RCSB 2500HD... well almost

**_zebra** · 09-12-2011, 07:16 PM

so here's an idea i've been toying with for a long time & think it might be doable. what do y'all think?

*the idea*
so GM never made a RCSB pickup in anything heavier than a 1500. this has been a big complaint for the handfull of power freaks who would p*** their britches if they could have a Duramax in a small truck platform without the ridiculous cost & headache of an actual diesel swap. but i think i might've found a way to get what we want

*the how*
so to get a a Duramax, you had to get a 2500 or 3500, and both platforms had a smallest configuration of RCLB, right? and that meant you'd have to cut the frame down & modify fuel tanks, lines, brake lines, get a new driveshaft, etc.

wrong! one thing i discovered a couple years ago is that GM made two-door chassis/cab trucks with a short wheelbase. it's about 6" or so longer than a standard RCSB, but if you can live with that, then all you should have to do would be to find an 8ft bed & chop a bit out of it, and then install a rear bumper. this alleviates the mess of trying to cut a section out of the entire chassis of a normal pickup just to fit a bed. instead you just cut a bed to fit.

so what do y'all who know more than me see wrong with this plan? the only problem i see is that it sounds too easy to be true & the hardest part would be finding a truck.

actually i found one today, but they're really proud of it! $16k

Cars for Sale: 2005 Chevrolet Silverado and other C/K2500 4x4 Regular Cab in Erie, KS 66733: Truck Details - 305485287 - AutoTrader.com
it's way harder for me because i absolutely refuse to buy an automatic transmission in anything.

either way, i'd have a RCSB daily driver that, with a little work, could easily be pushing twice the HP & 3x the TQ of what i drive now all while still getting 5mpg or so better & mockingly laugh as it effortlessly pulls my car to events

questions, comments, concerns?

**someotherguy** · 09-12-2011, 07:36 PM

Concerns? True chassis cab trucks have unique frames once you get to the kick-up behind the cab, so besides the wheelbase difference (although depending on year and model some chassis cabs were available in "normal" pickup-style wheelbases) the frame profile is entirely different. They tend to be ladder straight and on 34" centers, unlike pickup frames which taper a little from front to rear.

Besides altering the wheelbase you'll also need to fab up your own mounts for the bed.

I know you're talking about a SRW 2500 but just FYI in the case of DUALLY chassis cabs, you'll find the rear axle is 8" narrower than a regular dually pickup axle, so that brings another twist to the conversion.

Richard

**Wolley** · 09-29-2011, 07:37 PM

I dont think cab and chassis is the way to go. A good welder should beable to shorten the frame no prob on a regular cab long bed duramax truck. hoses and wires are no problem. Im not sure but arent beds on the 4 door short bed NBS gmc 1500's shorter than the RCSB truck. If they are that would be the bed to go with.