Are the frames the same width?

[72jimmy4x4]

Found a rust free 87 crew cab 4x4 for sale and was thinking about buying and making it in to a dually.Are the frames the same widht and will the dually rear bolt right in.I know I will need different hubs for the front but not sure about the spring perch distance. thanks all

[u2slow]

Originally Posted by 72jimmy4x4

Found a rust free 87 crew cab 4x4 for sale and was thinking about buying and making it in to a dually.Are the frames the same widht and will the dually rear bolt right in.I know I will need different hubs for the front but not sure about the spring perch distance. thanks all

Frames are the same width... but more importantly, the springs have the same spacing (40.5" on 1-tons & all crewcabs) The D70HD axle used in the dually pickups will bolt right in. Driveshaft may need to be shortened, box side will need to be clearanced for extra rubber, and add the dually fenders.

[dwaite72lnghrn]

If I am not mistaken the dual rear ends had 2 different frames. 2 different axles. Commercial cab chassis had a narrow rear and the dually option had the wide rear. The wide rear end would fit a standard truck frame. I might be off here on the frames but they would put dual tires on cab chassis and the outside of the tire would fit inline with the cab. where as the dually bed axle tires would stand about 4" to the side of the cab on both sides.
So I would say yes you can if you find the right donor.

[u2slow]

You can fit any of the three 1-ton axles on a crewcab frame. The narrow DRW axle mentioned (cab & chassis) only leaves you with ~42" between the inside tires - so that one won't work so good with a regular pickup box.

The cab & chassis frames have standard widths, just different lengths, and a completely flat profile back of the cab. 135.5" and 159.5" wheelbase IIRC.

[badone07]

It's a tight squeeze with a standard fleetside and c&c dually rear. You would basically have 2 choices... widen the wheel wells or suspension lift. I used a 2" suspension lift because it was quick and I wanted the use of the bed for 4' wide materials. Cost around $40 for the kit and a couple of hours. Have a set of oem dually flares needing work, but didn't feel like swapping out the rear. Plus now I won't be screwed with at the tolls or by insurance company, when jackoffs try to pluke me for a commercial vehicle with another axle or extra set of rear wheels.