Hi all,

I was looking at a 2wd 2nd gen (I think a '94) dually with a utility bed. I noticed it sat awful high to be a 2wd, and then I noticed that it has what looks to be a 4wd front suspension setup minus the centersection and axles. It's a solid front axle, and the sides of the beam where the spindle attaches looks just like those on a 4wd. It has leaf springs, and looks very sturdy. I remember being asked if my '98 dually was a solid front axle when I bought balljoints for it. What kind of option was this, and is it as strong at it looks?

 

The solid front axle on a 2wd means it was originally sold as a chassis cab.

 

Oh, I see. Is that a stronger setup than the independent front setup, both being 2wd?

 

Yes its stronger. and the thing rides like a covered wagon. Mine is a straight axle cab chassis. I dont have front leaf springs though there coils.I think the load carrying capacity is higher also. If you look at the frame rails there also alot heavier than a standard frame about 18inches . And the frame doesnt dip up and down its flat all the way back.

 

you can also easily convert it to 4wd

 

Also the GVWR for the cab/chassis is 11,000#. The standard dually with the independent suspension is 10,500#

 

REVIVING AND OLD THREAD!!!!!! Ha you had me at easily converting to 4x4………. if you’re still alive tell me more!

 

Cab and Chassis 2wd trucks come with a "dummy" solid front axle.
Removing that and swapping in a front Dana 60 axle is easy. Then swap the 2wd Transmission for a 4x4 one, add a transferase, a few driveshafts and it is a 4x4 .

What more do you want to know?

This does NOT work on normal 2wd Dodge trucks with independent front suspension.

 

You know what’s funny I have a solid front axle 3500 and I never knew that until yesterday when I was shopping for steering parts. Sales guy at CJC Offroad didn’t even know that. I wonder how hard it would be to find the parts I need.

 

I know I have a good straight front axle '95 2wd 3500 rolling frame and all the parts to do the swap at least 3 times.

Let me know what you might need for parts. I bet I have them.

 

Thanks. That is one of the issues. I don’t know what all I need. There are the obvious pieces but I’m sure I would run into lots of unexpected parts without a donor truck. What do you think? I would if I would need to modify the chassis much or if it’s all just bolt on

 

Mostly bolt on.
The C+C truck often have a different wheelbase, so you could expect having to modify the rear driveshaft. A stock length 4x4 front for whatever OEM transmission you want [47RH, 47RE, NV4500, NV5600] will work.

If you need some, or all of the parts let me know. Having done a couple of Cummins swaps and 2wd to 4x4 swaps I have a really good idea the parts list.

 

Thanks. Too bad you aren’t in Texas ha

 

Random question. Can you swap the 2wd straight axle from the 3500 c&c into a 2wd 2500? Or are there mounts missing on the 2500 for the setup?

 

I think it’s a different setup. You would have to do some fabrication