2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission I want to convert my 99 ram single axle 3/4 ton to a 1 ton dually

[TComparetta]

I am wanting to change my single axle 99 ram 2500 3/4 ton to a 1 ton dually. does any one out there have any experience with this. since I cant afford a new dually, this seems to be to only alternative, any pro or cons and tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated

 

[Nyoest]

I looked at the same thing for my 96. It gets real expensive real quick. The spacers from eBay run about 700 for the two sets required. Then rims, lugnuts and simulators or powder coat or what ever. Then tires, the duals run smaller tires so as not to rub.

I'm going with 19. 5 super singles ( what American force calls super single) and virgin rubber on all four corners. Better load capacity and wear for about the same money but a lot less scrounging and a lot cheaper in 100,000 miles when I need tires.

All I have to do now is wait sixty days for them to make the rims... ...

 

[HBarlow]

TDR member JHawes did it two or three years ago and I think he ended up regretting it. PM him if he doesn't see this thread and post. He has "been there, done that. "

 

[Grizzly]

You'd be far better off looking for a good used dually. You don't have to buy new.



My neighbor has a 07 or 08 dually for sale.

 

[toomeyddt]

Why would you want a dually in the first place? Reduced fuel mileage, reduced load capacity (1 ton to 1 ton comparison). Big fat wide rear end to maneuver around, as compared to the sleek trim shape of the bed with just two wheels! Less traction per tire on the rear end (same load spread over 4 tires rather than 2 - less force per square inch applied to pavement for traction).

 

[SRadke]

It's not bad to do. You'll end up a couple inches extra wide in the back if you use your rear end. A DRW rear is 2" narrower between the backing plate flanges. The front is easy, just add spacers.

 

[Grizzly]

Why would you want a dually in the first place? Reduced fuel mileage, reduced load capacity (1 ton to 1 ton comparison). Big fat wide rear end to maneuver around, as compared to the sleek trim shape of the bed with just two wheels! Less traction per tire on the rear end (same load spread over 4 tires rather than 2 - less force per square inch applied to pavement for traction).

In one word, Stability, I love my dually and it does give me almost twice the carrying capacity. Maneuvering has never been a problem for me, except I can't go through a drive-up window at a bank or at a McDonalds. Parking is no problem since I park on the lower 40 and take up two spaces at HomeDepot and Costco. I can go into any parking structure I want. I don't believe I get any less mileage than a single wheel gets.



Before I purchased my first dually (95) I was told that once you have a dually, you will never go back to a single wheel. I totally believe that.



Duallies are awesome and they look a lot better than a single wheel.

 

[HBarlow]

Why would you want a dually in the first place? Reduced fuel mileage, reduced load capacity (1 ton to 1 ton comparison). Big fat wide rear end to maneuver around, as compared to the sleek trim shape of the bed with just two wheels! Less traction per tire on the rear end (same load spread over 4 tires rather than 2 - less force per square inch applied to pavement for traction).

That's the first time I've ever seen that silly argument.

Duallies have far greater load carrying capacity, improved stability when hauling or carrying a tall load, greater traction on dry pavement, etc.

I've owned three of them for about 650,000 miles in the aggregate. Wouldn't even consider a srw.

 

[Grizzly]

Harvey, Mr. toomey has obviously never had a dually or just doesn't know what he talking about.

 

[HBarlow]

George,

He owns a srw truck and feels obligated to defend his choice.

Never saw anyone claim a srw has greater load carrying capacity before. Perhaps he is thinking of the 200 or 300 lb. reduction from the manufacturer's suggest gross combined towing weight.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Anyway... ...



TComparetta, I think you'd be happier in the long run if you could find you a good dually axle in a junk yard somewhere, or a wrecked truck, and put it under your truck. I've done it both ways, making a dually a 3/4 and a 3/4 a dually. If you do find an axle, also try to get the bed, unless you plan on a steel bed. If you are near North Texas, I could hook you up with the parts. Basically, I find an axle, do a little sping mods(just my preference) bolt it under there, hook up the lines, wires, flush and bleed the brakes, check the oil, and send it on it's way. You always want to check brake pads and wheel/pinion seals for leaks, and when you're looking for a rearend, if you find one, make sure it doesn't have any backlash(gear slop) by turning the pinion yoke. All in all, it's an easy chore, and I've done one in half a day(6hours) but without experience and tools, it'll probably take you all day. Helpers are a must if you don't have a hoist to lift the bed. And leaving the tires on the axles can help you roll it around. OH, and check to make sure you have the same yoke sizes for U-joints when buying an axle. Automatics have smaller u-joints in some years and in gas engines than standard diesels. Basically, every diesel from 95 to 2002 will interchange in the spring bolt patterns, albiet later models will have disc brakes, which I consider a positive. The differences lie in the brake lines, wire connections, and U-joint size. For your '99, I'd suggest a '98 to 2002 axle would work best. Good luck.

 

[RustyJC]

Why would you want a dually in the first place? Reduced fuel mileage, reduced load capacity (1 ton to 1 ton comparison).

Why, heck, as soon as it cools down a bit, I'll run right out and pull those two useless extra rear tires off the back of my truck and sell them on FleaBay.



Ummm..... tell me, if you don't mind, exactly how much load capacity will I pick up when I do that??? :-laf



Rusty

 

[Extreme1]

In one word, Stability

Duallies are awesome and they look a lot better than a single wheel.

I was bitten and won't go back either.



If those extra wheels reduce traction so much how come funny cars don't run narrow tires?Oo.

 

[tuffs93]

TComparetta, I think its great that you want to take on a project like this. My son and I build street rods and trucks so were always changing parts and pieces around to suit what we like. That is the whole idea is to suit yourself. My next project is on my 01, I have purchased a 4X4 Duelly running gear and plan to change it over as soon as I get my shop extention done. Good luck... ...