I am buying a rolling 3500 to swap the narrow dual wheel 80 rear under my 2500. I am also getting the front axle, but haven't seen it yet. Does the front use heavier brakes than my 8800 lb 2500 Dana 60? I always understood that your weight rating wasn't just how much you could pull, but how much you could stop. Anything to lose these craptastic single piston calipers. Also planning on running the 2500 springs w airbags instead of the 3500 springs, any thoughts on that?

 

I thought the front brakes were the same and the rear springs were the same on the 2500(8800 gvw0 and the 3500, just the rear axle was narrower and rated for alittle more on the 3500 rear. Also you have a stock D70, so the 80 would be an upgrade.

 

You're right, the 3500 has the same craptastic brakes. Looks like I'll rebuild the new one w ford knuckles and calipers while I regear both. Maybe an auburn carrier for the rear diff. Not sure what dodge was thinking w these shitty brakes. Even my dads f350 from 1980 had better front brakes.

 

If you're looking at doing the knuckles and then regear, you might be better off finding a HP60 with the desired gears and swap it in. Sell your dodge junk to recoup some losses.

 

Does the ford knuckle swap make the front end wider?

 

AFAIK, its not the knuckles that make it wider, but the spindles. When I did my EMS conversion, my track became wider, about 3/4" on each side I'd say.

 

Is it 3/4 for the Ford parts too?

 

EMS uses Ford parts. Stock Dodge knuckles, but Ford spindles. hubs, stub shafts, rotors, etc.

 

I did the Ford parts mod. Didn't measure the stock set up but not noticeable after the mod.

Floyd