This is my first post, i am in the process of finding a 3500 4wd dully and im having a really hard time finding one; so im wondering if i can build one, but im having a hard time finding info on this so i ask.
1 are there differences in the frames for 2wd and 4wd trucks?
2 if there the same do the 2wd have all the same mounts or at least factory holes for mounts.
3 any more info from anyone who may have some experience doing this.
and i no most people will say since i haven't bought one yet to just get a 4wd but there really hard to find or supper expensive and still need tones of work.

 

Good used 3500s are hard to find for several reasons. 1, they were sold in much smaller numbers than 1500s, 2, most of them get used and abused so much that they are pretty much worn out a lot sooner and make it to the junkyard more often than the resale market, and 3, duallie 3500s are even rarer. 1500/2500 frames are different from 1500s. 2WDs are different from 4WDs and no, the mounts/holes are not there to make conversion easy. You will basically need to fabricate a lot of stuff to convert a 2WD to a 4WD or find a salvageable 4WD to get the parts from, which will still be difficult due to #1 and #3 above. Unless you really need to tow something huge on a regular basis you'd have an easier time finding a good, used 2500 4X4 with a diesel or V10 engine and putting a dually axle under it with some fender extensions.

 

i had never thought about doing a drw conversion on a 2500 thats probably a lot easier. the real reasons i want the dully is 1 for the look 2 the stability it gives 3 the extra traction i can get for pulling off road. i dont think max load will ever be an issue all i will ever pull will be my 4x4 rig on a bumper pull with a box mounted camper or a goose neck with 2 trucks.

now dose anyone have any info on a drw conversion ? if that my be my better choice

 

Keep looking...
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1415384269.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/1415210411.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/1412741445.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/1412654764.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/1410757584.html
http://boulder.craigslist.org/cto/1415666037.html

 

You can normally find a good DRW dana 80 at most big junkyards or auto salvage yards. If you have a 2500 with SRW wheels just change the rear axle out for a DRW axle and put some hub extensions on for the front axle.

 

dose any one know if the spring mounting widths are the same 2500-3500 ? and if the springs are the same length so i could put 3500 springs in the 2500. and will the hub extensions from a 3500 fit onto the 2500 front axle i don't see a reason why they wouldn't but just asking.
and wow i wish they were that easy and cheep to find in canada, 500 000+ km and body rot for more then 10 000

 

Where you abouts are you in canada if you dont mind me asking?

 

A location might help up as well there out there just need to find one. I shopped for 7 months before I found my truck.

 

ya I think it almost took me a year to find mine.

 

Sarnia ontario, right near the border at Michigan