Well, I've decided I'm going to do a shortbed dually conversion, if possible.

So, what all would I need? Are the front end of my truck and a dually the same? Do I need different spindles or what?

 

In addition to body / fender changes you have a choice. You can purchase dual wheel adaptors from several different companies, or you can chase down OEM stuff. I am currently in the process of converting my '97 to a dually. The front axle is most likely already a Dana 60. you simply bolt on the dually adaptors to the front. The rear on most Dodge duallys was a Dana 80.

Rear brake drums on OEM dually's are bigger and narrower from face to face. So far all stuff has been a simple bolt in operation. The drive shaft will need to shrotened.

Check the width of your leaf springs, HD 2500's came with the same width springs as 3500's. some were narrower. My already had the wide springs.

I chose to use OEM stuff just so I could easily get parts if I have problems. I found a complete dually bed, fenders and suff for $300.00. I also found a matched set of front and rear dually axles ready to install for $1200.00. Fancy wheels on e-bay for $700.00. U-bolts for the rear axle, made to my specs for lift kit- $35.00, while I waited! Drive shaft shorten and rebalance, $130.00, done in 2 hours for me!. Personal ego boost from project, priceless!

Axles are installed, now just need to get the truck painted.

 

Sounds awesome, I can't wait to get started. I'd like to find some of the new 03-07' dually wheels, I guess they're 17's. It's be sweet to throw those on my truck when finished.

Any info appreciated guys.

 

Heck, you should check out Ricksons.com? They have some nice wheels for dualleys. They are 19.5"s. Alot stronger and more weight distribution with the tires.

 

The 17" wheels are what I used. If I were to do it again, I think I would go for the 19.5"s. Of course, if you stay with 16" they cost less and are easier to get, especially used. I also installed a Truspeed speedometer correction box to correct for my wheels and gearing change. (from 3.54 to 4.10, and from the 16" to the 17") Have fun with your project!

 

That will be pretty sweet.

Heck i have thought of doing just the opposite gettin rid of my dually and making it just a single-wheeled base shortbed. Have fun and post pics!

 

Yeah, I wouldnt mind to find some used 17's from a dually, save some money. Although the 19.5's would be awesome, more money though.

Wish me luck!

 

Anyone know the best place to find the rear-end to a 2wd 3500? kfm, where did you get your stuff at?

 

Got my axles off craigs list, about 15 miles from my house! The drive shaft work and u-bolts were done by Drive Train Industries in Denver. Great people to work with! Got the complete bed off craigs list also. 3" spacers, lower links, and add-a-leafs from classified ads on this site!

 

I was thinking about buying something like this and taking the rear-end out of it. Would that work?

Another question, I believe this is a 2wd, but it has a straight-axle in the front I guess. What kind of huge change would it be to put the front in my truck also?

 

I wouldn't see why that wouldn't work. Hey keep us updated, a reg. cab. shortbed sounds pretty sweet!

 

That looks like it would work for parts robbing. If you have both trucks side by side your swap will work easier. You'll most likely need the front hub adaptors from that doner truck, then just install your single rear into that one and sell it off as a converted single wheel. You shold be able to recover most of your money. Good luck!

 

Anyone know where to find the 17" steel rim for the 03-07 dually's?

I'm going to get the truck I posted earlier in the thread hopefully friday or saturday. Then, my project shall begin. Wish me luck!

 

Hope everything goes well... have a little fun w/ that gasser dually before you start robbing parts off of it .

 

If it will make it home, ha.