idk man with them 2500 axles ad those tires you could basically have a monster ruck and jump it anywhere.

the 2500 axles can handle more weight and are good up to 44 inch tires

 

its a direct swap.... bolts right up cept for the shackles youll need the ones off the rear....

 

What about the vacuum assist bs

 

how much strength am i going to gain by switching axles? what is so much better or stronger?

 

Quite a bit. The shafts, ball joints, wheel bearings, u joints etc. are all much stronger. But, it will still have the junk CAD system (unless its from a 2002 model) and no locking hubs.

 

Works the exact same. The vacuum lines will plug right in.

 

I've been tied up on this subject for awhile. I don't know that I'll really go bigger than 35s, but for the sake of aftermarket parts the swap is probably worth it. I'd just hate to sink a couple grand into the axels I have now (gears, and lockers) and then end up swapping them anyway.

If I knew what length drive shafts to get I might just start buying pieces here and there. Also I'm not sure if you need one ton steering or not for the dana 60 up front.

 

basically what i have been told is everything on the 1/2 ton trucks is the same as on the 1 ton trucks just build bigger and stronger. so the steering from the 1/2 ton would work with the dana 60.
Best way to do it would probably to see if you can get a junk truck one that rolled or something without suspension problems and work out a 500-1000 deal with a junk yard or something. say you will take some parts and they can have it back if they want it for free.
Then get everything you need and rent a flatbed with a winch and bring it back.

Thats what a guy i work with did

 

Bigger and stronger is all dependent on the axle. While D-60's have more potential for a proper build, certain years have the lighter spline axles that aren't a lot stronger than a D-44. I've also read discussions on other sites whether its better to start with a king pin vs ball joint front axle.
While I would recommend such a swap for those wanting a bit more strength for those 36 inch and up tires, savy research and hunting might start you off with something that won't end up costing you a bunch more in the long run just to bring up to HD specs.

 

Send those 4.56s my way, I will use them. LOL!