I have a 97 ram 1500 that I want to convert to drw my main purpose is I want to use it as a repo truck I have a minute man hdh quick pick that goes in the bed nut it's rated for 2500 and up if I use the drw rear axle and leafs will the truck be able to handle the weight I know it would probably be easier to just buy a new truck but I love my truck and do not want to part with it the unit weighs 1500lbs


Here's the link to all the specs

http://minuteman1.com/products/lifts/hdh-slide-in


Any thoughts are greatly appreciated

 

If you have an SS/T. DON'T USE IT.
That truck is rare!
Buy a Cummins or something.

 

I don't know what a SS/T is but it sounds cool like R/T. lol

I guess I'd say swap in a D80 drw axle, including the leaf springs. This would change driveshaft and wheel lug pattern. You'd need higher rated tires anyway.

For the time/money put into to modding the 1500 to do this...you'd be in losing out compared to getting a beatup comparable 3500 I'd think....

 

^The SS/T was a remake of the Indy Rams.

 

Yes the truck is a ss/t I know it's a rare truck and I kinda think it would make it better because the ss/t was not made drw


And for the front wheels could I just buy 2wd 2500 spindles or would I have to use wheel adapters to make the front accept a 8 lug wheel

 

You're missing our point.

By the time you're done with mods, you could have bought a decent 2500 that will work harder than your SS/T.

 

To the OP.... Yes you could certainly do what you're talking about, money/time aside, you'd then have a potential of looking at vehicle code violations considering compliance to weight/tow ratings. This sort of thing is more than just what's been stated to this point. I'm sure others may have more to chime in.

Technically, we can do anything we want to the rig, but that doesn't mean it's legal or safe or <insert w/e you want here>. I mean, people remove their catalytic converters on the basis that their state does not inspect for them...however they are REQUIRED by Federal law.

 

A 1500 for a repo truck is just not a good idea.. Dont go hacking up your rare truck by trying to stick a Dually axle under it.. Yes it can be done but it does not change the towing capabilities of the truck. For a repo truck you will have to do everything by the book and your truck will not be legal to haul or tow that kind of weight period.. Keep the truck stock and go buy a cummins or atleast a 2500.. Both Dodge Dude and Wh1t3 have good points.. Its cheaper to buy a truck that is capable of doing the work LEGALLY.

 

Ok thanks for everyone's thoughts and opinions I found a decent 2500 I am going to look at this week I think I'm going to stay with gas just for noise purposes because its gonna be for repo but again thank you for everybody's input I really appreciate it!!

 

1st hand experience here- blazing a new trail is fun but expensive

If you love your truck keep it like it is. You can find 3/4 dodges with 360s pretty easy. It will also give you the peace of mind knowing that nothing out of the ordinary will fail at a bad time.

Doing a repo Im guessing there can be a REALLY bad time for a failure lol