v8440

Hi all,

I was looking at a 2wd 2nd gen (I think a '94) dually with a utility bed. I noticed it sat awful high to be a 2wd, and then I noticed that it has what looks to be a 4wd front suspension setup minus the centersection and axles. It's a solid front axle, and the sides of the beam where the spindle attaches looks just like those on a 4wd. It has leaf springs, and looks very sturdy. I remember being asked if my '98 dually was a solid front axle when I bought balljoints for it. What kind of option was this, and is it as strong at it looks?

ellerman

The solid front axle on a 2wd means it was originally sold as a chassis cab.

v8440

Oh, I see. Is that a stronger setup than the independent front setup, both being 2wd?

Flashpoint

Yes its stronger. and the thing rides like a covered wagon. Mine is a straight axle cab chassis. I dont have front leaf springs though there coils.I think the load carrying capacity is higher also. If you look at the frame rails there also alot heavier than a standard frame about 18inches . And the frame doesnt dip up and down its flat all the way back.

Forrest Nearing

you can also easily convert it to 4wd

OFFDUTYEXPEDITOR

Also the GVWR for the cab/chassis is 11,000#. The standard dually with the independent suspension is 10,500#

BigstarATX

REVIVING AND OLD THREAD!!!!!! Ha you had me at easily converting to 4x4………. if you’re still alive tell me more!

oliver foster

Cab and Chassis 2wd trucks come with a "dummy" solid front axle.
Removing that and swapping in a front Dana 60 axle is easy. Then swap the 2wd Transmission for a 4x4 one, add a transferase, a few driveshafts and it is a 4x4 .

What more do you want to know?

This does NOT work on normal 2wd Dodge trucks with independent front suspension.

BigstarATX

You know what’s funny I have a solid front axle 3500 and I never knew that until yesterday when I was shopping for steering parts. Sales guy at CJC Offroad didn’t even know that. I wonder how hard it would be to find the parts I need.

oliver foster

I know I have a good straight front axle '95 2wd 3500 rolling frame and all the parts to do the swap at least 3 times.

Let me know what you might need for parts. I bet I have them.

BigstarATX

Thanks. That is one of the issues. I don’t know what all I need. There are the obvious pieces but I’m sure I would run into lots of unexpected parts without a donor truck. What do you think? I would if I would need to modify the chassis much or if it’s all just bolt on

oliver foster

Mostly bolt on.
The C+C truck often have a different wheelbase, so you could expect having to modify the rear driveshaft. A stock length 4x4 front for whatever OEM transmission you want [47RH, 47RE, NV4500, NV5600] will work.

If you need some, or all of the parts let me know. Having done a couple of Cummins swaps and 2wd to 4x4 swaps I have a really good idea the parts list.

BigstarATX

Thanks. Too bad you aren’t in Texas ha

ctrials

Random question. Can you swap the 2wd straight axle from the 3500 c&c into a 2wd 2500? Or are there mounts missing on the 2500 for the setup?

BigstarATX

I think it’s a different setup. You would have to do some fabrication