DRW to SRW conversion

[Mpiersd]

I'm in the market for a 1 ton square body crew cab.
I'm specifically looking for a 4x4 and I seem to finding more with the dual rear wheels than singles.
Is it worth it to convert to SRW or am I better off waiting out finding an original SRW.
While I am pretty mechanically adept, I'm an aircraft mechanic and ex tank mechanic, My current situation is that I have no garage and a barely gravel-mostly dirt driveway in the rental I'm living at.
Thanks for your input.

[cashforclunkers]

You will need different front wheel hubs, since they don't use bolt on adapters like the newer trucks. I actually have a set of SRW hubs i'd be willing to trade for DRW. On a dana 60, if you end up going through with it.

I can't remember if the brake rotors are different. They might be.

On the rear, the whole axle is a different width. Wider to give room for the inner wheel. Usually you can get away with just bolting on single wheels to your dually axle, I have run 2" spacers in the front to even it out.

Another option is to run 16.5" military beadlock wheels on your dually, very high offset and will make a drw the proper width with singles. Can be bought real reasonable. But limits your tire options and you would have to like the look.

Hope this helps.

[Dead Parrot]

If you can find one, an M1008 CUCV could be what you are after. Main issue is with the 4.56 gears and the 6.2 diesel, top speed is limited to about 55mph due to restrictions on the engine rpm. Plus the hybrid 12/24v electrical system.

One plus is it is setup as a 5/4 ton truck.

Edit - missed the crew cab want on first reading. M1008 isn't that but the axles off one with a dead engine or transmission might well solve the axle issues on a dual to single conversion.

[1976gmc20]

I used to just take off the inner wheel/tire on my old 2-ton in the winter.

It lined up pretty good with the fronts but I don't know how that would work on a dooley pickup.

Just be sure to double check your lug nuts when you only have one wheel thickness on the studs. I had one side loosen up on me one fall.

[Mpiersd]

Given my situation for the foreseeable future, it looks like my best option is to wait out a SRW.
Thanks for the input.

[sweetk30]

and a true drw pickup box cant just have the fenders pulled to look like a srw box . there cut out and the fender flare is bolted on .

[Mpiersd]

Originally Posted by sweetk30

and a true drw pickup box cant just have the fenders pulled to look like a srw box . there cut out and the fender flare is bolted on .

Yep, tracking that. I have access to a good condition fleetside longbed when if I need it.