Frame question
 

This is gonna be a different question from the normal....has anyone lengthened a frame ? The reason I ask is because I have a 68 GMC 1 ton longbed stepside and I want to get rid of all the 1 ton suspension so I can get a better ride. The 1 ton has a 9 foot bed and I want to keep it that way. So I was thinking about trying to get half ton frame and lengthening it. Any thoughts ?????
Thanks

Re: Frame question
 

Can you not put lighter suspension parts ( 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton front crossmemeber & springs and smaller leaves on the back )on to get a better ride?

Re: Frame question
 

I am not sure but I don't think the lighter duty parts will fit. I think the 1 ton frame is taller.

Re: Frame question
 

The 1 ton frames are entirely different in the rear. Leaf spring spacing is different along with the width of the frame, and you are correct the frame beams are taller. What wheel base is the 1 ton?

Re: Frame question
 

It has a 133" wheelbase

Re: Frame question
 

Lot of work to lengthen a frame only 6''. You'll then have to drill different mounting holes in the bed to the frame as they will be in a different place (width wise)

Re: Frame question
 

You can accomplish this, being as it would be easier than stretching a different frame and swapping everything over. OR just find a different truck altogether and sell this one to somebody that needs an older 1 ton

Re: Frame question
 

On the front end, you can swap on 1/2 ton upper and lower control arms.
Maybe look into seeing if you can make 1/2 ton leaf springs from a GMC work with the 1 ton hangers? Might need to make some spacers if the spring eyes are smaller than the hangers. Just trying to think outside the box of a full frame swap

Re: Frame question
 

I also say you just find another truck. I got very lucky and found my 1-ton pickup after only a month, but had to trailer it 400 miles home. My point is some people like these HD pickups.
These 1 ton pickups supposedly aren't rare, but I don't exactly see them growing on trees; save this truck for someone who needs it or save it for another time for yourself.

......then again who's to say the next person to own the truck won't just lay down the cash and promptly say, "yep I'm gonna cut 'er up and make 'er one of them shortened slammed restomods...."

:smoke:

Re: Frame question
 

Would a longhorn frame work?

Re: Frame question
 

Correct me if I'm wrong but that should be what the OP is working with already: All longhorns came with 133" 1-ton frames.

Re: Frame question
 

Yup,........they sure did

Re: Frame question
 

Why the attitude?? I know where there is a 1/2 ton truck stripped out for about 200.00

Re: Frame question
 

We're starting to rant off topic here, but most of that statement was half hearted sarcasm. In reality there are still plenty of these trucks left for everyone, plenty left to be plundered if so desired. :chevy:

Re: Frame question
 

No, you started the rant. I was giving him an option then you stepped in with nothing. Take it somewhere else.

Adding to a frame is A LOT of work if done the right way. I've done it several times.

Re: Frame question
 

Ok, we're all good now, right?

What I see here is only the need to switch out springs. I think the rear leaf springs are the bulk of the issue. You can try removing some or build a new pack to lighter specs

On another note. what make truck is your '23 C-cab?

Re: Frame question
 

He would have to lighten the 1 ton springs as they are 2-1/2'' wide as opposed to the 1/2 and 3/4t springs are 2-1/4''. Front springs may remain if the truck is toting a big block. He would have to get a little creative with the rear pack removing leafs while keeping height where he wants it, but it could be done

Re: Frame question
 

The c-cab is a ford