Facebook groups that you would consider posting your pics there?

I didn’t even know there was an M715 Facebook page. I will check those out…. Yeah I did some bed metal work, completely rebuilt my tailgate and took some major dents out the firewall that someone beat out with a large hammer. She is slowly coming along!

Yes there are a bunch of groups for them on Facebook. If you decide to post pictures there let us know! Or if you are willing to share the pics from this thread another way let me know, I would be happy to do the same.

My Dodge is a 1994 regular cab long bed, my plan is to try and leave as much stock on the chassis and engine placement as possible, and fab body mounts as needed. The Dodge frame is stripped of the old body, soon to start taking the M715 apart.