Converting 2500 to 3500

[KeithW75]

My cousin is wanting to change his 2500 '97 RAM into a 3500. Is the rear or front axle much different. Any one who has done the chnageover that can help please drop me a line. Also does anyone know what it takes to go to Disc brakes on the rear?

 

[Vaman]

I checked the axles before I brought my 2500... same as the 3500. I wouldn't think the conversion would be anything at all. Dual rims and fender extensions?

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98. 5 2500, 24v, 5 speed, QC, 4x4, 4. 10 LSD, short bed, Line-X liner, tow package, camper suspension, Westin nerfs, camper shell, TST PowerMax Competition, 275 RVs, Psychotty air, HX-40, 4" straight pipe exhaust, ProComp A/T 305/70/R16s, EGT/Boost pillar gauges... Love my Cummins, no love for Dodge

[This message has been edited by Vaman (edited 04-06-2001). ]

 

[Scooby]

I thought the rear axles were different - Dana Hybrid 70's vs. 80's..... Oh, wait, now that I think about it that may have been due to the auto transmission instead. Nevermind - I'll go back to sleep now #ad

 

[Vaman]

Again, unless they're doing something different, it's the same axle. The 3500 spring package was a little better and of course the rims were different. The increased payload capacity that Dodge stated was a result of having four tires instead of two (and yes, slightly better springs)... the payload capacity for the 2500 came straight from the load rating of the stock tires which were the most limiting component.

[This message has been edited by Vaman (edited 04-06-2001). ]

 

[redram]

Rear Drums are larger (wider) thus the 3500 have 3 Inch brake shoe (larger than the 2500).
I'd check the width of the axle, it may be more than just the different rims (not sure on this)
Dually fenders and inner fenders are expensive (900 a side) so would recommend to find a dually takeoff bed rather than trying to convert the standard bed.
You might also require a longer fill hose and vent line for the fuel filler door setup.

Hope this helps.

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[KeithW75]

I couldn't tell any difference between the springs on a 1 ton and the 2500. Is that because of the 2500s I am looking at having the camper package??

 

[MCummings]

I believe the 2wd front hubs are longer (stick out farther) On the 3500 than a 2500.
I think you ( He ) will need to find/buy new hubs for the 3500. Thinking about it. . The spindles may be a different length also...
Can't comment on a 4wd version.

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1998. 5 Dodge 3500, 2wd
5-Speed, Light Driftwood
Replaced the Resonator and Muffler with 6ft of 3" Aluminized pipe.
3. 55 rear-end
A. R. E. Camper
Michelin 245/75/16's

 

[Vaman]

I have the camper package on mine too but that's not the difference. The base spring numbers are different. Good thoughts on the brakes, fuel line, and spindles...

 

[Okie-Go]

I may be wrong but I think my truck is the same as a 3500 other than the duals. I noticed a dually last weekend at the meeting in Houston. Looked like the same but I wouldn't want to bet. I know he said he had the dana 80. I have the 80 also in the HO with the 6spd. This could get interesting to find a difference other than the duals. We counted the springs and they were the same. 3500 may be wider or thicker. We just counted not measured.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[illflem]

The 3500 rear axle is definitely different. I think with an axle change and finding the right load rating tire and rim you could make a 2500 into a single rear wheel 3500 without too much money invested. Just add some marker lights and you are set, front axle is the same.

 

[John Dimartino]

Rear brakes are way stronger on the 3500,the wheel cylinders are bigger,and shoes are wider. Springs are wider and arched different on the 3500 too. Front axle ,just need 3500 rims,and the hub adapters,they bolt right on the rotor,same as 3500. Even if you did all the work,it would still be an 8800 GVWR-so legal payload would actually be reduced by the amount of weight the extra wheels,tires,and flares add. I dont know of a legal way to change the GVWR of the truck-is it possible?

 

[zimman20]

Just my . 02 worth, but it wouldn't just be the axles that would be different, it would also be a product of the leaf spring setup which would also factor in on the amount of weight the truck was rated to hold, that being one main diff between the 2500 and 3500... .

Rich

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2001 3500 4x4 LWB QC Dually/Silver no mods yet!

