Need help I am looking to upgrade my my axles on my 2001 1500 4x4. I have a fabtech 5.5" lift on it now. From what I am told that lift will work with 1500 and 2500 models for 2000-2001. Does anyone have any experience with the axle swaps? Is it just a simple bolt on replacement or am i going to be cutting and welding brackets back on. What kind of changes am I going to be looking at as far as driveline? I am going to be replacing the transfer case (undecided which one yet). It also has a manual trans. Thanks for the help

 

Which axles are you exactly looking at? Swapping in 2500 axles in place of your 1500's?

In the FAQ section (link right above the main page where you posted this thread), there is a Dana 44 to Dana 60 swap thread. Dana 44 is the front axle in a 1500, Dana 60 is the front axle in a 2500. That will give you a general idea of what is involved.

 

If you get axles from close to your year truck, it isn't too much of an ordeal. The front is basically just bolt right in. Might have to get creative on driveshafts.....

Rear axles are a bit more interesting. Springs on the heavier truck are wider, so, a bit of fab work might be in order. (or not.... taste and see) Rear driveshaft will need a bit of creativity as well. U-joints are different sizes. You could always just scam the t-case and shafts from the donor truck as well... provided it is the same cab style/bed length as yours.

 

Good choice on the fab tech!!!!!! The swap is simple. a Front dana 60 is a bolt in. Three problems though. Depending on what year 60 you get will depend on if you need to change sway bars. Also break hoses are different. Driveshaft you will have to get shortend and run a combo u joint to go from 1500 to 2500 shaft to axle. or use that 2500 front shaft. Rear is the same thing. U joints are not the same. Plus if you go with a 70 or 80 rear the spring perches are wider, a rear 60 out of a 2500 gas should be fine, at least mine was.

As far as cutting and welding, no not on the axle, but yes on the truck. read the instructions on the lift, you will be cutting you factory lower mount off and welding a plate in.

 

u could get 60s out of a gaser 3/4 ton, i worked with a guy one who had a 1500 single cab short bed and he droped the 44 and 9.25 for newer 3/4 ram AAM 9.25 front, and 10.5 rear i think he said they are direct swaps im not positive though,

 

An aam axel swap would be something id be interested in doing

Ive seen 2nd gen cummins that have done the swap but never a 1/2 ton

 

aam's would be cool. Esp. out of a power wagon so you would have electronic front and rear lockers! lol

 

mmmm... powerwagons

 

yea i checked aam axles are a direct swap, i want a 9.25 aam to swap out my 60, but moneys an issue

 

Thanks guys that gives me some ideas. I used to do a lot of off roading before I put the lift on 4 years ago. I always new that the axles were a weak point on the truck but never changed them. I did though change out the gears and put in richmond 4.56 gears front and back with a detroit trutrac in the rear. As far as the axles go they handle the 37's good for normal driving. They are a little weak on the breaks and I just wish that the components would be stronger yet another reason to upgrade. I am in the military so my truck is at home so bare with me if I ask questions that can easily be answered by walking outside and looking at my truck. I think that I might just go with the 60's due to the amount of upgrades available for them but I still have to research the other axles. I'll keep you updated on what I come up with