2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission turning a 3/4 ton into a 1 ton

[sleddog]

has anybody done this? i located a 1998 dually rear end[think i need a 01/02]. i would like to put a 8wx9l flatbed due to my box is so beat up. anybody know where or who sells whole used or rebuilt rearends?dana 80 i,m guessing. thats what i have behind my 5spd. thanks. who sells that 6sp conversion kit these days. saw a add in the tdr magizine but i gave the mag to a friend. thanks

 

[sleddog]

guess tha 94-99,s are the same and i need a 2000-2003 dually dana 80 with drums. disk prbabley wont work. too bad my dana 80 cant be converted. they want 1650 for a rearend. thay said my dana 80,s worth 800-900. 00

 

[HBarlow]

A TDR member reported doing exactly what you are considering a few months ago and posted his progress with photos. When he finished he ended up totally disgusted and regretting the result according to his posts. In his last post that I read he was considering buying a new replacement truck or restoring his truck to original.

His became undrivable. It steered and handled very badly IIRC.

I can't explain why. Perhaps the front ends of Class II and Class III trucks are set up differently.

If you can find the old thread you might ask the original poster.

 

[sleddog]

ya. read the posts. sounds like alot of work. think i,ll just find a 02

 

[charlessmith]

My '97 is a 2500 with a Arrowcraft dually kit and air-bag overload springs.
Other than the rear drums being a bit narrower, it's the same as a 3500 now.

You've got to put hub spacers on front and rear, and then use deep dish dually wheels.