I was under the impression dually trucks were only rear wheel drive trucks, but have seen several older model trucks like a 97 crew cab 7.3 v8 diesel long bed dually in the ad that says it is 4x4 as in AWD or part time capable or something, anyone know how this is possible? Heard that awhile back to companies named higley and centurion did the conversions to make duallys capable of off road 4x4 capable, I assume this is what that seller has done,

or they had it done themselves, how would I go about making a 97 f350 dually into a 4x4, as my specific place i should take it or is it just a matter of finding a mechanic who actually knows what they are doing and have done this before, any problems or such of doing this making a rwd dually into a 4x4?

 

They made 4wd dually F350's but only in cab and chassis form.No pickup trucks with pickup beds.The easiest way to build one,is to start with a SRW 4x4 pickup and convert it to a dually,as it's an all bolt on and go weekend job.Converting a 2wd to a 4x4 requires extensive fabrication and modifications and should only be attempted by those good with a wrench,with a whole donor truck,and a whole bunch of free time.Attempting to pay a shop for such a conversion,will surely cost far more than the vehicle is worth.Likely several times over.

 

So it's simply putting dually wheels and such on regular 4x4 truck? is that an any mechanic kind of job, or better taken to a ford dealership or something or some sort of older ford specialist? I was looking to to get some 40in gladiator tires with the 19.5 american force blacked out independence wheels, they specifically make them as a dual rear wheel would that be easily done as it's just a back wheel?

 

I don't think it's ever a wise decision to go to a stealership.They have outrageous and unfair prices.Unfair and unethical business practices (to be fair,this is common with many businesses these days) based on my past experiences too.

No.It's more involved than just bolting on the wheels,but far less involved than a 4wd convert.You need to remove the SRW axle and replace it with a DRW pickup axle.This is a good time to add an extra main leaf or two along with at least a dual aux/overload pack.Replace the front hubs with either DRW factory units,taken from a 4wd c&c or quality adapters (arrowcraft aa4's) then you need the 6 DRW rims and remounted tires.Preferably 215's like factory.However with the correct DRW rims that 4wd c&c's came with,you can run 235's.Then lastly,you need to remove your SRW bed and replace it with a DRW bed or install aftermarket sides to your SRW bed.Either way there,you've got some paint matching to do though.Installing a flatbed might be a good choice.
It's still work but it's all something a shade tree mechanic can do in his yard.You can start with a 4wd F250HD or a 4wd SRW F350.The difference will be D50 vs D60 up front,otherwise everything will bolt right up and swap over.

 

Awesome good to know, thanks. Anyone mechanic you might begin to reccomend around the Austin, texas area?

 

easiest way to make a 4X4 dually pickup is to find a 2 wheel drive dually pickup rear and put under the back of the 4X4, then find a set of dual wheel front adapters to bolt onto the D-60 up front.
last one i did cost $200 for the adapters, $150 for the rear axle, and $400 for the dually bed.

 

Easy way is to buy one. Plenty Super Duty trucks out there. Search for "DRW 4x4" on craigslist.

 

I only like the 97 body style and its legendary 7.3 powerstroke engine.

 

I've builta few of them by swapping the frames out

 

have any for sale?, I will buy if you do

 

 

Just sold the 1 on the left about 4 months ago
The other 1 is my baby. It would take a lot to get it from me
I have everything to build another 1 frame wise

 

how much to put one all together? A 1997 f350 xlt crew cab 7.3 liter v8 powerstroke turbo diesel

 

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