Converting a 1 ton to a 3/4 ton

[gitchesum]

I know, I know. most people go the other way but I'd really like to loose the "hips". Seeing that I really don't need to extra tires and driving around Houston with those things has proven to be a fun thing . I'd like to go with a single rear wheel.



I know the rear end is different, what else? Besides the bed of course.



If anyone wants to swap parts, I'm all for it. I will need the Dana 80 with 3:54 gears and LSD. Someone with a white truck would be GREAT!!

MIne even has over the rails bedliners.

 

[Wirenut]

Im not sure, but you may be able to just remove those fenders and just loose 2 wheels or get an aftermarket set of wheels. You may have to do a little body and paint work where the fenders are, but it may be an option.

 

[Hammer]

Curtis. .

Upon looking to do the reverse a awhile ago I went checking into what I needed to accomplish it. Here is what I found out thru my local stealership and my buddies salvage yard with a Hollander crash ebook...



Both Dana rears are the same(front and back as far as housings go)BUT,here is where the difference lies. The front of the 3500 uses a different hub,rotor and brake assembly(offset) as compared to the 2500 which uses the standard. They,the parts of course are compatible and exchangable between the models. On the rear Dana 80 there is not much difference in the trucks,same springs,helpers,u-bolts,brake drums etc,EXCEPT,the rear wheel studs which are the different. On the 3500 they have a much longer rear stud to accept the extra wheel and through the dealer as I can already tell you they are not cheap.



Easiest way to do the conversion is the way you are looking to do it. Find someone to swap with and all you'll need to do is change the front brake,rotor and hub assemblies. You may want to get a set of inner axle seals in case you accidently pull one out to far when removing the hub the rest of the work and parts you have in front of you. Then for the rear there is two ways to go about it. First is order a set of the dually studs from the dealers(aftermarket studs are to soft and will not take much re-torqueing) so you can change yours over,OR,just swap the rear hubs between the trucks then all you should need is a set of rear axle seals.



I still have not ruled out a swap to do mine yet. I had put it on the shelf when a righteous looking 98 Quad 5spd 3500 4x4 came into my view a one of our shows that was for sale with only 5,000 miles on it. The gentleman was a little overpriced and then came down to an area which I felt was acceptable and I went down with money in hand and he got cold feet and did not sell it. I have given him a time table and if its not going to be sold I'll do mine after the winter weather breaks... ... ..... Andy

 

["Mad Max"]

Hi Curtis,



I have a 93 CTD single rear truck that I'm wanting to actually add a few inches. It's not an 80, but rather a 70, 3. 54 with limited slip and ABS.

I looked into doing a dually conversion but the easy way was to use some spacers to push the duals to the proper position under the bed and to go from the 9/16 lugs to the 5/8 - which was not my preferred method. So, I decided to do the same approach as you and look for a complete rear and do it right.



Anyway, if you're still interested let me know and we'll do some bench racin'.



- Sam