can a dually be converted into a regular

88rambigblock · Sep 16, 2013

I am looking at buying a 72 dodge 1 ton dually. the problem is I have no use for a dually, so is it possible to convert to a regular bed?

TheMaddog · Sep 16, 2013

yep!!! just swap out axles

WhiteExpress · Sep 16, 2013

Yes sir it can! You will likely need a new bed, I think the 1st gen duallies cut into the bedsides.

Pretty sure you'll need new axles too. But hey, what fun is something you didn't wrench on?!

88rambigblock · Sep 16, 2013

I don't mind doin some wrenchin! how hard are the axles to find for a single wheel? and can anyone verify that ill need a new bed or not? if I would then I will have no use for the truck.

crazzywolfie · Sep 16, 2013

it really depends on how far you want to go with the swap. you could possibly just remove the inner tires.

88rambigblock · Sep 16, 2013

I just want it to not be a dually, you know, the width of a regular pickup

PCA4208 · Sep 16, 2013

Here's the thing. You will need to find a good dana 60 single rear wheel axle, With the same gear ratio as the original. If its a 2wd then gear ratio is no worry. But if its a 4x4 then either get the same ratio, or change the front gears too.

I've found that parts for these older tucks are pretty hard to come by, but from 70-80's the body is basically the same. Then there's paint, unless you want to paint the whole truck.

Don't take it as I'm discouraging you, NO SIR. I think it's a cool swap. It just takes time trying to find the right parts.

88rambigblock · Sep 16, 2013

the axles I can find. im more concerned about the bed. can I just take the dually fenders off the bed or will I have to find a new bed? I have a set of dana 80s setting at my house so im not too worried about the axles. more or less im worried about the bed.

crazzywolfie · Sep 16, 2013

i think you would have to do some body work to the quarter panels to make it not look like a dually. i am not sure if the quarter panels are cut differently or not to make sure nothing rubs. before trying to change axles i would possibly try sticking some normal rims on it and see how they fit. might not need to change the axle.

88rambigblock · Sep 16, 2013

that's what I was thinking about trying crazzywolfie, im really just wondering about the quarter panels if anyone knows. because the truck is an hour away and I don't want to drive there to be disappointed.

PCA4208 · Sep 16, 2013

I'm not too familiar with old dually beds. But I'd think as with any dually conversion, a new bed is in order.

Or just cut off the dually fenders and stuff big tires under it.

Stangshcky12 · Sep 16, 2013

What kind of condition is the bed in?
I'm sure there are people out there looking for a first gen dually bed in good condition
Other then tires why not just stick with the dually?

crazzywolfie · Sep 16, 2013

you could fix the box if it is good shape you can get the side panels
Dodge Rust Repair Panels - Dodge Pickup Truck Auto Body Panels - 1972-80 Dodge Pickup UPR (Full Size) BodySide Panel Above Rear Wheel, RH
Dodge Rust Repair Panels - Dodge Pickup Truck Auto Body Panels - 1972-80 Dodge Pickup (Full Size) BodySide Panel Above Rear Wheel, LH

dodge dude94 · Sep 16, 2013

I'd just stick with the dually, but that's because the 70's truck duallys are really hard to find.

88rambigblock · Sep 17, 2013

I don't like the way duallys handle. they suck on rural narrow roads, but I need a 1 ton or 3/4 ton truck. long bed.

88rambigblock · Sep 17, 2013

crazzywolfie thanks for that! that helps a lot!!!

dodge dude94 · Sep 17, 2013

Do as you wish.

What engine is in it?

Anything less than a 400 is just boring! :burnout:

88rambigblock · Sep 18, 2013

it is a 408 (360 stroked out) with close to 450 ft lbs torque amd almost that much hp. 4 speed bulldog.

88rambigblock · Sep 18, 2013

its a 408 crate motor

can a dually be converted into a regular

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