Upgrading rear axle and springs from a 3500 to a 5500

[truckmen]

Hello all,

Has anyone upgraded their 3500 rear axle and suspension with that of a 4500 or 5500?

I understand I will have issues if I only try to use the leaf springs out of say, a 5500 because the U-bolts are of a different size. I would also upgrade the rear axle because of the loads I haul.

I regularly haul 4 cars on a 10,000-lb Wally-Mo so I am sometimes grossing 36,000-lbs with a pin weight of 14,000-lbs

 

[NIsaacs]

Hello all,





I regularly haul 4 cars on a 10,000-lb Wally-Mo so I am sometimes grossing 36,000-lbs with a pin weight of 14,000-lbs

View attachment 97670

Your pin weight is 14k plus the trucks empty rear axle weight of about 4k for a total of about 18k on the rear axle? If so the Dana S-110 is still under rated, I think they are rated 13.5k?

I think the rear axle from a cab chassis is narrower than a dually pickup and use a standard 34" frame width. Take some measurements of both trucks and see what the difference is, it might be more trouble than it is worth.

Nick

 

[truckmen]

Ohhhh, I never thought the frames were different. Then, yes, this would not be a very financially beneficial swap for me.

 

[lpennock]

You do realize a 5500 has a bigger frame to handle the 18k GVW 13.5 gawr and you are over a 5500 rating. You need something bigger than a 5500 for the load you are carrying.

Leonard Pennock (AD7AS)
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[SnoKing]

Half worn out Volvo time!