marmic26
Newbie
Hi All, I have a 97 k2500 HD. I always wanted a dually especially for towing. I search many forums and really couldn't find any information until I went to a Hot Rod shop one day, and the owner said just find a Chevy Dana 70 DRW axle and throw it in..... And that is what I did. Before I start, keep the hardware on the Corporate 14bolt rear as you will need to use the backing plate(s). My buddy and I picked up a Dana 70 Drw axle from the same shop that was on an 80's motor home. It also had the same gear ratio. 4:10. Previously I got the wrong axle that was on a C&C chassis. (Costly Mistake). Besides the axle I recommend new U bolts especially if you are in the Rust belt. 3500 rear shocks, and leaf springs. You will also need the DOT light, 3 red in the rear and the 5 amber ones the roof. I have found that the 2500hd and 3500 uses the same leaf spring although I think that information may be incorrect. So for now I have the existing leaf springs. Removing the 14bolt was a pain but I was able to drag it out. I was able to get some new spring perches, and shock mounts. I also had to get standard lug nuts, GM went metric in 87?. A year ago I was able to get the drw bed fenders, front spacers and 6 drw rims for $150. Please do use spacer to make it a DRW, the loaded weight will destroy the full floater axle bearing. Unless you going for looks. If you have access to a plasma cutter you can easily blow out the spring perches. I do not, and used the angle grinder. Depending on the axle you get, you might be able to use the existing spring perches and shock mounts. I place the 14 bolt and dana next to each other to for measurement. I did apply rust primer on the axle as well. My next post will be on hubs, seals, and brake hardware. I am waiting for AutoZone to give me new axle seals.
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