Dual wheel conversion

[larryshew]

Have been looking in to adding duals to my 95 2500 4x4. Have read about Ricka and arrowcrafts products. But can't you just get dual rims (Junk yard rims) and mount them on my rear axle. I have not figured out what kind of fender extensions I can come up with that will not look cheese that I can take on and off. I think the Ricka adapters let you use your factory rims. Anyone been successfull in pulling this off?

 

[willyslover]

larryshew. . use the search feature on this site. . there are several threads on this subject. .



FYI. . the rear end housings are 4" shorter from factory on Dually v/s non Dually ... the beds are cut out for tire clearance... [best to find a flat bed builder and buy a take off bed]... and the rear brakes are factory 1 tons pieces [mostly different cylinders , on the drum models, don't know the difference on the disc models]. . any way search and find out more info

 

[Oil Ape]

Taking a SRW and converting it to a DRW is not really a great option. Yes, you can make it look like a DRW but your weight handling is/should be less than a real DRW truck. In all actuality, you have probably even decreased the amount of weight even your SRW can handle.



In fact, conversion kits do not increase your ability to haul more weight, that said, they may give you some lateral stability(A conversions only advantage). A regular SRW axle is not designed to take on the added torque that the outside duals place on it. I believe the diameter of the axle is also smaller on the SRW version. With the added torque of those outside duals you will lose your rear seals or bend your axles if you try. And when that does occur $$$, will it be worth it? Also the brakes and springs are increased on the DRW versions in order to reach that higher weight ability.



I worked as a fleet mechanic to put myself through undergrad and we had a F350 that accidently was purchased SRW. The department that ordered it had us install a conversion on it and it never functioned well. In fact it was a regular nightmare. The dualies of the same year that we had in the fleet had none of these problems. That truck had the advantage of at least having a one ton axle to begin life, were as your's will start with a 3/4 ton axle. Dodge never offered a one ton SRW in those years to my knowledge.



And as a kicker, some states that have safety inspections will fail a truck with a conversion on them. Your best bet would be to go and replace your axles with axles off of a wrecked 3500 or trade your truck for a 3500 model.

 

[cwcox]

Ditto that last post. Unless you are doing it strictly for looks, stay away from adapters and all the hassle that goes with it. Arrowcraft has some real good products, but if you use your truck like like I do, save yourself a headache and go buy a 3500.

 

[jbrowne]

Duallin' the 2500

I have a 96, RAM 2500 and I wanted a 3500 and not enough $ to get one. So I desided to dually it my self. I got those "Arrowcraft" things and I have to agree that they will not do the job that most of us want. So I went to my local wrecking yard and bought a Dana 80. Just be sure that you get all the "U" bolts and plates and springs that go with it. The universal joint bolts right up no problem. I found a pull off box that had a couple of dents in it for $500. 00 and sold mine for $600. 00. It was the right color too. Saved about $400. 00 there. Also converted from automatic to five speed. The ony way you can tell that it is a 3/4 ton is the front wheels. There are two dually diferentials. One for the chasis cab and one for quad cab. I guess that they figured that the Q cab was heavier and needed the stability of a wider diferential. Anyway I have my one ton. Does anyone have a set of 3500 emblems?

Jim

 

[cwcox]

Hey Jim, I don't have any 3500 emblems ("cept for the ones on my doors!) but I may have good news... . Every dually out there uses a hub adapter on the front end, it bolts right to the stock lugs and rotor. Take a look next time you're at the boneyard. Cool story on your dually conversion too!