I’m looking into converting my 2500 to a 3500 SRW. It currently has the 11.5 axle w/ the 373 ratio. The truck has just over 15,000 miles on it, so I want to reuse as many parts as I can.
I know that I’ll have to replace the rear spring packs, and front coils, as well as shocks all the way around, but will I also need to replace the rear axles, axle bearings, hubs, and rear disks???
Are there any other parts that will need to be replaced that I’m not thinking of?
I guess I’ll need to know precisely what the differences are between the 3/4, and 1 ton (other than the badging) are before I begin. Your advise would be appreciated.
Tanks, OFTR.

 

The only difference that counts is two overload springs on the rear. Everything else is the same except for cab lights , Same brakes, disc, axle front springs etc.

 

Like N. Johnson said the only mechanical difference is the 2 overload springs.

Save your money and invest it in a set of Pacbrake or Firestone Air Bags.

I think the only other differences for SRW 3500's is they came standard with cab lights and 3500 badges.

And just fyi....the frame, axles, spring pack (-the 2 overloads), brakes etc. are the same between all the trucks...2500, 3500SRW and 3500DRW.


Buy the air bags. No "converting" to be done unless you want to make your truck a dually.

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lol just the overload springs. many a time poeple laugh at me for only having a 2500...jokes on them. same truck minus $5000 and 2 overload springs.

 

I would add some mini-spring packs and the rear air bags. That should really take you up to the 1-ton capacity.

Check out Carli and Thuren, both offer the mini packs. Check with the DTR store about getting the PacBrake air bags, they probably can give you a good deal on them. I have the Firestone Ride Rites, the PacBrake air bags were not available when I installed mine.

CD

 

It took alot more than I thought it was to convert mine from a SRW to a DRW. Still have alot of work to do. Paint and odds and ends.

 

Just need to find the rear finders and a set of dually rims and your good to go. The extra tires in the rear are what really makes the difference from a towing stand point.

 

You do need the front adapters. Tip the OEM 3500 Front adapters will not work on the 2500 unless you take a die grinder and open them up about an 1/8 over all.

 

I put Timbrens on mine and it may as well be a 3500 now. $180.00 and 10 minutes of my time is all it took.
All I can say is WOW! What a difference they make. Air bags are great too but they cost more than the Timbrens....

 

I thought the difference was only about $500 between a 2500 and a SRW 3500. At least, IIRC, that's the way it was with mine in 2004.

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like texas said... invest in a set of airbags and a pacbrake- that be the smart thing to do. unless you are trying to convert to a 3500 drw, then i wouldntw aste the money on rear springs/badges/cab lights..

 

yep. Its about 500. not 5,000

 

When I bought mine , I paid the same price as what a 2500 would have been.

They found mine with all of the options I wanted @ a dealer on the westcoast of FL , instead of ordering one.

The orig. question was to convert to a SRW , not a dually , so the first couple of responses pretty much covered it....

 

He is talking SRW to 1 ton SRW.

I used to wish I had just broadened my search and got a mineral gray 3500 SRW. But, then when towing heavy and in windy situations, I am glad I went DRW.

 

My neighbor paid $440.00 installed for the overload springs (from the dealer).