3/4 ton to 1/2 ton suspension swap.

[desert-rat]

1969 GMC 3/4 with rear leafs.
I know this has been discussed like a trillion times. And it's mostly about compatibility. I understand that the frames are the same from what I've read mostly. So instead of doing compatibility fitment and the aftermarket being endless for these trucks. Here's what I'm thinking; just remove all the 3/4 ton suspension and steering, add aftermarket 1/2 ton suspension with rear coils with 1/2 ton axle and R&P steering and do a 5 lug setup. Unless somehow I just happen to find a 1/2 ton roller, frame, or someone selling entire 1/2 ton parts.
Can it be possible??
Thanks.

[Ironangel]

What rear axle does your GMC have? You can install 1/2 ton leafs in the rear and 1/2 ton coils in the front. Converting a 3/4 ton GMC leaf rear to a 1/2 ton coil and trailing arm rear will require a lot of work and money.

[desert-rat]

Ah, that's right. I didn't think about the coil spring mounts not there. I don't mind keeping the leafs. It seems like different length 1/2 leafs are available. Thanks for that reminder. I think I'll go the route of 1/2 ton springs all around.

[americanmusc1e]

I have done a body swap from C10 to K20 and back. The frames are not the same! Even the rear cab mounts are different. Not sure if that's a 4x4 thing or 3/4ton to 1/2ton thing.

[dagnabbitt]

The leafs are your real hindrance, if you had coils it would be a lot easier. It depends upon your goals: are you looking to lower it (there are ways) or are you trying to mimic that nice half-ton ride. For a complete even-the-experts-could-not-tell-conversion you might want to swap everything out with a donor truck.

[xs-cash]

I’ve done this to a 71 longhorn 3/4 ton, bought a 86 1/2 ton with 5 bolt , easy to do , swap out the front suspension, 16 bolts , take the 12 bolt rear end cut off the perches and put it in place,and weld on new perches ,change rear shock mounts , pretty much that easy !