1985 3/4 ton cradle and rear to 1962 1/2 ton
 

Can anyone tell me if it is feasible to adapt a front suspension cradle and rear end from an 8-lug 1985 3/4 ton to a 1962 1/2 ton, both Chevrolet trucks? If any mods are necessary, please detail them, if possible. I am willing, if necessary, to do a rear clip job, as I will have access to the whole 3/4 ton truck.

Re: 1985 3/4 ton cradle and rear to 1962 1/2 ton
 

I'm 99% sure it will work fine. Lots of threads here put 3/4 ton trucks back to 1/2 ton. I just put a '73 3/4 ton under my '66 1 ton. It's an almost blot on for the front. I think I drilled out 2 holes because they were a little off.

I think you can bolt the control arms to the older crossmember. If you do you'll meed to use the later steering set up.

The rear is different. You will probably have to remount the spring hangers, or use the older springs. The '83 springs are about an inch shorter or so. I just Kept the '66 springs.

There are some how-to/how-I-did-it around. In fact this has a lot of info here.
Dave.

Re: 1985 3/4 ton cradle and rear to 1962 1/2 ton
 

62 frame is much different then the 66 frame....id talk to captainfab about any crossmember mods...he seems to be the goto guy for these kinds of questions

Re: 1985 3/4 ton cradle and rear to 1962 1/2 ton
 

The link I provided is a collection of what fits what years on the 60-66 trucks. Take a look and I think you will find the information you need.

Dave, not trying to discount the Captain's fame.

Re: 1985 3/4 ton cradle and rear to 1962 1/2 ton
 

This is the specific post I would refer to within the link 65 wonton posted.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366850

That is specific to the '60-'62's which as as mentioned, different than the '63-'72's. The C20 suspension will bolt up the same as a C10 suspension.

On the differential, which should be a 14 bolt either full floating or semi floating, you will need to weld on a set of trailing arm mounts, and transfer your panhard bar mount from the original Eaton HO32, to the 14 bolt. When doing this you will need to make sure the pinion angle is correct. Otherwise you will have a vibration and possibly go thru u-joints. I do sell 14 bolt specific trailing arm mounts if you are interested.

Re: 1985 3/4 ton cradle and rear to 1962 1/2 ton
 

Thanks to all who responded. Your advice is very helpful.