Swap a 1500 single wheel axle for a 3500 dually axle?

I was wondering if anyone has attempted anything along these lines? I am wanting to try and keep the drive shaft if at all possible, because other than that, if this works, I will get rid of my bed, replace the current axle with the new one, and the new suspension pieces. Any input would be appreciated. And no, I don't care that the front will 5 lug and the rear will be 8. I am looking for any write up, part numbers, or insight on this project. Thanks!

 

i believe the 3500 springs are wider...so u need the wider spring mounts to put on your frame. Are you goin to a flatbed conversion? just curious as to the need for dually axles, interesting...

 

yes flat bed is in my future if this is possible, as for the reasoning. Within the next 4 years my and wife will be moving to a farm that we have our eyes on, and I am not in a huge need of a new truck. So I want to retrofit this truck to meet the needs. And I like the look of a flat bed better too.

 

hmm.....we had a flatbed ford work truck once...it was pretty nice, it wasnt a dually. maybe you could use your setup with airbags and put a flatbed on it? if not, are you making or buying the flatbed?

 

you can have a flatbed without having duals on the rear. just go buy a flat for it, they are cheap here and can be bought at any D&B.

 

Spare yourself the time and trouble and get yourself a beater flatbed for the farm.

 

My good friend built his own flatbed, and currently has it for sale now. He uses his 3/4 ton for towing a gooseneck all the time for work.

Unfortunetly, I dont think I can offer you any real information on swapping the rear ends. I woul ddlike to see where this goes though. Keep us informed of your plans. Even if you decided not to do it, we would like to know what you come up with.