i have a 96 ram 1500 and now i received a 97 2500 that needs computer and other issues i am wanting to put in the front and rear end out of the 2500 into mine i am wondering what will i have to do as far as modifications? is it a bolt in deal or do i need to do some fabricating? also is there any other parts that i should switch over for strength are the transfer cases the same?
what are the differences between the 2500 and 1500?
thanx in advance

 

im interested in this too. but im in the same boat u are i dont know if there are any differences or not.

 

the 2500 axle should bolt right up. its got basically all the same components.

On thing that may need attention is the drive shaft length. it is a bigger and i believe longer drive shaft so you may need to get it shortened.

The other thing is the rear leaf springs, almost all of the 2500 came with 3 inch wide springs instead of 2.5 so you could use the leafs off of the truck and get new shackles or you could get new leaf spring perches and use your 2.5 inch wide ones

 

does the 2500 have a dana 44 in the front?

 

Only if its a LD (light duty) version which is basicly a 1500 with 8 lug wheels, the regular 2500 have dana 60's in the front

 

do 2500s have 3.55 gears stock also?

 

i believe so that was an option some had 4.10's also

 

the V-10'sand possiably the cummins came with 4.10's, and i think the 4.10's came as an option. If i am wrong someone will correct me

 

ok well ill prolly just stay with my 1500 axles and put the 4.56 gears that are sitting in my room in there lol

 

im in the same boat as you, my 4.56's have been sitting on my garage floor for the last month and 1/2