Converting dually to SRW

[VolsFan]

Im not really wanting to part with my truck, but don’t need or want the dually. Just put six new tires on it and their on Alcoa rims. Anyone done this conversion ? I’m sure I’ll need 4 new rotors, hubs? Of course 4 tires/rims and have bed patched and painted or new bed

 

[Dl5treez]

If you can find wrecking yard parts and convert it it's not too bad. The 2nd Gen bed requires a decent amount of work to look correct after dually fender removal--lots of little holes to weld up, one BIG hole where the fuel filler neck came through, a small hole back where the fender marker lamp was at, and an odd cut out on the top of the fenderwell. I'm pretty sure there is a hidden fuel fill door under the dually fender--bonus--but the rather large hold below it kinda sucks to cover up.

The rear axle is a bit wider I think, around 2" or so. Regular wheels will bolt up but the rear tires will stick out juuuuuuuuuuuust a wee bit.

The front end is a fairly easy swap. Just take the spacers off and install regular wheels. Done.

The bed is the biggest issue.

 

[GAmes]

I'm betting the conversion will cost more in time and money than a couple extra tires every 5 years will cost you.

 

[KATOOM]

You'd have to really not want a dually do go through all that effort and money... If you're tired of buying 6 tires then just put some really big wide singles on the back.

 

[Joe Mc]

I'm thinking (dangerous I know), by reading VolsFan's post that it isn't about buying 6 tires as much as it is about not wanting or needing 2 sets of wheels on both sides of the back = another 8-10" of clearance issue on both sides. I've often wondered what one of our trucks would look like with big singles on it (prettying f-ing cool I bet), I've seen them with big rig tires but never (yet) with big singles...

I wonder if he could remove the dually fenders, get some sort of flare that'll cover some/most of the holes, install side markers in the remaining holes, figure out the fuel filler door, use the inside wheels only (maybe even get them widened from 6" to 8 or 10"), remove the front spacers and get regular/stock wheels for the front. Would he then still need to do all the other = rear end to wide, calipers, and etc. stuff???

 

[KATOOM]

Let your imagination run wild... https://duckduckgo.com/?q=dually+with+super+single&t=ffab&atb=v130-5eg&iax=images&ia=images

 

[VolsFan]

JoeMC, your exactly right. It is 100% a clearance issue. It’s crammed in my garage for one thing. Would love to go to 4 285/75/16 tires and get better fuel mileage like my old 99 w 4.10s, knocking rpms on the interstate down. I like everything about my current rig, 4 wheel disc brakes, 6 spd 4 wd ex cab long bed just would like to ditch the duals. I can’t rotate the tires unless I pay to have them dismounted since their on finished rims. When I hauled firewood and pulled gooseneck trailers having the dually was useful, don’t really do that much anymore. I’ll figure something out

 

[Joe Mc]

I wonder if you contact this outfit http://duallyfendersfiberglasstruck.com/dodge_dually_conversion_kits.html if they'd have something to go in the reverse of what their operation seems to be about = convert your truck "to" Dually? Katoom posted a link and as I was looking thru the pictures I saw this company and looked a bit. Heck they might have a customer who want's to covert that'd be willing to swap all parts with you? Never know?

Katoom thanks - cool pictures for sure.

 

[SnoKing]

You just need someone with a 2500 close by that want to go dually! Park them side by side and start swapping parts including the bed and rear diff.

The Cheapest solution however is to sell it and buy a clean low mile 2001.5. When we sold our 2001.5 3 years ago it only had 120K on the clock. SnoKing

 

[NIsaacs]

Im not really wanting to part with my truck, but don’t need or want the dually.

Test drive a late model 4th gen, you will part with it and not lookback

 

[SnoKing]

Test drive a late model 4th gen, you will part with it and not lookback

I was going to suggest that also.

 

[VolsFan]

Yeah I’m definitely not going new truck route. Not a fan of all the emissions and butt wipers. New ones are too vanilla and look just like everything else on the road for my taste. Drove 4th gen gassers and liked them pretty good for power and handling, I can’t bring myself to own an auto trans in any truck. I’ll just keep on with the dually. Thanks for responses

 

[KATOOM]

Test drive a late model 4th gen, you will part with it and not lookback

Its not parting with the 2nd gen thats the problem for me... Its parting with the $70k+ dollars and gaining higher insurance, higher DMV fees, needing DEF fluid, dealing with more emissions.

But this isnt about me.

 

[SnoKing]

Its not parting with the 2nd gen thats the problem for me... Its parting with the $70k+ dollars and gaining higher insurance, higher DMV fees, needing DEF fluid, dealing with more emissions.

But this isnt about me.

Anyone paying 70K is not doing their homework. And DEF is a non issue. Just saying. I loved my 2001.5 for 14 years, however after 3.3 years with the 2015, I would not go back. Cruise 80 MPH at 19+ MPG is boss, verses turning higher RPMs to try to go 70 with 4:10's in the 2001.5. Old Blue was a lot of fun to drive and very lively with injectors, Comp in EZ mode etc, but that was yesteryear!

 

[Joe Mc]

To each our own. Me, I'll keep the ol` 99 (set up just how I like it) as well as keep the $$$ needed to purchase something new and then start all over again = setting it up how I want it. The new ones are pretty sweet for sure and have all the bells, whistles, and other gizmos some folks want. Either way, to each their own.

 

[SnoKing]

To each our own. Me, I'll keep the ol` 99 (set up just how I like it) as well as keep the $$$ needed to purchase something new and then start all over again = setting it up how I want it. The new ones are pretty sweet for sure and have all the bells, whistles, and other gizmos some folks want. Either way, to each their own.

What is to setup on the new trucks. Get the factory 5th wheel/gooseneck prep, Drop a hitch in the pucks, adjust the factory brake controller, tune in you favorite XM/Sirus station, flip up of tow mirrors, push the start button, push the EB, TH, and Cruise Control on buttons and motor on.

 

[Shiner]

What is to setup on the new trucks. Get the factory 5th wheel/gooseneck prep, Drop a hitch in the pucks, adjust the factory brake controller, tune in you favorite XM/Sirus station, flip up of tow mirrors, push the start button, push the EB, TH, and Cruise Control on buttons and motor on.

Human nature. That's what. He wants truck that is unique for him. I bought my 4th gen kinda on a fluke, and promptly spent 3 grand on accessories for it)I am sure I am not done. A lot more fun making it yours. I have a high school buddy who still drives a 70's Ford step-side pick-up every single day as his daily driver. He is getting his moneys worth for sure. And everybody knows who it is. If I had it to do over, I would have never bought one new vehicle. Unfortunately, I made good money, so I spent said money. I miss the old 52 Chevy, stovebolt 6 and all.

 

[Joe Mc]

What is to setup on the new trucks. Get the factory 5th wheel/gooseneck prep, Drop a hitch in the pucks, adjust the factory brake controller, tune in you favorite XM/Sirus station, flip up of tow mirrors, push the start button, push the EB, TH, and Cruise Control on buttons and motor on.

Sounds like an awful lot of buttons to push... LOL, Sorry couldn't resist. I've seen the newer trucks and by all means they're nice as hell - enjoy yours.
BTW: I've been contemplating the new 1500 Eco-Diesels. Read a bit (on the TDR) about them, seems like biggest complaint is about a squeak from the heating system after start-up and after shut-down. Might see if the local dealer has any and take one our for a spin. Ain't even considering getting rid of my 99 tho.