[Caddylackn]

Originally Posted by seuadr

So - i doubt i need duals for my payload (but i can weigh it and verify) but 2 less wheels and tires to deal with would be just fine by me

The double wheel rear axle is a wider axle than a single wheel rear axle set up. So no, you can't safely take a wheel off each side as you have a huge offset on those dually wheels. With just one wheel (with a huge offset) hanging off the centerline of the bearing you create a lot of stress on the bearings and hub. You might be able to get a single rear axle wheel on it from a different vehicle. Those have about a 0 - 1" offset. You would have to run a load E range tire for the weight.

The ride will get squirrely at speed since the total width of the body will now be much wider than the tire path width. The extra track width of duals creates a lot of stability in wide heavy vehicles, it is not just about carrying the weight.

I like how you think: shed off that excess weight. You could do a single tire one ton rear axle swap, like from a Dana 70 or Chev 14 bolt or Ford 10.25". You can find those in 3.54 or 3.73 ratios pretty easy. It is harder to find the one ton rear ends in the higher 3.08 gears since the pinion offset has to be different to fit these "smaller" ring gears, and then you can't put in gears lower than a 3.54 in them.

You will probably only find a one ton rear end with 3.54 or 3.08 in a diesel. Another problem is the driveshaft and the yoke. You need to find a rear end that will take your yoke from your ex. rear end or has one the same size, or you have to modify the driveshaft.

A 3/4 ton rear end may work, but I think you will be too heavy for them.