3/4 to 1/2??

[kgmunro]

Hi guys I have the chance to buy a 63 3/4 ton 2wd and was wondering...can the 73-87 1/2 ton suspension and rr diff bolt on this truck the same as if it was a 1/2 ton? Or do I have to stay with 3/4 8 lug suspension??

[chevyrestoguy]

The entire '73-'87 front suspension cradle will bolt in place of the stock '63 stuff. In the area where the cradle bolts to the frame rails, you will have to two drill two new holes and slot two existing holes. Very easy to do. I would suggest upgrading the steering to the '73-'87 power steering box, and you can do that easily with an adapter bracket from one of our forum members, Capt Fab. While you're at it, you'll need to upgrade the braking system to handle the disc brakes, so you can buy a booster adapter bracket from Capt Fab as well.

On the rear suspension, you'll have to cut away all of the leaf spring brackets from the '73-'87 rear axle. You'll need to get a pair of weld-on trailing arm perches from one of the truck parts places (I got mine from Early Classic). Get the rear end in position, center it and get the pinion angle where you want it, and weld the perches in place. The 60-66 coil spring trucks have a panhard bar in the rear that you will need to adapt to your '73-'87 rear end. No problem, get a Super Track Bar Kit from Early Classic, and you're done. If you want to lower the truck, now is the time to do it. If so, I would suggest a shock relocator kit to get the shock angle correct.

One thing to remember on the '73-'87 rear end: It is 1.5" wider than your '63 rear end. It doesn't seem like much, but it can be an issue if you're looking to put a bigger tire under the back.

I just did this exact mod on my '64, and you can see it on my build thread below.