I've got a '93 D250 5.9d AT. It has a Detroit Locker. I'm planning a trip out west and need to mount a 2k+ lb camper in the back AND pull a 16' enclosed trailer(2 axle). The trailor isn't feather light but its far from being heavily loaded. Probably somewhere around 300 tongue weight.

I am whatever the exact opposite of an expert is about this stuff but I'm thinking a 1 ton rear would be a smart upgrade for me. What I'd like to know is:

1. Is the truck safely capable as is? Am I just being paranoid?

2. What years/models have directly interchangable rears?

3. Could I use a 1 ton van rear? They seem more available and cheaper than SRW 1 ton trucks.

Thanks for the info and brace yourselves because there's more coming.

 

Paranoid, hook up and run it.

 

You more then likely have a Dana 70 in your truck already, more then enough strength for what your needing. I pulled about 7000lbs, car on trailer, from Oregon to BC with my old 1984 Dana 60 with small yoke and 3.54 gears with no problems at all.

Maybe do a fluid change in the axle, and a good service on your motor and tranny and get goin'.

 

Thanks for the quick replies.

My main reason for considering the upgrade has more to do with my hauling weight than the towing weight. Camper is about 2K empty and almost all of it's on the rear axle. Add another 5-600 lbs (or more) for my stuff and food etc., 300 TW from the trailer, and 100lbs of beer and liquor. That's over 3K on the rear now. Is that safe or getting close to too much?

I'm going all the way cross country and I can't deal with white knuclin and butt puckerin the whole way. If the suspension is bottomed out it'll ride and handle like crap and it's probably not safe either. Gotta cross quite a few mtns.

On a side note, Whats the best way to prevent excessive sway on these trucks?

 

the dana 70 will hold the load you might want to add air springs for stability and a good set of tires

 

hey-Hey!!!,
The 350/1 Ton dually also came with the D70 rear axle. Hub bearings are no bigger on these v. the SRW from the 250 series. You'll do just fine. To mitigate the worry factor, do a fluid change with a top-shelf Synthetic like Mobil 1 and drive on. Your locker may not be the most pleasant but at least it does not need the friction modifier that the clutch types require.
cheers,
Douglas

 

Run it. Does it have helper leaf springs? Should be a random single leaf sticking up on the top of the pack.


I'd be more worried about keeping up with traffic! may wanna check out the sticky thread at the top of the board and read and watch my videos on how to adjust the pump a little

 

Keep in mind you already have a 1 ton rear axle.

 

X2, that was my first thought. The only difference, I think, is the 2 1/2" brake shoes. I would do what the guys have suggested, change fluid and run it. Brandon's idea on juicing the pump a little would be a bigger help, IMO anyway...Mark

 

You might take a look at the Timbren web site. They'll help with the stability and load capability and are cheap and easy (go ahead and put your joke in here). Not quite airbags but you can put them on in an hour with hand tools.

The main concern I'd have is the tires. Make sure they are rated and inflated for the load you'll be hauling.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I feel alot better now. To answer a couple of the questions, the springs are in 2 bundles. Bottom has 6 top has 3. Factory?
I glanced at the Timbren site. Looks like a poly bushing? I think I'll need some kind of helper to keep the truck somewhat level. Would spring packs from a 1 ton truck or van fit?

My tires are Goodyear Workhorse, E range 3042lbs @ 80psi. I think they're overkill for even this, but they were on the truck. They are all less than 50% though so I'll gladly take suggestions on good replacements.

Maybe368 got me thinking about the brakes too. I've done 95% of all my towing and heavy hauling in a truck with a standard tranny so never worried that much going through the mountains. Brakes are feeling much more critical now. Since it's the same rear end, I guess the 1 ton brakes would bolt on easy right?

Funds are limited which is why I'm looking at OEM stuff instead of shiny new aftermarket parts.

On another side note, when I checked my spring count I noticed an oil or trans cooler under the bed. Is that factory? Seems like strange spot for a radiator.

 

Yes, the drums are the same. I put in 3" shoes when I saw the 2 1/2" shoes and my new drums. I thought that couldn't be right, so I asked for 3". I also went to the bigger 1 ton wheel cylinder, but I don't know if this is really necessary. A word of warning, if your brakes are working well right now, I would REALLY hesitate to mess with them. Just search this forum for brake problems and you will see a glimpse into the dark side of these brakes. It's a place that the bold dare not tread lightly...Mark

 

take a truck first aid kit too. a fuel filter, maybe a serp belt. gallon of ATF, gallon of water (for you or the truck), some 75-90 oil just in case. and dont forget a roll of duct tape. A few wrenches and a few sockets...

truck should be fine, but the added weight is worth the insurance. good luck

 

You've got all the rear end needed for the job. I have hauled a 3000 lb camper on a 1100 lb flatbed for years on the same unit. The only thing I would add is a good air bag set up. You will really love the added balance and stability. Even good air shocks would help. But the rear end is way big enough.

 

Your truck might be a one ton already, sounds like you have a factory tow package with that trans cooler. Heck with a hundred plus pounds of Beer and Booz just kick back and enjoy the ride you'll be fine, happy trails man