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3rd Gen Ram Tech2002-2008 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 2002 through 2008 Rams Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
i dont know if you can or not... but if you did, it still wouldnt give you the same load/towing capacities as a 2500. there is a lot more that goes into it than just the rearend. youd have to think about the heavy duty frame, suspension, and all that other good stuff that makes a heavy duty a heavy duty.
It is an 8 lug but there is more than that. 1500 rear axles are 9.25". I think 2500 uses a 10.25" or 10.5". You could transfer it with minor fabbing or maybe none at all. If the leafsprings sit at the exact same spot on both axles, mounting the springs onto the perches would be no problem. Same with brake lines, driveshaft connections, and shock absorber mounts. I'm not sure about the driveshaft connecting to the third member. Bolt patterns maybe different.
Thanks for your input, I was just after the stronger rear end 10.25 vs. 9.25, its much stronger and reliable. I could pick one up at the local junk yard for about $900 or a $1000 dollars.