1976 dodge dart CUMMINS12 valve swap HELP!

[Jonathan Payne]

Alright fellas I'm brand new on the forum, I'm looking for really any info that will help in the build I'm planning. I own a 76 DDart coupe and I'm going to swap a 5.9 12 valve into it.
i realize this will be a lot of work and am willing and prepared to do it. What I lack is proper tools and know how. I also lack a donor truck which I know I will need. You guys know anywhere here in south ab where I might be able to find a 94-98 2 wd auto cummins? I've exhausted kijiji for now and can't seem to find one quite yet. Also I'd like to do some ground work before I get the truck and prep the car as much as I can to make the swap as simple as possible. Any suggestions for front suspension upgrades?
Any other suggestions are very welcome.
Jonathan

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[IGOTACUMMINS]

Subscribed.

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[Zach@TTLM]

You may want to check with K-sons they maybe able to help you find parts and donor trucks. Also before you even get to the front suspension you are going to need to reinforce the frame as much as possible. Next you will need to find someone who can modify the rear end for you because the Dart Rear will not hold this torque and the Rear from the truck I am pretty sure will not fit. While you are doing that you mise-well begin tubing it because you are going to need all the rubber you can get to get traction with the torque levels the diesels produce unless you plan on stock motor being swapped in. Now onto suspension first start would be compare the weight differences between stock motor and the one going in. Work with companies to get a set-up to handle this, you may need to do a custom coilover set-up to keep the front stiff. Definitely a lot to look at on this project but will be very interesting to see it all come together.

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[Jonathan Payne]

When you say I "might as well start tubing it" what does that mean?? Because yes I do want to have lots of traction because she'll have a LOT of torque! And thank you for the interest!

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[Wildkarrd RRD]

What are your plans for such a beast? If dedicated drag I'd look and see if I couldn't find a build thread on another forum for the "cumstang"

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[Jonathan Payne]

What are your plans for such a beast? If dedicated drag I'd look and see if I couldn't find a build thread on another forum for the "cumstang"

450 -500 hp for now. Just mainly a head turner and cruiser. It'll be fast but not crazy...at least not at first. We'll see how things evolve I guess .

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[Polaraco]

That thing will look like a corkscrew if you don't brace it right. I'm a long time Mopar Guy and know the A Bodies well

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[Rockwerx]

That thing will look like a corkscrew if you don't brace it right. I'm a long time Mopar Guy and know the A Bodies well

I agree after owning and building several Darts, Dusters and Valiants. The odd torsion bar broke on a few of my A body cars when I started to add more torque and hp. BBs were harder on front end parts but even the small block cars would break things.

I would suggest a full tube frame for the weight, engine placement and extreme torque potential of a Cummins 5.9 What engine is in the Duster now?

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[Jonathan Payne]

It has a318 in it now that barely runs haha

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[Jonathan Payne]

I would suggest a full tube frame for the weight, engine placement and extreme torque potential of a Cummins 5.9 What engine is in the Duster now?[/QUOTE]

Also you say a full tube frame... You saying I need to fabricate my own frame and trash the old ? Or does this mean reinforcing the existing one?? Sorry just not familiar with all the terminology...

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