Dually Conversion

[SOLER]

I am about to purchase a gooseneck, and am concerned about the weight on my truck in its current configuration. The trailer is 36' with three 7,000# axles. That is a GVW of 21,000#'s +. I just don't see being able to put that thing on my truck with single load "D" tires.



I know, I know. I should have bought a dually in the first place, but I didn't. So now I am looking at a conversion.



I have seen Ricka Manufacuring's product (on the web), and have also seen Arrowcraft's product. Are there any others?



My concerns are these:



I have 255-85R16's on right now. I want to keep this size. I know about the spacing requirement between the two rear wheels, and this size of tire creates a potential problem. How much backspacing on dually rims will I need to accomodate these treads? And if I use spacers with Arrowcraft's product, I am inducing lots of leverage and stress on the axles. If I get a whole axle unit to replace what I've got, well, let's not even go there!



If I use Ricka's product, all I buy are two wheels, tires, and fenders, along with the rear adapters. But how much stress will this product induce on the axles? Can I use the tires I have?



I really don't want smaller tires, and if I have to use smaller tires, I won't do the conversion. Using 19. 5" wheels is a lot more expensive, therefore not an option.



Can anyone shed some light on this for me? What have you guys done that have done this conversion? You guys who actually bought a dually, who has the largest tires? I've seen trucks in 4 wheel drive mags that have 44" tires. Now, how do I do that?



Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.



SOLER

 

[wrk2mtch]

I used ricka adapters on a dually conversion for a Toyota. I never had any problem with them and they seem very solid, but are kind of a pita when it comes time to change tires. I'm serioulsy thinking of converting my Dodge to a dually and this time I will use the adapters from Arrowcraft. The Arrowcraft setup is much closer to a factory dually setup then the Ricka.

 

[pcorssmit]

I've seen lots of 3500s with 255s on the rear, some on stock wheels. I think the later model wheels have a slightly bigger offset. Some guys also run the 255 rears w/285 fronts.



Pete

 

[SOLER]

Anyone? Anyone?

C'mon, surely someone out there has done this? I definitely don't want the Ricka adapters. I'm leaning towards the one's from Arrowcraft. I'm just hoping that someone can let me know if they have had any problems with them.



Also, what is the largest tires you guys are using on a dually, converted or stock (16"wheels)?



Thanks guys.

 

[David Muench]

I'm trying to sell a dually conversion kit (arrowcraft I believe) that I bought years ago for an earlier truck, which never got done. Decided that buying a new 3500 made more sense for me.



Too bad you're not closer.

 

[Tilesetter Too]

I have heard that the rear dana 80 axle is the same for the 3/4 and 1 ton. I believe this was discussed in an earlier post. The main difference is in the length of the wheel studs. i think in '99 even the brake size was the same although in most years the 3/4 was an inch smaller.

I am currently working on this same problem and have yet to find the cost effective solutuion. i already have 7 brand new dually tires and rims from a chevy but Arrowcraft has informed me that there adapters require the larger size ford dually rims to clear their adapters. I have yet to try to actually fit tese rims onto the truck.

If you have 4x4 the switch is fairly easy for the front too. The only difference for the front is the outer hubs and rotor. I recently posted a question about the change and received several offers to trade me single front hubs/rotors for dually hubs/rotors for free. The single dana 60 front is the most popular frontend for offroaders.

As for fenders, go for the arrowcraft stuff. i've priced original dodge fenders and junkyard fenders. $500 ea from a junkyard. Guess how much Dodge wanted, I'd buy the 19. 5's first.

Good luck with the switch, I'll keep you posted if I do mine.

Shawn

 

[SOLER]

I know what you mean

Tilesetter Too



I priced those fenders from DC, too. Over one G each!!! With the discount for this month, Arrowcraft's are $535/pair, and they claim that theirs are better.



I am about to purchase the adapters, fenders, and wheels from Arrowcraft today or tomorrow. If anyone can think of a reason to stop me, please let me know ASAP.



Another thing, who thinks they have the best tires on their dually. I am thinking of the BIG-O AT's. They are a 10 ply 235-85R16, load range E. Or the Michelin LTX AT. Same size and rating as the BIG-O. The BIG-O has the best deal with fee road hazard, balancing, etc. However, there isn't a store within 400 miles of where I am moving (Delaware).

 

[Tilesetter Too]

Shane,

Just don't forget about having to get the larger ford style dually rims for the adapters. Ask Advanced about them. Let me know how it goes, I'm would really like to know about the fit and finish of their fenders. All the rest I can complete on my own through trades.

Shawn

 

[wrk2mtch]

Please post some pictures when you're finished so we can see the results!

 

[SOLER]

pictures

I'll post pictures if I can figure out how. I haven't ventured into that realm yet.

 

[LandShark]

I've used the Ricka kit for about 4 years, putting between 5 and 10,000 miles per year on them with the camper on. Very happy with them. With the 245 stock tires there is only about 1/4" between the tires. This leads to a little rubbing, but not so much that it would ever be a problem. If you wanted to have another inch between the tires you could use wheels from an older model Ram (1994 thru 1998? have a different offset) and mount the older wheels on the outside.



I've used the Ricka's offroad and for beach driving with no problems, so they seem to be quite tough. I'm sure that the Rickson's would be stronger (and less trouble) but would not give the floatation required for offroad travel with heavy loads.