2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission dually conversion

[DennisLee]

thinking about doing the arrow craft dually conversion on my 98 2500. I used to think these were cheezy but now i have my truck just how I want it. I have a #8 plate 16 cm turbo, advanced timing 4" exhaust, 3K gsk, afc spring kit, 370 injsctors, BD exhaust brake, and am getting ready to do the nv 5600 conversion. All this in the best truck ever made, 98 12 valve. I LOVE this truck but need the dual wheels. Is it better to buy the extended hubs off a real 3500 ram or to use the arrow craft kit? Any help is appreciated.

 

[CumminsPower98]

The only way to do the conversion right is to buy a complete rear axle that is made to run dullies. The center section is the same but the axle is longer overall. They also have the wider brakes. My cousin converted his just using spacers and put a dully bed on. The spacer method does not however raise the weight rating but does give better tire wear when towing heavy. The front axle on dully trucks is the same as a single wheel truck but has spacers.

 

[DennisLee]

thanks for the info. I understand the rear spacers dont increase the rating. My truck handels the weight fine now. I would just like the added sway control and tire wear. I also love the look. When I bought the truck I wanted the duelly then but was in college and feared for the fenders in the parking deck. My trailer and equipment weigh around 14k. can any one give me any reason the "KIT" would be a bad thing to do?

 

[Philip]

I have seen a set of the arrow craft adapters break before. The guy was pulling a goose neck with a JD tractor on it. The cost to repair the truck was a lot more than the correct axle would have cost.



Something to remember. If you are loaded when this happens. Try to explain to a DOT officer why you were running adapters. They look dimmly on these when a accident has happened.



Also ask your insurance company about thier view of them.



I always reccommend the correct axle. If you want duals replace the axle assy. On your later model the axle assy might be cheaper than the adapters.

 

[DennisLee]

thanks for the input. I think i will go with the whole axle. It is going to put the project aff a little farther but I think that will be better than splattering the new Massey onto the highway.