Replacement Axle Shaft for Dually

[NDanecker]

Does anyone know an aftermarket (or oem if inexpensive) source for axle shafts for a dually?



I'll be doing some hauling from FL to NJ and feel the need to swap out to a dually setup. I've done some research on this in the past and decided against it because of cost. But looking at buying a new truck ($$$$$$) and getting it the way I want is mucho more dinero. Plus... . I prefer the 5. 9 motor over the 6. 7 and don't want to purchase a used / abused truck. So... ... left with the dually conversion.



From what I've learned, the axle shafts on a dually is wider but this is only the shafts. The axle housing on the 11. 5" AAM is identical between dually and non-dually (confirmed this at junkyard, whom by the way, wanted $2800 for a complete dually axle ). Brake calipers have offset mounting brackets which also need to be purchased.



Thanks for your input!

 

[NDanecker]

Anybody?

 

[jwilliams3]

I would just stick on a dually adapter kit and you should be good to go.



Just swapping axle shafts is not a conversion. The conversion is mainly in the hub area to allow for the install of the dual wheels.



Arrowcraft specializes in dually kits.

 

[NDanecker]

I don't want to use adapters in the rear. The new axle shafts are longer which moves the hub out further giving room for a dual wheel. This is the way to go if you tow heavy. I know..... someone here will post that they tow X lbs with adapters without a problem. I just don't feel comfortable with an adapter hub in the rear when you can go with the correct axle setup.



If you do this than the only other difference between a 3500 dually and 2500 converted dually is the extra overload spring (which I'm taking care of by going with air bags).



Still surprised that no one has any information on a supplier for axle shaft replacements for a dually.

 

[JHardwick]

Aren't these floater axles?

 

[jwilliams3]

I don't want to use adapters in the rear. The new axle shafts are longer which moves the hub out further giving room for a dual wheel. This is the way to go if you tow heavy. I know..... someone here will post that they tow X lbs with adapters without a problem. I just don't feel comfortable with an adapter hub in the rear when you can go with the correct axle setup.



If you do this than the only other difference between a 3500 dually and 2500 converted dually is the extra overload spring (which I'm taking care of by going with air bags).



Still surprised that no one has any information on a supplier for axle shaft replacements for a dually.

Well I am glad you got it all figured out then.



The casting on the 11. 5 hog head for the dually(and mega) is larger so dont think you'll just get away with throwing in axles and then having a true dually rear end.

The difference is usually a wider web that extends out farther on to the axle tubes.



Go with OEM if your looking for a good axle shaft supplier. So far the OEM's are probably the toughest out there in my opinion.

I have done a little testing with them:-laf



What ever you do end up doing please post some pictures. I have been thinking about going dually on mine also.