SRW to duals without changing axle???

[WMoroni]

I'm going to put a flat bed on my 2500 4x4 and was wondering if I could put dual rear wheels on it without changing the axle. I've already done a search and found a lot of info, but every body was using a factory bed and needed the axle change to make it all line up. The only issues I could think of are will it clear the rear springs and are the wheel studs long enough? Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

There are a few companys that have adaptors to convert your rear axle SRW to DRW.

 

[WMoroni]

I ordered an adapter kit from arrowcraft. They were super nice over the phone. Should be in next week.

 

[CDonaldson]

I installed an Arrowcraft conversion kit on a truck several years ago, top quality products from them. All you need is the right spacers and a set of dually wheels. Most ALL flatbeds will accomodate the wider stance without issues. I got a Bradford bed for the truck I changed over. Just a great setup without a lot of fuss.



CD

 

[WMoroni]

My parts from Arrowcraft should be here on Tuesday. $1759 plus shipping for everything including 6 polished aluminum Eagle wheels. I'll post again when the kit arrives.

 

[HHhuntitall]

... ... . to answer your question about doing the dual conversion, No. The dual hub hits the brake rotor before being able to mount up on the lugs, then they will not clear the springs with the tire mounted. Either way shoots down your idea. If you want a narrower rear set, try find a Cab and Chassis rear axle out of a newer model truck, otherwise, I'd say go with the adapters... ...

 

[lawdog]

I just visited the Arrowcraft facility last week. Super nice people and very willing to show me how they made the products and the different options. I saw the kit you ordered. They use massive 5/8 studs with shouldered nuts for the aluminum wheels. the rear inner sits on a shouldered stud and then the outer is centered with the shouldered lug. One thing they did say was that they are converting the lugs to 8 on 170mm bolt circle with their eagle wheel / adapter kit. Make sure you buy a matching spare wheel.

 

[WMoroni]

Yeah, I thought about that today while I was pulling the old spare out from under the truck today. I'm going to install the kit tomorrow. Looks super nice.

 

[HBarlow]

There are a few companys that have adaptors to convert your rear axle SRW to DRW.

JHawes:

Wasn't it you that reported the 2500 srw to drw conversion a year or so ago? I think you posted photos of the process and discussed the results.

I remember you reporting you were very dissatisfied with the steering/handling after you finished the conversion and were thinking about converting it back to srw.

What did you do to make it right?

 

[Deleted member 995608]

JHawes:



Wasn't it you that reported the 2500 srw to drw conversion a year or so ago? I think you posted photos of the process and discussed the results.



I remember you reporting you were very dissatisfied with the steering/handling after you finished the conversion and were thinking about converting it back to srw.



What did you do to make it right?

It wasn't the DRW conversion that made it handle improperly. A worn out front end was.



Also, the used DRW axle that I bought had a BENT housing; Must have been from a truck in a roll over, . . .



If I hadn't had to replace the housing and install new R&P/bearings, the entire conversion, DRW bed, wheel/tires, DRW axle and front hub adaptors would have only been around $3800. Oh Well

 

[HBarlow]

I'm glad I asked and got the updated results. I'm happy to hear that the srw to drw conversion can be done successfully. I have been operating under the misunderstanding that it was not a good idea and more was required. Sorry it was an expensive conversion for you.

 

[lawdog]

WMoroni... ..... Did you get the install done??? PICS?????



JHawes... ... ... Did you switch back or still a Dually??? Just curious??

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I still have the DRW's on my truck. We have a 36' 5'er and the DRW conversion was the best decision.



I drove my local Dodge dealers nuts with questions. I verified every nut/bolt, adaptor, etc before I dropped a single dime.



Hardest part of the swap is getting the bed on/off the truck.