 

[Big_Bad_Dually]

Isn't there spacers to make room for the dually rims, instead of having a wider axle?
Front and Rear?

 

[pcorssmit]

2500 autos use a Dana 70.

2500 manuals use a Dana 70/80 hybrid.

I believe all 3500s use a true Dana 80.

The wheel flanged on the 3500 must be farther apart than on the 2500 due to the offset of the dually wheels. The brakes are also larger, I bought rear axle seals for my 2500 the other day, they asked if I had 2. 5" or 3. 5" brake shoes. The seals are quite different, therefore there are at least two different types of hubs.

Pete


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'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits

 

[DieselB59]

This is the way it is because I have done the swap from 3500 to 2500 myself. The front hub assembly is totally different and heavier and wider on the 3500 series. The rear axle shafts are longer on the 3500 than the 2500 to accommodate the bigger rear hubs, along with bigger brake hardware. I had to have my local DC parts guru look all this up on his computer at the dealership before special ordering any of the items. Special orders cannot be returned to the dealer. We also had to pull one of my 2500 axle, hub, and brake assemblies apart to compare the sizes before making the final order.

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Chris Timochko
*Association of Diesel Specialists Certified*
AUTO WURKS DIESEL R&D TEAM
1997 5sp 4X4, Rhino Linings, Espar Heater, A. W. D. HX40 turbo, ATS 3pc Manifold, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, A. W. D. Custom Tuned Injection Pump, A. W. D. Intercooler, A. W. D. 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, A. W. D. Water Injection, NOS Diesel Kit, A. W. D. 6" Chrome Exhaust System, BD No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc, Goodyear Wrangler AT/S 305/70/16s. 15. 50@97mph on Goodyear All-Terrain tires.
****************************************************************************
Project U96 - 1996 3500 2WD racer. A. W. D. Marine Ultra Low Compression, A. W. D. Teflon-coated Pistons, A. W. D. High Lift Camshaft, Ported and Honed Cylinder Head, Intake and Exhaust manifold; A. W. D. HX40 Turbocharger, ATS 3pc Exhaust Manifold, A. W. D. Water Injection, A. W. D. Custom Fabricated Fuel System, Race Spec A. W. D. /BD P7100 Injection Pump, A. W. D. Custom High Flow Fuel Injection Nozzles, BD Auto transmission and Custom TC, Weld Draglites, Goodyear Eagle Drag Slicks, 5" Single Stack Through The Bed, Mag-Hytec on Rear and Transmission. 11. 54@115mph

 

[C Schomer]

The cab&chassis axles aren't as long as the p/u axles - they don't stick out the sides so far. Maybe find one of them - springs, wheels and all and put a flatbed on it! Frame width may be different tho. If you didn't change the front, you'd need two spares. A friend tried that with a Chevy - too much difference, couldn't do it! Craig

 

[Pogodually]

I've seen several converted to dual rear wheels. Try:

Arrow Products, Inc
5022 Leafdale Blvd
Royal Oak, MI 48073 www.arrowcraft.com
Email dualies@arrowcraft.com

 

[Texasdeere]

Just some observations I have made, that might help...

I looked at the rear end on a 95 3500 compared to my 01 2500, the 95 rear end was much bigger. (both were autos)

Also, comparing 01s to 01s, the 3500 have adapters (both front and rear) that bolt onto the lugs to fit the dually wheels. (I don't know if the adapters would bolt onto your 2500 lugs, but it looks like they would)

Based on what has been said above it looks like alot of time and money to do it the right way, but it looks pretty easy just to make it look like one, Except for a 4x4... MH
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Erik F.
2001. 5, Silver, Quadcab, Longbed, SLT, 24V, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, 2x4, Tow and camper packages,
(Add ons) Pioneer, Husky Liners, Tint, Diamond Plate Tool Box, and Rail Guards, OEM Bedlinner, OEM 4x4 Mud Flaps, K&N, Geno's Breather Vent Catch Can.
(Wish list) 4" Exhaust, Low stall converter, Built transmission, Banks Power Pak.

[This message has been edited by Moto Head (edited 04-09-2001). ]