dually bed project - Dodge Diesel

jimbo486 · #1 11-07-2009, 10:02 AM

top o' the mornin' to ya! here's my latest thinking process. i found a dually bed in arizona for $250, no rust, no cracks. a steal of a deal! i'm not going to pass it up. i have a couple of things that could be a dilemma. i say that as if nothing can be done, but anything's possible with some fabrication

. using rough estimates, i determined that i have approximately 2 1/2 ft between the front of the bed and the cab. i'll have a "filler" panel built for that space with some sort of a half tool box, half fuel tank combination in there along with about 7" in front of that for a nice set of stacks

. however, that's not my dilemma.

now, since i have a cab & chassis model truck, most of you might already know that my dually rear end is narrower than a standard pickup with duals. significantly. using dimensions i received from a fellow member (thank you dave!

), i found out that the dually bed's overall width from fender to fender, is 103 inches. my rear end from sidewall to sidewall, is 84 inches. if i were to set this thing on my frame, i'd have roughly 9.5 inches from my outer tire to the edge of the fender. that's a whole tire width! that's quite a bit of space to fill!! i'm running 235/85R16's. i'm beginning to think that a dana 80 with disc brakes out of a newer truck could be in the works. i'd probably lose my 3.54's but 4.10's wouldn't be all that bad. also, because i've thought about a gearvendors behind my nv5600 in the future sometime

. using a dana 80 could, aid in getting my speedometer working again since the newer models should have a VSS in the rear, but at what price? i'm not sure what kind of deal i could get on a used one. keep in mind this is still a thinking process. the only thing set in stone, is the fact that i'm going to buy the bed because $250 is a deal i can't refuse! that said, i'd like to hear some opinions on my thoughts and solutions (my idea of one anyway). any opinions or suggestions are open for discussion. thanks in advance to anyone who participates!

gadget.35-06 · #2 11-07-2009, 10:23 AM

103"?...my 91 D350DRW bed was 95-3/4" across the wheel lips.

102" is the maximum non-permit width in Commiefornia, IIRC.

I still have the 91(actually, 91.5, intercooled) out here in the desert. Shoot me a PM if you are interested in parts that I may have.

Free89W350 · #3 11-07-2009, 11:31 AM

If you don't mind fabrication get another set of fenders and slice the center out of them to get it to the desired width. Then firberglass them from the inside, that will make them more of a fender flare rather then a dually fender.

jimbo486 · #4 11-07-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Free89W350

If you don't mind fabrication get another set of fenders and slice the center out of them to get it to the desired width. Then firberglass them from the inside, that will make them more of a fender flare rather then a dually fender.

i think the problem with that is the fenders are hard to come by. and if you happen to find some, you might be lucky enough that some old guy is just trying to get them gone. but if the guy knows what he has, they won't be cheap and shipping wouldn't be an easy charge to swallow. i don't know what kind of luck i'd have roaming the junkyards in my area, but i haven't seen too many first gens around, even the gassers. don't get me wrong though, it'd worth the $2 admission to at least look around for one.

jimbo486 · #5 11-07-2009, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadget.35-06

103"?...my 91 D350DRW bed was 95-3/4" across the wheel lips.

102" is the maximum non-permit width in Commiefornia, IIRC.

I still have the 91(actually, 91.5, intercooled) out here in the desert. Shoot me a PM if you are interested in parts that I may have.

you have a message, sir

torquefan · #6 11-07-2009, 01:29 PM

The Dana 80 would be a nice upgrade, but as the only models to offer rear discs were the 01.5 and 02 years, one might be very hard to come by. To me, rear discs aren't much of an advantage, I would even call them a disadvantage due to the extra maintenance they need when used in slush or gravel. I also find the emergency brake to be nowhere near as effective on rear disc equipped trucks (regardless of brand). Personally I'd be happy with a drum brake Dana 80 from any 94-01 truck. Just my opinion.

Another option is a 10.5" 14 bolt axle from a GM. They are a sturdy unit, available on many years of truck. Not sure what the dimensions are, but I think some have found a way to put them under a Dodge.

jimbo486 · #7 11-10-2009, 12:54 PM

yeah, i've considered 14-bolts. i read through that article in diesel power when they built one capable of handling 1,000ft-lbs. can't recall what kind of parts and money it involved, but even stock, they're pretty stout. i've also heard they can be had for pretty cheap.

92roughstock · #8 11-10-2009, 01:01 PM

The track on my 92 W350 was 92", so I'd think the dually fenders would be in the 93-95" range. Just under 8ft.

I would definitely try to find a p-u rear axle. As for "handling" 1000+ ft-lbs torque, it's all in how it's applied. Friend of mine had a hopped up 444 Cummins in the mid 80s that he put a 800ft-lb rated tranny behind, and never had any issues, he just used the power judiciously. (He wanted a double overdrive to go 130+ across the desert....)

jimbo486 · #9 11-10-2009, 01:04 PM

what size tires are you running? i've got 235's and i'm 84" from sidewall to sidewall.

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