Converting SRW to DRW

[Plum Cra Zy]

I have a friend who has a 2018 megacab 3500 that would like to swap out his SRW rear
axle for a DRW one. Anyone know if the spring perches are the same spacing and if any other
measurements are different? Thanks! PS, He's going flatbed, so that's not an issue.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Thats no problem they are the same setup, i seem to recall people putting DRW hubs on the SRW axle but that may have been the 3rd gen its been a long time since i went through the info

After looking i see they do make spacers for the rear so you can bolt DRWs on but the 4th gen DRW axle is 3” narrower than the SRW axle but a DRW axle will bolt right in

 

[Plum Cra Zy]

Thanks, I was hoping it was that simple!

 

[Heimz]

The axle will bolt in and work but if your buddy wants to use DRW leaf springs, which are different than a SRW, he will need to fab and weld the frame pads for the leaf overloads to hit. The SRW frames don't have the frame pads. The DRW have 2 upper overloads and a massive lower overload per side. I would assume he's wanting a DRW for more payload and stability, so leaf springs would be on my hit list to look for. Firestone bags would work too to help increase payload.

Also, if he cares about TPMS, the DRW have 6 sensors that will need to communicate with the computer, hopfully a simple change in AlfaOBD . The VIS displays a Dually configuration on the Tire Pressure page.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

The axle will bolt in and work but if your buddy wants to use DRW leaf springs, which are different than a SRW, he will need to fab and weld the frame pads for the leaf overloads to hit. The SRW frames don't have the frame pads. The DRW have 2 upper overloads and a massive lower overload per side. I would assume he's wanting a DRW for more payload and stability, so leaf springs would be on my hit list to look for. Firestone bags would work too to help increase payload.

Also, if he cares about TPMS, the DRW have 6 sensors that will need to communicate with the computer, hopfully a simple change in AlfaOBD . The VIS displays a Dually configuration on the Tire Pressure page.

When did they stop putting overloads on the SRW trucks?

 

[GPurcell01]

When did they stop putting overloads on the SRW trucks?

Mine did have an overload on the bottom of the pack. I do/did not have the upper overloads that use the frame mounts.

To the OP: It will all fit fine. The front OEM dually spacers will work as well. They properly change the lug pattern if you get the 2019+ ones. Some duallys don't even come with the upper overloads so nothing to worry about there. No welding, modifying, or anything. It's all bolt on.

I was bored and looked into this swap for myself.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Mine did have an overload on the bottom of the pack. I do/did not have the upper overloads that use the frame mounts.

To the OP: It will all fit fine. The front OEM dually spacers will work as well. They properly change the lug pattern if you get the 2019+ ones. Some duallys don't even come with the upper overloads so nothing to worry about there. No welding, modifying, or anything. It's all bolt on.

I was bored and looked into this swap for myself.

Im sure you could buy the overload brackets if need be. I remember when you could get the upper overloads on anything even my 05 2500 had them

 

[Plum Cra Zy]

I would think that a DRW axle would need to be wider to fit the deep-dished inside wheel
without hitting the spring pack. I had a GM 1999 CCSB DRW that I converted to SRW and flat-bedded
for a while and it's rear track was wider than the front by a noticeable amount. At least the hub to hub
measurement was more. And get this!!!!!! It's GVWR was 9200#!!!!! That's mostly why I did it.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

I would think that a DRW axle would need to be wider to fit the deep-dished inside wheel
without hitting the spring pack. I had a GM 1999 CCSB DRW that I converted to SRW and flat-bedded
for a while and it's rear track was wider than the front by a noticeable amount. At least the hub to hub
measurement was more. And get this!!!!!! It's GVWR was 9200#!!!!! That's mostly why I did it.

The hubs are much bigger thats why they an narrower