Despite the technical challenges, many truck owners find dually swapping to be a worthwhile upgrade for improved stability, towing capacity, and overall style. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in a typical dually swap and offer some tips for making the process as smooth as possible.
Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or just starting out, you’ll find valuable information here to help you get started on your dually swap project.
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Factors To Consider Before A Dually Swap
If you’re planning to dually swap your truck, you’ll need to consider various factors before embarking on the project. A dually swap is a modification that involves replacing the rear wheels of your truck with dual wheels, thereby increasing its payload and towing capacity significantly.
However, this modification is not just a simple bolt-on process and requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure it’s done correctly. Here are some essential factors to consider before a dually swap.
Weight Capacity Of Your Truck
Before conducting any modification on your truck, it’s essential to know your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) and the weight of your trailer or load. By understanding the weight capacity of your truck, you’ll be able to determine if it’s suitable for a dually swap.
If you plan to tow heavy equipment or trailers, a dually swap might be a suitable modification to increase your truck’s payload capacity. However, if your truck’s weight is already at its maximum capacity, adding dual rear tires might not be the best solution.
Choosing The Right Axles And Tires
Selecting the right axles and tires is crucial for a successful dually swap. The axle you choose for your truck should accommodate the dual wheels without compromising your truck’s alignment or driving performance. When selecting tires, make sure they meet your truck’s weight requirements and are compatible with the new axles.
Your tire should provide the necessary grip and stability to ensure your truck can safely tow heavy loads.
Understanding Your Vehicle’S Suspension System
Once you add dual tires on your vehicle, it’s essential to consider the effects the modification has on your suspension system. Modifying your vehicle’s suspension can significantly change the ride quality, handling, and braking of your truck. It’s crucial to choose suspension components that can handle the added weight of the dual tires.
A professional mechanic can help you select the right components and ensure your vehicle’s suspension is tuned correctly.
Legal And Safety Considerations
When modifying your truck, it’s important to consider the legal and safety aspects. Each state has laws that regulate vehicle modifications, and it’s essential to ensure your modifications meet the local regulations. Also, dually swaps might have an impact on the truck’s safety, especially if not done correctly.
Improperly installed dual wheels can cause accidents and lead to liability issues. Therefore, it’s essential to work with an experienced mechanic and take all necessary safety precautions when performing the dually swap.
By considering these essential factors, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and ensure a successful dually swap. Remember to work with an experienced mechanic and use high-quality components to guarantee safety and reliability. With the right modifications and installation, your truck can perform even better and handle heavier loads.
Dually Swap Procedure
Swapping a truck from single-wheel to dually may seem daunting, but with the right tools and procedure, it can be accomplished with relative ease. Here are the steps to follow for a successful dually swap procedure.
Removing The Old Single-Wheel Assembly
- Jack up and remove the old wheel and tire assembly.
- Remove the brake caliper, rotor, and axle nut.
- Disconnect the shock absorber, sway bar, and brake line from the old assembly.
- Remove the old hub and bearing assembly.
Installing The New Axles And Wheels
- Install the new hub assembly onto the axle shaft.
- Reattach the brake line, sway bar and shock absorber to the new assembly.
- Install the new rotor and brake caliper onto the new assembly, securing them with the axle nut.
- Place the new wheel onto the hub assembly, tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Repeat the process for the other side of the vehicle.
Modifications To The Vehicle’S Suspension System
- Upgrade the suspension by adding helper springs, airbags, or additional leafs to accommodate the added weight and load capacity of the dually assembly.
- Adjust the ride height to ensure proper weight distribution and handling.
- Depending on the truck’s make and model, you may have to install spacers between the two wheels on the same axle to prevent rubbing and ensure extra clearance.
Professional Installation Vs Diy
- If you have experience working with trucks’ suspension systems or major modifications, the diy dually swap process is achievable, saving you both time and money.
- However, if you are not an experienced diy mechanic, it is highly recommended that a professional mechanic handles the swap to avoid the risk and consequences of faulty installation.
By following these simple steps, you can successfully convert your single-wheel truck into a dually, providing better stability, weight distribution, and hauling capacity.
The Importance Of Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your dually truck is crucial for its performance and longevity. Regular maintenance ensures that your truck is in top shape and reduces the risk of major breakdowns. Below are some reasons why regular maintenance is essential for your dually truck:
- Improves fuel efficiency
- Increases the lifespan of the truck
- Enhances safety on the road
- Increases resale value
Tips For Maintaining Tires And Wheels
Maintaining the tires and wheels of your dually truck is critical in preventing accidents on the road. Here are some tips for maintaining tires and wheels:
- Check tire pressure regularly
- Rotate tires regularly to prevent uneven wear
- Inspect for damage or wear
- Replace damaged tires immediately
- Ensure that tires are aligned correctly
Engaging 4-Wheel Drive When Necessary
Engaging 4-wheel drive can be helpful in off-road driving. Here are some tips for engaging the 4-wheel drive effectively:
- Engage at low speeds
- Avoid sudden movements to prevent damage to the drive train
- Disengage 4-wheel drive when driving on paved roads
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Dealing With Common Dually Truck Problems
Despite regular maintenance, dually trucks may experience problems. Here are some common issues that may arise and how to handle them:
- Overheating: Check coolant levels, air filter, and radiator fan. If the issue persists, take your truck to a mechanic.
- Brake problems: Check brake pads and brake fluid levels. Replace worn brake pads and refill brake fluid if necessary.
- Electrical problems: Check the battery, alternator, and fuses. Replace any components that are not functioning correctly.
By following these best practices, you can increase the lifespan of your dually truck while ensuring optimal performance. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any problems that arise will help keep your truck on the road and running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Dually Swap A Truck
What Are The Benefits Of Dually Swap?
Dually swap provides better stability, load-carrying ability, and tire life for your truck, making it safer to drive.
Can I Dually Swap Any Type Of Truck?
No, not all trucks are suitable for dually swap. Consult a professional mechanic to verify if your truck can be modified.
How Much Does Dually Swap Cost?
The cost of dually swap can vary depending on the type of truck, the materials used, and the labor cost. It can range from $2,000 to $10,000.
Can I Do Dually Swap Myself?
Unless you’re a trained mechanic, it’s best to not attempt dually swap yourself. The process can be dangerous and technically challenging.
Is Dually Swap Legal?
Dually swap is usually legal as long as it meets specific criteria, such as proper tire width and fender clearance. Check with local authorities for regulations.
Conclusion
Now that we have gone through the entire process of dually swapping a truck, it’s clear that it is no easy task. However, with the proper tools, knowledge, and patience, it can be done. When swapping your rear axle, it’s crucial to choose the correct measurement and platform to meet your needs.
Ensure that you have all the necessary parts before beginning your project, and always prioritize safety. Remember to take your time and work step-by-step. Take good care of your vehicle, and everything should run smoothly. Dually trucks offer great benefits in terms of towing, stability, and off-road capabilities, making it a worthwhile investment for many truck enthusiasts.
With the information provided in this guide, we hope you are confident in tackling a dually swap and making your truck even more powerful and capable.
