Will my axles be tough enough?
 

I bought a 72 gmc 1/2 ton chassis a while ago. I plan to use it under my 69 chevy. I never even thought about it when I bought it but now I was thinking I would rather have a 3/4 setup. Are the frames the same? Also how much will the axles hold up to as far as power and tire size?

Re: Will my axles be tough enough?
 

If you are only doing mild offroad most people would agree that 35's are about the biggest you would want to go before having to much force on the axles.... Not sure if force is the right word though but I think you get the point.

Re: Will my axles be tough enough?
 

Ya the bigger question is what will the truck be used for? Daly driving, mud, rocks, all, etc...
From 1/2ton the real upgrade is to 1ton if you plan on wheelin with bigger tires than 35" and/or installing a hot engine :chevy:
:mm:

Re: Will my axles be tough enough?
 

It would be more of a mud/snow truck. Not really much rock climbing around here. As far as a drive train plans are for a duramax allison combo someday when I can afford it all, but for now I think a mild 350 is what I will install. I will probably just run the 1/2 ton axles until I have the money to upgrade.

Re: Will my axles be tough enough?
 

That what I was gonna do as well. I figure I will worry about upgrades when stuff starts breaking lol

Re: Will my axles be tough enough?
 

Is a 1/2 ton dana 44 the same as a dana 44 in a 3/4 ton except for the bolt pattern? Or did the 3/4 tons come with a different front axle?

Re: Will my axles be tough enough?
 

The Dana 44 is the same for 1/2 and 3/4, except the required hub changes for the lug differences. They will hold up well, but once you start putting some serious muscle to ground, it will be expected to go 1 ton, or bigger. Trevor