Build a W400??

[bustedbudget]

Hello,

I have a 1970 d400 dump bed that I use a little around the farm and for personal use. I also have a frame and running gear (axles,transfercase, drive shafts, frame, suspension) from a 1970 W500. The cab was way too far gone and I didn't have a title to the w500 to fix it up. I have tried to sell the w500 running gear, but nobody seems to want it.

How would it work to swap axles, transfer case into my d400 and make it a w400? I know a w400 was never made, but it would be a mix of w500 and d400... Maybe a w450??

What problems would I run into? Some of the ones I can think of are:
Front fenders are cut out higher on the w500 cab. not sure how big of an issue this would be
W500 has a double frame. dont think this would be an issue.
Would have to drill holes in frame for transfercase cross member.
Cut hole in cab for t-case shifter..
If i got the tcase mounted in the correct spot, I would only have to modify the rear drive shaft from the w500 as it was a longer wheel base then the d400.. front drive shaft and divorced drive shaft should be fine?

Should I just swap axles, or swap axles and suspension also??

I hate seeing this w500 running gear just rust away and not get used.
What do you think?? Also a cab swap is out of the question. The d400 cab is in useable shape, but not swap worthy...
Below is a picture of the frame.

[Clint Dixon]

They did make a W400

Hello,

I have a 1970 d400 dump bed that I use a little around the farm and for personal use. I also have a frame and running gear (axles,transfercase, drive shafts, frame, suspension) from a 1970 W500. The cab was way too far gone and I didn't have a title to the w500 to fix it up. I have tried to sell the w500 running gear, but nobody seems to want it.

How would it work to swap axles, transfer case into my d400 and make it a w400? I know a w400 was never made, but it would be a mix of w500 and d400... Maybe a w450??

What problems would I run into? Some of the ones I can think of are:
Front fenders are cut out higher on the w500 cab. not sure how big of an issue this would be
W500 has a double frame. dont think this would be an issue.
Would have to drill holes in frame for transfercase cross member.
Cut hole in cab for t-case shifter..
If i got the tcase mounted in the correct spot, I would only have to modify the rear drive shaft from the w500 as it was a longer wheel base then the d400.. front drive shaft and divorced drive shaft should be fine?

Should I just swap axles, or swap axles and suspension also??

I hate seeing this w500 running gear just rust away and not get used.
What do you think?? Also a cab swap is out of the question. The d400 cab is in useable shape, but not swap worthy...
Below is a picture of the frame.

I know where there is a 1978 model. If I remember the previous discussions about them on the forums, the axles were heavier than those on a W300 but lighter than those on a W500.

[W_A_Watson_II]

Unless you go with huge tires, the W500 front fenders provide an overkill of tire clearance, so I don't think the lower cut D400 fenders would be an issue, might even look a little better.

[bustedbudget]

leaf spring size?

I'll have to take some measurements on the suspension to see if the leaves are the same width and length. I would rather just swap axle and suspension as I know the 500 has more leaves and would sit a little higher.

Anyone know if the dimensions are the same? The truck is about 45min away.. :-(