Hey all,
I'm starting a build thread to try to document my M715 build. I bought the truck last winter and restored it to driving condition. Since then, I've decided to go all out and build my dream adventure truck. I've already started to gather parts and information for the transformation. So far, I have a Ram 8.0L V10 as the new engine, an NP205 Tcase, and a '98 Ram 2500 as a parts truck (it has the drivetrain I want. Mostly a NV4500 behind another V10).
The goal is to swap out the original, oil burny, drive-train for the V10 backed by a NV4500 5-speed with an NP205 to transfer power. The drivetrain is also going to get a Detroit mechanical locker in the rear, Eaton e-locker in the front, a drivetrain e-brake off of the 205, and upgraded 1410 u-joints. I'm keeping the original axles and brakes because A: they're cool, and B: 5.87 gears are amazing! haha.
As far as the frame and suspension, I'm also keeping it mostly original but upgrading it. I'm going to remove the #1&3 leaf springs to try to soften the ride up and get new dampers (hopefully adjustable). I'm going to knock off any rust on the frame and paint it with some rustoleum.
The body is in really good shape and honestly doesn't need a lot of attention. The goal is to keep the patina and keep it looking the way it currently does. I need to repair a small rust hole on the back of the cab but that's it. The cab bottom, firewall, and back are going to get a coating of Lizard Skin sound deadener and heat insulation. I'm also going to put the sound deadener on the hood, front fender wells, and the bottom of the truck bed. The engine bay is currently like a cathedral it's so echo-y.
For the interior, I'm going to update it a bit to try to make it more comfortable. I'll be bedlining the floor and back of the cab for protection. The OE seats are toast so I'm going to upgrade to a pair of Corbeau low back, suspension seats. I'm going to make some flannel door panel covers that hopefully will have a plaid to match the truck's colors. I'll need a new heater box for the defroster and some heat. I'm also going to fab up a roll cage to fit under the soft top for some safety.
As for goodies, that list is expensive. haha. I'm planning on fabing a winch bumper to hold a Warn VR12000. I'm going to get a Rugged Radio VOX radio for the driver and passenger as well as a CB. I'm going to put an auxiliary driving light where the front blackout light would be (on the hood). The bed will get a truck box, pop-up tent, and a hi-lift jack.
I'm sure I'm leaving a couple things out but I think at this point I'm starting to ramble. This should be an epic build! I can't wait to get started!
I'm starting a build thread to try to document my M715 build. I bought the truck last winter and restored it to driving condition. Since then, I've decided to go all out and build my dream adventure truck. I've already started to gather parts and information for the transformation. So far, I have a Ram 8.0L V10 as the new engine, an NP205 Tcase, and a '98 Ram 2500 as a parts truck (it has the drivetrain I want. Mostly a NV4500 behind another V10).
The goal is to swap out the original, oil burny, drive-train for the V10 backed by a NV4500 5-speed with an NP205 to transfer power. The drivetrain is also going to get a Detroit mechanical locker in the rear, Eaton e-locker in the front, a drivetrain e-brake off of the 205, and upgraded 1410 u-joints. I'm keeping the original axles and brakes because A: they're cool, and B: 5.87 gears are amazing! haha.
As far as the frame and suspension, I'm also keeping it mostly original but upgrading it. I'm going to remove the #1&3 leaf springs to try to soften the ride up and get new dampers (hopefully adjustable). I'm going to knock off any rust on the frame and paint it with some rustoleum.
The body is in really good shape and honestly doesn't need a lot of attention. The goal is to keep the patina and keep it looking the way it currently does. I need to repair a small rust hole on the back of the cab but that's it. The cab bottom, firewall, and back are going to get a coating of Lizard Skin sound deadener and heat insulation. I'm also going to put the sound deadener on the hood, front fender wells, and the bottom of the truck bed. The engine bay is currently like a cathedral it's so echo-y.
For the interior, I'm going to update it a bit to try to make it more comfortable. I'll be bedlining the floor and back of the cab for protection. The OE seats are toast so I'm going to upgrade to a pair of Corbeau low back, suspension seats. I'm going to make some flannel door panel covers that hopefully will have a plaid to match the truck's colors. I'll need a new heater box for the defroster and some heat. I'm also going to fab up a roll cage to fit under the soft top for some safety.
As for goodies, that list is expensive. haha. I'm planning on fabing a winch bumper to hold a Warn VR12000. I'm going to get a Rugged Radio VOX radio for the driver and passenger as well as a CB. I'm going to put an auxiliary driving light where the front blackout light would be (on the hood). The bed will get a truck box, pop-up tent, and a hi-lift jack.
I'm sure I'm leaving a couple things out but I think at this point I'm starting to ramble. This should be an epic build! I can't wait to get started!
