I know this info is probably answered here somewhere but I can't seem to find it so I would like to know definitively. I have 02 2500 6 speed Cummins and I have the need for duals on the rear for towing, I bought a 96 or 98 rear diff DRW with the same ratio and would like to know if it is a direct swap? So spring set up, brake lines and park brake cables are the same? The other question is mine is disc and the DRW is drum. If I keep the drums I will need new everything, drums, shoes and so on. My 2500 has new everything so it would be a saving to use the parts. Will my disc set up bolt on using the SRW as a donor? I have no problem with having drums, they have been on trucks for years and are easy enough to maintain and service. I don't want to dismantle both and find out nothing is compatible and stuck waiting for parts. Any help I certainly appreciate.

 

You will find going from disc braked rear to drum will require a proportioning valve for the drum brakes to be used.
I am going to guess the E brake cable set up is different as well.

You can not just swap disc braked stuff on to drum brakes axles easily if that is what your are asking.

Worth noting is there are Cab and Chassis dually axles AND pick up truck dually axles, which are wider. Make sure you can use what you have before you start the swap.

 

Do note that a dually conversion doesnt raise your legal gvwr.

If you move up to 18" or 19.5" wheels (SRW) you can easily get tires rated in excess of 4000# each.

 

A lot of work for something that was massed produced....might be easier to obtain a dually and drop a 6 speed in....just my .02

Kurt