single rear wheels to dual rear wheels conversion

[NScott]

I recently purchased a well used 95 2500 12V with a NV4500. The bed is ragged out and I wanted to put a steel flatbed on it. I also want to put the 3500 dual wheels on the rear only, and I want to see if anyone has the "formula" of parts needed to make this conversion. I have been told by some that may or may not know, that you have to change the complete rear axle housing, and I have been told by others that just the brake backing plates,the brake drums, and the brake shoes need to be changed. Is this correct? I have measured from the outer edge of the rear spring to the face of axle hub and compared it to the measurement from the wheel flange to the outer most radius of the inflated tire and I have found that there is about 1. 5 " to 2" of clearance left. If I go the other route and change the complete axle housing, are the spring pearch centers the same distance on the 2500 and 3500? I have been told by others that I can buy the adapters by arrowcraft or others and they will work fine, but I am worried that they cannot stand the weight and abuse that a truck that has to work for a living every day will dish out. Any and all info needed please!

 

[DarrellB]

NScott, sorry I can't help but I know about as much as you. A friend of mine is trying to do the same thing and the local dealer told him he would have to replace the drums and backing plates and find the dual rear wheels. Come to find out that the axle housings are different and you can not convert them. ( so I've herd ) My bud called about a rebuilt dana 80 dually rearend and was told a price of $1,800 The last time I spoke with him about it he had a # of a place he could call that could cut the axle housing and stub axles down and weld the correct shorter ones on. I will find out how he is doing on the project and let you know if he has made any progress.



Later

Big D

 

[Okie-Go]

A fellow member of the tdr, Landshark has duals he puts on a 2500 for hauling his cabover camper. You might shoot him an e-mail and talk to him.

 

[LandShark]

NScott:



Check this out: Dual Wheels Conversion

 

[Extreme1]

There is a pair of 3500 axles for sale in the classifieds now.



I would think all you need for the front is the spacer for the dual wheels.



The rears are different. A guy near Goerends shop had a V-10 in that was converted back to single wheel. The drums looked wrong (like a 70's chevy with aftermarket wheels).

 

[SOLER]

Arrowcraft sells adapters, wheels and fenders. They sell adapters for the front and the rear. CAUTION: the wheels they sell are for a FORD because of the different hub size of the adapters. Bolt pattern is the same, just the center hole is different (larger). You won't need the fenders since you are going with a flat bed, but they have kits available for what you need. I came close to doing this, but decided not to get the trailer that was gong to "gross me out. "



Arrowcraft.com



SOLER