3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton

[townzenm]

I'm new to this body style and was wondering what are the main differences between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton? Is the body all the same and just different suspension and possibly frame? I have been trying to find a decent project truck and I talked to a guy that may have one and he said it is a 3/4 ton with a flat bed. If it is in pretty good shape i figured I could just pull off the flat bed and put a fleetside bed on it. I plan to bag the truck so am I barking up the wrong tree with this particular truck?

[Fred T]

The frame is a little heavier. Big difference is the suspension. If you are willing to swap out the suspension, get 73-87 1/2 ton parts. The entire front crossmember is almost a bolt-in, which will give you 5 lugs and discs. The rear will have brackets for leaf springs, but you can use leafs or coils, just use the right brackets.

Your biggest problem will be locating a decent bed. Look in the classifieds section for used, and the links section for new. Be ready for some sticker shock, though.

[bobthecop]

I am putting a 3/4 ton chassis under my 1/2 ton c10. The body and bed is a direct fit. I want the heavier suspension for towing and hauling, should the occasion arise.

[manimal]

I was under the impression that the frames are the same with the exception of a few crossmembers.But the longhorn is completely different.

[KAILUAZ]

I have a 3/4 ton, finding rear suspension parts are tricky. About the only options are a few flip kits and re-done leafs. I think if your going to bag it you might do better with a 1/2 ton.

[Aarons72s]

It all depends some have coils and some have leafs as stated before. Coil 3/4 tons are easy to make into half tons. The only real difference in the 3/4 ton frames from 1/2 ton frames is that the rear cab bracket on the frame is lower ant there is 2 braces in the same area. The front supension just do what fred said. Oh and welcome to the board from Oklahoma.

[townzenm]

Thanks for the help. I hope to take a look at it tomorrow.

[Sport/Truck]

FWIW there are no 3/4 ton short beds. Not sure if it’s a big deal or not, just letting you know.

[townzenm]

Good to know that. I don't anticipate much trouble in cutting it down to fit a short bed though. As long as i measure 5 times and cut once.

[Sport/Truck]

A guy I know here shortened one the hard way. So yes it can be done.
s/t

[Huck]

Buying a 3/4 ton with the intent of converting it to a short bed 1/2 ton is ---well a lot of extra work so you need to make sure the body on the 3/4 ton is really nice and worth the effort. Well worn 3/4 ton suspension, axles, etc are not highly desired so selling that stuff might not work to your advantage. I would tend to look for a 1/2 ton with a solid cab first~~~. My .02 Huck