Coverting 3500 DRW to SRW?

[HDerrick]

Wondering if the 3500 rear axles on the DRW models are the same as SRW models? Other than getting different rims and a longbox without the dually fender, what would need to be done to make this work? This is on a 2003 3500 dually that I have an opportunity to buy within my family due to the extremely low miles, but not a big fan of the DRW and would like to convert it to SRW sometime.

 

[DPKetchum]

DRW axels are wider(stance is further outboard) Its been done several times(do a search on this) Fender flares help to offset this wide stance look on the rear. Fronts you just remove the hub spacers. Differant wheels are needed etc.

 

[HDerrick]

I did a search on this topic after I posted this question. I was able to gather that the back axles were wider on the dually than on the SRW models, but were not able to get the exact measurement on how much wider they are. Like 2 inches wider? I couldnt find anything that would indicate whether the tracking would be the same once you take the front adaptors off plus dually rims and in place factory SRW rims(or aftermarket rims). I also could not find whether I needed to get a specific offset rims to use or say, factory SRW rims would work?



Other than that, I do know I would need to

1)Remove Dually bed

2)Remove front adaptors

3)Remove all 7 wheels/tires



In its place

1)Standard longbed and add fender flares on all corners

2)Factory SRW rims or whatever rim set with specific offset I need to remain in the same tracking stance.



Anything else I am missing? Thanks

 

[HDerrick]

Anybody?



I am still wondering if after all is said and done, will say, factory singles or aftermarket rims run in the same tracking path?

 

[Bertram65]

The front track width will be the same as another SRW truck with factory offset SRW wheels, the rear track width will be wider with factory SRW wheels and not match the front, easiest way to correct it would be with spacers on the front wheels and fender flairs.

 

[GWBourne]

greg boardmans 2003 WAS a duallie, and he had just added some of the flared bedsides he sold to make the back look right. then he has some 1/2 inch or so spacers on the front to widen it out a bit. the rear was wider than the front, but not by much.

Grant

 

[zippinbye]

Too bad you are in ND. I might be interested if we were geographically closer and in the (unlikely) event the colors and axle ratios are the same. I call mine beige, but I believe it was called Almond something by DC. Anyhow, unless I'm mistaken, a weekend with some buddies and tools, and a DRW 3500 and SRW 3500 could be swapped out, including tires and wheels. Anybody know if there is any sort of supplemental door sticker that would be respected by the DOT? Not only would the "new" dually not be legally able to carry the load it should, but the now-SRW truck's capacity might be hard to validate ... "well, er, officer, pay no attention to what it says, ah, you see, we changed some stuff and now ... "

 

[HDerrick]

Alright, now I understand what to expect regarding the tracking after all is said and done with the swap. Thanks very much!

 

[HDerrick]

greg boardmans 2003 WAS a duallie, and he had just added some of the flared bedsides he sold to make the back look right. then he has some 1/2 inch or so spacers on the front to widen it out a bit. the rear was wider than the front, but not by much.

Grant

I just thought to ask. Where is a good place to get the spacers and flared bedsides?

 

[HDerrick]

Too bad you are in ND. I might be interested if we were geographically closer and in the (unlikely) event the colors and axle ratios are the same. I call mine beige, but I believe it was called Almond something by DC. Anyhow, unless I'm mistaken, a weekend with some buddies and tools, and a DRW 3500 and SRW 3500 could be swapped out, including tires and wheels. Anybody know if there is any sort of supplemental door sticker that would be respected by the DOT? Not only would the "new" dually not be legally able to carry the load it should, but the now-SRW truck's capacity might be hard to validate ... "well, er, officer, pay no attention to what it says, ah, you see, we changed some stuff and now ... "

I am open to the option of swapping out with someone, however, geographically depends on that happening. I've got white and 4'10's.

 

[MillerR]

If only we were closer. I'm in SW Washington. I'm interested in swapping from 2500 SRW to DRW. Along this topic. I've heard about the "adapters"... Is that possible for a 2500, or are the lugs different sizes? Someone told me a 3500 has larger lugs than a 2500. Also, does anyone know the actual measurement difference of a SRW and DRW axle widths?

 

[JLovas]

My bed's coming off this winter, (I'm installing a flatbed). You could buy my box for a pretty reasonable price... My pickup is gray and the box is 8' long. I'm just south of Hillsboro.

 

[LaxCummins]

Trade!

Some day I hope to run across somebody who wants to do a trade and go from a dually to a shortie - I've got an 04 SLT QC 4x4 and a dually would sure be nice when I'm hauling the horseys. Can't stand the thought of upgrading via a new purchase...



LAXCummins

 

[dward]

I am considering doing the same. I have a silver 03 dually. I can't do anything until I sell my big Lance camper as it requires a DRW, then I plan to downsize to an 8' Lance.

I bought a set of stock wheels from a buddy and put them on the rear. With 245 tires the outside dimension was right at 7' wide. I think a stock SRW is 6 1/2' wide so figure 3" wider per side. (6" longer axle) The tires bolted right on with no problems. Didn't do the front but just remove the spacers and bolt them on.

I plan to get an estimate from a body shop to repair the sides of the bed where all the holes are to mount the dually fenders. There is about 2-3" of metal removed from the top of the wheelwell, but I think some of the bigger fender flares would cover this. It may be cheaper to get a standard bed but I have the Linex and the camper tiedowns installed which would save alot of hassle. I would think someone converting to a dually could just mount the fenders on their stock bed. The axle would have to be changed though.

I had also considered the flatbed route as it would be great with a camper with the possibilities of the extra storage.

I will keep you posted.

 

[GWBourne]

I just thought to ask. Where is a good place to get the spacers and flared bedsides?

even though greg is no longer around, DRC is still in business. call jeremy

i dont have the number on hand... sorry

Grant

 

[gsbrockman]

I think TDR member FDavid also performed the DRW to SRW conversion... ... ... may want to do a search using his username.



Greg

 

[smokejunkie]

Its roughly 1. 5" on each side, which is hardly noticeable unless you're really looking. I just finished changing my drw to a srw and put some h2 wheels on her.

While were on the subject where can I find some front spacers?

 

[dward]

Smokejunkie,

Did you replace your bed or have your dually bed fixed where the dually fenders mounted? I seems it would be less expensive to have the area repaired where the fenders were mounted. What do you think?

 

[smokejunkie]

Smokejunkie,

Did you replace your bed or have your dually bed fixed where the dually fenders mounted? I seems it would be less expensive to have the area repaired where the fenders were mounted. What do you think?

I ended up getting a new bed w/tailgate. I'm into the bed and tailgate painted for 1200. Plus the bed already had a spray in liner so I figure I'm ahead plus I could sell the dually bed.

When I was researching this it seemed like there were a bunch of big holes in the bed where the fenders attach that would have to been filled in.