1/2 ton to 1 ton rear end swap

[Evguy1]

I always try to build unique vehicles and for the first 30 years it was very satisfying but now I'm thinking a nice off the showroom floor truck with some bolt on's may be in my future if I could ever afford it. This 1999 Dakota diesel is still one of my favorite trucks and still one of my daily drivers.

 

[StNick]

Trying to gain load capacity by upgrading the rear end is only part of the problem. You also need to change the front axle if it's a 4x4, you will need heavier duty tires, deal with the frame issues, as already mentioned, upgrade the brakes, maybe the gearbox and transfer case. I saw this attempted at the fire dept I was part of (over my objections) and it led to problems. You may want to consider getting a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.