1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4x4

[Jordan White]

I was trying to figure out how to make a more common Ram 1500 out of a stalled Ram VTS project, and I realized that the Tamiya Grand Cherokee had just what I needed! I know they are different scales but the size difference was very minimal. I grabbed the drivetrain (minus rear axle), relocated a couple of the crossmembers, removed the 2wd suspension mounts, flipped the forward leaf spring mount, added lift blocks, and scratchbuilt a front suspension. The brakes also fit the kit rear axle perfectly!  Here’s the finished chassis work, off to paint the interior!

Edited August 15, 2024 by Jordan White

[slusher]

Great looking chassis!

[Jordan White]

Thanks! It looks better all painted!

[Jordan White]

Got the interior finished up last night! Basically the kit interior with the addition of a column shifter and transfer case shifter. Its meant to replicate the Laramie SLT leather interior, but i think the fake wood trim they had is ugly so i didnt replicate it.

[ksnow]

Chassis and interior look really nice. 

That was kinda my plan when I bought one of those when they were first released. But, I ended up building it pretty much out of the box two years ago, as my first build in 20 years. 

I remember it being a nice kit.

Edited August 16, 2024 by ksnow

[DJMar]

Nice!

I really think they (the model companies) missed the boat with not kitting a 4x4 version of this truck. Given the popularity of the 1:1 Rams, I'm sure an extended cab, shortbed, 4wd version would have sold well.

[Jordan White]

22 minutes ago, DJMar said:

Nice!

I really think they (the model companies) missed the boat with not kitting a 4x4 version of this truck. Given the popularity of the 1:1 Rams, I'm sure an extended cab, shortbed, 4wd version would have sold well.

Yeah it’s a shame they all kinda gave up on kits of new-model pickups!

[slusher]

Interior is really looking good and I really like your color choices. Keep up the great work!

[Jordan White]

13 hours ago, slusher said:

Interior is really looking good and I really like your color choices. Keep up the great work!

Thanks! 
 

Here is the completed chassis assembly as well as the stance with the body in place. As for color, as you can see on the inner fenders i plan to go with a white body (the red is from my first iteration of the kit). The wheels and tires are from a diecast version of the Ram Sport that I have. In the last pic, you can see how well the engine fits in the engine bay!

Edited August 22, 2024 by Jordan White