DRW to SRW Swap: Options for the Rear End

[Burnsze15]

Yes I know this is rare, however I'm going to be using my '23 in a more daily capacity than towing, which I no longer have a need for. I scored a swap for a new 2024 SRW 8' Bed to exchange for my DRW Bed, so now I just need to work on the 1.5" difference (per side for 3” total deference) in axle length. Optimally, is there a bolt on extension I can remove from the axle Hub Assembly or a swap out hub I can bolt on to go to the SRW Axle Width?

Here are my options as i understand them:

1. Get a custom wheel set made with a 1.5" backspace difference and a 8x200 pattern rear 8x165 front from the front (front already is a Super Single minus the adapter/spacer). If no bolt on or off option is available this MAY be the most economic route. JK Wheels I believe can custom Forge one as perhaps some other manf
2. Buy a whole new Axle pre-assembled from Mopar (68298148AD) - $2300 WITH SHIPPING!
3. Remove or replace a bolt on hub extender/adapter on the DRW axle, which I essentially what I’m hoping someone here is going to be able to tell me is possible!

Thanks all, anyone who knows the intricate design of the rear ends will be able to help me here!

Thanks!

(so before someone says just trade it, I have alot of customization in the truck and I'd stand to get KILLED on trade).

 

[AH64ID]

Unlike the front there isn’t a removable adapter, the DRW uses a different axle housing. If you want a narrower axle you’ll need to swap it out.

 

[johnmyster]

2. Buy a whole new Axle pre-assembled from Mopar (68298148AD) - $2300 WITH SHIPPING!

Around here, a used axle would be far less, although 3500 SRW axles are less common than 2500 or DRW models. On top of that, you'd be looking for 3.73 so that excludes 2013-2018 years. I've seen them, as I was casually poking around for set of 2019+ axles in my interest of moving to 3.73 ratio...but then there'd be the different limited slip to deal with.

You could also just run wheel spacers on the front with your wheels of choice...if the wider track rear really bothered you. Factory wheels sit narrow on the truck anyway. 38mm of offset vs factory is less than the majority of custom wheel setups you see at the mall, gym, or grocery store.

 

[Burnsze15]

I’d also have to add an adapter to the rear to go from 8x200 to 8x6.5 front spacing or see if one of the companies can do a pair in 8x200.

I think the spacer may be the best option.

If anyone sees a decent 5th Gen SRW Rear end out in the wild available please let me know!

Thanks again!

 

[gimmie11s]

$2300 for a Mopar axle seems like a bargain if it's complete.

 

[Dave01]

$2300 for a Mopar axle seems like a bargain if it's complete.

Agree, I was surprised that wasn't a bigger number. When I think about the fiddling and possible custom parts you'd be looking at to modify your axle, I can't see any option besides a junkyard axle being a better option than this new one from a time and money standpoint. And like Johnmyster said it may be a while before you found a junkyard version of the correct axle on a fairly new truck like yours.