1/2 Vs 3/4

[Jeremywiththe72]

What are the pros and Cons of 1/2 and 3/4 I was thinking of swapping my 3/4 but I'm not sure if it's a waste.

[toolboxchev]

Just to kick things off here I will offer up my humble opinion for what it worth to you.

There are a lot of 3/4 swaps out there, the frames are different on both. I did not find that out until being on here for over a year. To me a truck is something for work. I had a 1/2 coil spring rear truck. I loved the way the rear suspension would flat out bear down and get that thing moving, 350 granny gear 4 speed with bad rings and it would out run my 3/4.

Now for the 3/4 I have, I would not change it for the world, its too simple to keep it this way, buy stock components, replacement parts and run, run, run...I have over 100k on it in the last 11 years. Only left me stranded 2 times with electrical issues that were fixed on the spot and keep on running.

If I were going for a street build I would start with a 1/2 ton, they are a tad lighter, the rear coil spring makes for a comfortable ride. They sit pretty close to a street car. Now for the costs involved, front & rear drop changes everything in the suspension geometry. Will those companies be around in 20 years for parts??? I do not believe they will, you can still buy most parts at the corporate parts houses very inexpensively. The quality is not the best yet you will keep on trucking. Cost your looking at 5k for a complete solid suspension, then comes the 10k for engine and transmission.

Now if I had money to burn I most likely would make mine a sleeper, everyday hauler like Farm Truck. He's My Idol!!!!

I could probably build 350 ponies for less than 500 bucks if I watched my p's and q's.

Take a look at DavePL's truck. I had a chance to see that 3/4 in person, talk about a bang up, knock down, show stopping real mans rig. I have yet to see one stock like that with very few mod's looks so pristine. Dave's rig is reflective of his personality, Classy.

There is so many options out there, its almost endless.

[Jeremywiththe72]

I'm going to keep the stock look I just a lower suspension and a mild built 350sbc, thanks for your input. I'll probably just stay 3/4T.

[RustyBucket]

Just to clarify, there are lots of 3/4 ton coil rear suspension trucks. I drove a '68 C-20 long bed beater w/ coil springs for 10+ yrs. Drove, rode, hauled & towed great. Amazingly reliable cheap transportation. Wish I still had it.

[Jeremywiththe72]

My 72 has them I just wasn't sure if a 1/2 chassis would have been better, thank you.

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by Jeremywiththe72

My 72 has them I just wasn't sure if a 1/2 chassis would have been better, thank you.

If I remember correctly the 3/4 was built with a higher tensile strength frame. It could handle more. Those details are on the site somewhere. Doing a search withing the site leads to a literal ton of info.

The party around here is really good!

[special-K]

There is no disadvantage to the 3/4t frame for doing what you would want to do with a 1/2t. If you just use coils to lower, you use the same parts and tires can be had at same profiles. I think 3/4t trucks are cool in their own category and wouldn't treat it like a 1/2t, but that's just me.