Conversion of 2000 350 PSD SWD to DWD

If you are going to change the gear ratio in the back you have to change the front also unless you plan on NEVER using four wheel drive.

I'm thinking you need to replace all the wheels and get the fender extensions over the rear wheels.

The axle might be the same on the SRW and dually, but someone else will have to answer this. You could also look at

Assuming that you want to do a total factory style setup, here are some ideas.

Something that you thought of but probably forgot to list; Brake setup. Also, your exhaust routing might be different. So new tailpipe piece at the least if this is so.

A couple of things that you also need are new shocks and possibly also springs (although you might be able to reuse your current springs).

Junkyard would be a good place to shop for a complete bed setup. Also, if you have a good axle rebuilder around, for your axle/differential. Otherwise I would suggest that you not trust this type of source for a drop-in axle, after all you would have no idea of the wear and usage of this unit. There are plenty of aftermarket sources for axles/differentials out there.

I would buy new the following; Brake setup Springs (if needed) Shocks Exhaust (if needed) Wheels Tires

Junkyard source; Complete bed

Front wheels need to be replaced only if you want to keep with the factory look dually setup.

There are kits out there that will just add bolt-on fenders and a dual wheel set up, all you need to add are the tires. Others may know of sites for these, I don't have enough time right now. Gotta head off to work (Jeez, do I love the vampire shift :-)

Bob

Mike,

What is your objective in converting to a Dually? More cargo weight capability? More stability for a truck camper? etc?

Obviously you wouldn't have to change the front end unless you just want to. The redneck way has always been to leave the front alone. The problem is, with a "normal" wheel on the front, and dually wheels with that huge back spacing on the back, you can't carry one spare tire that will fit both.

I would imagine (guessing now) that anything different on the front axle of a dually would be confined to parts outboard of the steering knuckle. The hubs are certainly different, and might be the only difference. The pivot point would need to be the same on either truck, so everthing inboard of that would be the same.

Try JC Whitney. I know in my last catalog from them (2001) they still had a "kit" with the fender extensions, wheels & spacers for a "down & dirty" DRW conversion..... I seem to recall that the whole assemblage was well under $1000.