1972 Chevrolet 4x4 1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton

[cwilkie]

I am still in my search to find a 1972 Chevrolet 4x4. Since I have yet to purchase a truck I was wondering what the benefits of going to a 3/4 ton would be. In time I plan on getting a 5th wheel camper and putting a slow plow on to push snow. Would a 3/4 ton be better for pulling a 5th wheel? How hard is a 3/4 ton on gas? I have an extra 396bb and a th400 that will be going in my future truck (if it doesn't have one already installed). This will not be my daily driver where it will be my go to vehicle when some work needs to be done. I can’t justify spending $45,000 on a new truck when these old vehicles are better quality. Please give your opinions whether they are good or bad.

[haysonj]

I converted my half ton to a 3/4 just so I could carry the extra tongue weight of my boat when it was loaded. I also installed a GV overdrive to help the 4:09 gears on the road. I am very happy with the way it tows. 55 MPH at around 2000 RPM.

[cwilkie]

That's pretty much what I was thinking. Does anyone else have any opinions or advice?

[chisler]

I have had both, in the 4 speed the 3/4 gearing will be 4.10 and on the 1/2 it will be 3.73.... watch out for the 3/4 ton style rear end it is called a EATON parts may be hard to locate

[LockDoc]

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Unless you find a truck that has had a motor swap already done I don't think you will find a 4x4 with a big block. I don't think our era 4x4 trucks came with big blocks from the factory...

I would think a 3/4 ton would be better for the fifth wheel but I guess it depends on how big the camper was....

LockDoc

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by cwilkie

I am still in my search to find a 1972 Chevrolet 4x4. Since I have yet to purchase a truck I was wondering what the benefits of going to a 3/4 ton would be. In time I plan on getting a 5th wheel camper and putting a slow plow on to push snow. Would a 3/4 ton be better for pulling a 5th wheel? How hard is a 3/4 ton on gas? I have an extra 396bb and a th400 that will be going in my future truck (if it doesn't have one already installed). This will not be my daily driver where it will be my go to vehicle when some work needs to be done. I can’t justify spending $45,000 on a new truck when these old vehicles are better quality. Please give your opinions whether they are good or bad.

I addition to what LockDoc had to say (no 72 factory big blocks), you'll have issues with using that th400. 67-72 also never came from the factory with a th400 in a 4x4. There were three speed manuals, four speed manuals, and th350 autos. When swapping from one of the above to another it is easy. The transmission length differences were made up for in the transfercase adapters. They all bolted to the same crossmember and used the same driveshafts.

I have seen a th400 in a 72 so it is possible. I do know that the Kcase th400s have 32 spline output shafts and the NP205 transfercase has 10 splines when coupled to a manual and 27 when coupled to a th350. To use a th400 you'll need to get a transfercase and adapter that all work together.

I have a snowplow on my 1/2 ton but I only use it on my driveway. If you're going to be plowing half the country side you'll want a 3/4 truck. Plowing is hard on the vehicle so starting with a beefier platform would be better.

In the winter I load 500 pounds of sand into the bed to counter balance the weight of the plow and plow frame on the front.

Whatever you start with it sounds like a fun project. You'll have to post pictures of your build on here.

[cwilkie]

I can't wait to find a truck and get started. I have a 396BB and a th400 to put in my future truck. I just want it to last and be there when I need to haul, tow, pull, or push snow. However, I want it to look good as well. There is no sense in spending $45,000 on a new truck when I can spend half that for an even better 1972 Chevrolet. I am aware some work will need to be done on the th400 tail shaft and the moter mounts will need to be moved ahead from the firewall. It's a project so hopefully in a few years it will be a reality.

[msgross]

Buy a cheap M1008 or M1024 CUCV and swap all the drivetrain parts (minus engine) over to a 1/2 or 3/4 ton of your choice... look for something on CL or govliquidation.com

[Longhorn Man]

a 5th wheel doesn't belong in a 1/2 ton truck. If you need to haul loads that big, you need a 3/4 ton, or preferably a one ton.

[haysonj]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

a 5th wheel doesn't belong in a 1/2 ton truck. If you need to haul loads that big, you need a 3/4 ton, or preferably a one ton.

what about this, check out the 4x4 between the tailgate and hitch.

[K2Orion]

Originally Posted by haysonj

what about this, check out the 4x4 between the tailgate and hitch.

please post a link to bigger pics of this. I need to see in more detail so I can really laugh.

[Longhorn Man]

i've seen that before about 8 years ago or so.
its a perfect example as to why cousins shouldn't have children together.

[K2Orion]

If you can, start with a 3/4 ton. The GVWR will be higher and you can pull heavier loads legally. If that is your plan for the truck.
If you start with a 3/4 you already have the axles that some guys go to extra work to swap in. Then you can just swap in your 572 or 6bt cummins and be 1 of the cool kids.