85 f-350

[DMAN]

My dad has an 85 f-350 diesel that were converting to a dump truck. The ? I have is its a single wheel can we just put a set of duelly rims on it or do we need spacers? I know it will work on some rear ends but I'am not sure how to tell if it will work.

[Dave Sponaugle]

Did the truck come from the factory as a cab and chassis or with a pickup box?

The cab and chassis has a 34" frame and you can install dual bud wheels.

The one with a pickup box installed had a 37.5" frame. You can not install dual wheels on this truck without either spacers, not a good idea for heavy loads, or get the rear axle out of a factory dually and install it.

You can swap the gears out of your rear and use the dually axles. I had a salvage yard here offer to swap me housings for 400 dollars.

[FireMarshal3311]

Hey, I am in the same boat as you are. I have had this conversation many times with the guys here on this forum. I have gotten quotes from 600 for a housing to 1800 for a complete swap. If you can find one good luck. I currently run spacers on mine just because it was that way when I bought it. I have only pulled a skidloader with it a couple of times with no problems, However, exactly as Dave said, don't use them for heavy loads. They cause a lot of problems, from bearing wear to breaking lugs off. As soon as I find a good axle I can afford I am swaping. So good luck onl your swap.