What wheels to use to convert DRW to SRW

[dward]

After much research and debate, I've finally decided to stick with my old trusty 03 4x4 DRW rather than buy a new truck.
I was close to pulling the trigger on a new 2500 6.4 Hemi, but just didn't have that Cummins feel.
I no longer have a heavy slide in camper and will tow my 21' TH and want more of an easy DD so don't need the DRW.
I'll either replace the bed or have mine patched and painted. I will keep a Callen camper on the majority of the time. This is a heavy duty camper shell that is about 18" above the cab and double rear doors. Heavy duty and so useful.
I believe the DRW axle is about 2" longer so the wheels will stick out farther.
My plan was to use a spacer on the front to bring them out to line up with the rear.
Is it possible to get a wheel for the rear with a different offset to line up with the front w/o a spacer?
I will go with a bigger tire but not go crazy. Maybe a 285 up to a 315.
I'll probable install a free spin hub when its time to rebuild the front end.
What are my options and what would you do?

 

[lpennock]

I would just buy a used SRW axle and swap it in. You could probably sell your DRW axle for close (or more) to the same price. You could also probably find someone with a SRW that wanted to convert to DRW and just swap with them. Heck they might even swap beds with you.

 

[Axtell3]

I would just buy a used SRW axle and swap it in. You could probably sell your DRW axle for close (or more) to the same price. You could also probably find someone with a SRW that wanted to convert to DRW and just swap with them. Heck they might even swap beds with you.

That is pretty common.
In my case the difference was only about an inch on each side, so I just went with stock wheels, and put on a different bed. You have to stare at it to eally see that they aren't aligned perfectly.
I sold the rims, front hub extensions and the dually buds for more than the price of the wheels I got and the bed, which was from a military trailer. Gives the truck that old willys look kind of.

 

[dward]

Thanks for the replies.
I really don't want to go through the hassle of swapping the axels.
Axtell3, did you notice any problems or issues with the wheel not tracking the same path.

 

[Axtell3]

None whatsoever

 

[RDeFayette]

After much research and debate, I've finally decided to stick with my old trusty 03 4x4 DRW rather than buy a new truck.
I was close to pulling the trigger on a new 2500 6.4 Hemi, but just didn't have that Cummins feel.
I no longer have a heavy slide in camper and will tow my 21' TH and want more of an easy DD so don't need the DRW.
I'll either replace the bed or have mine patched and painted. I will keep a Callen camper on the majority of the time. This is a heavy duty camper shell that is about 18" above the cab and double rear doors. Heavy duty and so useful.
I believe the DRW axle is about 2" longer so the wheels will stick out farther.
My plan was to use a spacer on the front to bring them out to line up with the rear.
Is it possible to get a wheel for the rear with a different offset to line up with the front w/o a spacer?
I will go with a bigger tire but not go crazy. Maybe a 285 up to a 315.
I'll probable install a free spin hub when its time to rebuild the front end.
What are my options and what would you do?

In actuality (if you look up the factory specs) the SRW trucks have a front track that is 0.6" WIDER than the rear track to begin with from the factory. So basically if you change to SRW wheels the rear will now be 0.9" wider than the front (the DRW rear is 1.5" wider than a SRW rear IIRC). Take off the front spacers, change the bed, stick on the SRW wheels and go on down the road.

 

[dward]

Thanks, good info.

 

[RDThompson]

While at the Power Wagon rally in Iowa this summer I ran accross a guy who had converted his Dually to SRW. He runs a fence company and is on soft pasture land a lot ofthe time. He bought some after market wheels that allow him to run 19.5 wide footprint tires. I have pics but I can't load them here, but will do so from home this aft. If you like the set-up I will get the vendors name for you.

 

[RDThompson]

If everything worked right you should be looking at one answer to your problem. The tires are 285/70 R19.5
The truck is a 5500 but the service body is narrower than you would ordinarily see on a Dually. I'll see if I can find where I wrote down the vendor.

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[RDeFayette]

If everything worked right you should be looking at one answer to your problem. The tires are 285/70 R19.5
The truck is a 5500 but the service body is narrower than you would ordinarily see on a Dually. I'll see if I can find where I wrote down the vendor.

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View attachment 89318

good grief. what kind of offset is on those.
Can't use 4500/5500 wheels. 10 lug.
Rickson over here in Lutherville, MD (Baltimore) has conversion wheels for DRW to SRW. http://www.ricksontruckwheels.com/drw-to-srw.php

 

[RDThompson]

When I spoke with the owner he said they made a number of wheels to convert to single wheels. If you follow the link to my image event gallery there are a couple other views of the truck and its wheels.

 

[RDThompson]

I found my notes. He told me he got them from Rickson, but would go with Stazworks for the next one. I haven't had a chance to do anything with this because our 5500 purchase has been delayed.

 

[MarkEkberg]

I would just buy a used SRW axle and swap it in. You could probably sell your DRW axle for close (or more) to the same price. You could also probably find someone with a SRW that wanted to convert to DRW and just swap with them. Heck they might even swap beds with you.

Guy here in NH I think would trade axles and bed with you in a heartbeat. i get there will be lots of other offers as well.