another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cochino12 · 03-13-2013, 09:04 AM

So my 3/4 ton has a 14b ff and I am trying to swap to either a 10 or 12 bolt rear. I know the spring perches are located in different widths and I'd rather not change the perch locations on the 1/2 ton axle.

the frame's are the same width right? so I could swap to the 12 bolt by ordering some new front and rear hangers ?

Jonboy · 03-13-2013, 09:13 AM

It seems like when I swapped my '75 Blazer to 1 ton diffs, they bolted to the stock springs. That was a long time ago, but I am 100% positeve the only thing I had to do was get bigger u-bolts made.

meatwagon83 · 03-13-2013, 10:12 AM

Why didnt you just buy a 1/2 ton?
Posted via Mobile Device

cochino12 · 03-13-2013, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatwagon83

Why didnt you just buy a 1/2 ton?
Posted via Mobile Device

because GM didnt make a 2wd 1/2 ton crew cab short for me. thanks for the help

KQQL IT · 03-13-2013, 10:39 AM

One tons are narrower. 3/4 are the same.
Brakes hoses where different up front.
Posted via Mobile Device

83GMCK2500 · 03-13-2013, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

One tons are narrower. 3/4 are the same.
Brakes hoses where different up front.
Posted via Mobile Device

x2, 10 bolt or 12 bolt will bolt right into your truck.

cochino12 · 03-13-2013, 11:51 AM

I thought they were the same too, the perches on this truck are closer toghether than the 10 bolt I have in my 83 c10
Posted via Mobile Device

KQQL IT · 03-13-2013, 02:02 PM

I cheated when I did the brother n laws crew.
Got 1/2 spindles reamed for 3/4 ball joints.
Posted via Mobile Device

83GMCK2500 · 03-13-2013, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cochino12

I thought they were the same too, the perches on this truck are closer toghether than the 10 bolt I have in my 83 c10
Posted via Mobile Device

Post/share your VIN, I'm curious if your 3/4T is a rebadged 1-Ton.

EDIT: 6th Digit: 2 = 3/4T, 3 = 1T.

cochino12 · 03-13-2013, 06:56 PM

6th digit is a 2, 1gcgc2...

pin to pin measures 40" w/2.5" leaf springs.

So, anyone know if I can use 1/2ton hangers?

KQQL IT · 03-13-2013, 07:13 PM

Shocks inside of frame?
Anyways the one i did just bought new spring pads. Seemed easier than changing hangers
Posted via Mobile Device

mattcrp1 · 03-13-2013, 07:22 PM

are the 3/4 ton and 1/2 rear axles the same? as in drums and width?

cochino12 · 03-13-2013, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Shocks inside of frame?
Anyways the one i did just bought new spring pads. Seemed easier than changing hangers
Posted via Mobile Device

yep, they are inside the frame.

I think it would be much easier to just buy new pads, I may be add a kp 4link/cantilever in a few months and didnt want to have to move the pads again.

KQQL IT · 03-13-2013, 07:29 PM

One ton hangers. Maybe it depends on the gvwr.
1/2 t shocks are outside the rail as you know.
Posted via Mobile Device

mkdesign · 03-13-2013, 08:36 PM

My conversion was fairly straight forward. I used the complete rear components ( rearend, springs and 1-piece driveshaft) from a donor 1/2 ton and it was a straight bolt in to the original spring hangers. On the front I used a pair of Early Classic Enterprise 3/4 ton 1/2 ton 2 1/2 drop spindles. You retain the stock 3/4 a-arms, ball joints and tie rods,and even the calipers. The only parts from the 1/2 ton I used for the front were the rotors and new pads. Saves a ton of work and I would suggest this option any time. I would have thought I may have had brake issue because of the difference in rear brakes but the brakes are as good if not better than before the conversion. You can check out my build thread titled "Charity Case" and it may have more info. Hope this helps. Oh and to answer the question of why not just buy a 1/2 ton in the first place? As for me, the chances of finding a 1/2 ton with the color, options, and condition that came with my 3/4 ton were slim to none so I grabbed it.

meatwagon83 · 03-13-2013, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatwagon83

Why didnt you just buy a 1/2 ton?
Posted via Mobile Device

your welcome, now point out where in the post you say anything about it being a crew short bed, how was i supposed to know?

kevinr1970 · 03-15-2013, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatwagon83

your welcome, now point out where in the post you say anything about it being a crew short bed, how was i supposed to know?

That kind of responce comes up everytime someone asks about changing from or to something the truck didn't come as.
Like going to 1/2 ton from 3/4 ton (like I did) or going from Dually to SRW (like I am planning on doing).
Some people just get tired of that responce when they are trying to figure something out by asking questions here?
It's my truck and i will do what I want with it!!!

03-13-2013, 09:04 AM	#1
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? So my 3/4 ton has a 14b ff and I am trying to swap to either a 10 or 12 bolt rear. I know the spring perches are located in different widths and I'd rather not change the perch locations on the 1/2 ton axle. the frame's are the same width right? so I could swap to the 12 bolt by ordering some new front and rear hangers ? __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

03-13-2013, 09:13 AM	#2
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? It seems like when I swapped my '75 Blazer to 1 ton diffs, they bolted to the stock springs. That was a long time ago, but I am 100% positeve the only thing I had to do was get bigger u-bolts made.

03-13-2013, 10:12 AM	#3
meatwagon83 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Preble county ohio Posts: 1,914	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? Why didnt you just buy a 1/2 ton? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "DON'T TOUCH THE TRIM!!"-Early Kyler

03-13-2013, 10:39 AM	#5
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,237	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? One tons are narrower. 3/4 are the same. Brakes hoses where different up front. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

03-13-2013, 11:51 AM	#7
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? I thought they were the same too, the perches on this truck are closer toghether than the 10 bolt I have in my 83 c10 Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

03-13-2013, 02:02 PM	#8
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,237	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? I cheated when I did the brother n laws crew. Got 1/2 spindles reamed for 3/4 ball joints. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

03-13-2013, 06:56 PM	#10
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? 6th digit is a 2, 1gcgc2... pin to pin measures 40" w/2.5" leaf springs. So, anyone know if I can use 1/2ton hangers? __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

03-13-2013, 07:13 PM	#11
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,237	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? Shocks inside of frame? Anyways the one i did just bought new spring pads. Seemed easier than changing hangers Posted via Mobile Device __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

03-13-2013, 07:22 PM	#12
mattcrp1 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mountain House, CA Posts: 555	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? are the 3/4 ton and 1/2 rear axles the same? as in drums and width?

03-13-2013, 07:29 PM	#14
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,237	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? One ton hangers. Maybe it depends on the gvwr. 1/2 t shocks are outside the rail as you know. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

03-13-2013, 08:36 PM	#15
mkdesign Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 35	Re: another 3/4 to 1/2 conversion ? My conversion was fairly straight forward. I used the complete rear components ( rearend, springs and 1-piece driveshaft) from a donor 1/2 ton and it was a straight bolt in to the original spring hangers. On the front I used a pair of Early Classic Enterprise 3/4 ton 1/2 ton 2 1/2 drop spindles. You retain the stock 3/4 a-arms, ball joints and tie rods,and even the calipers. The only parts from the 1/2 ton I used for the front were the rotors and new pads. Saves a ton of work and I would suggest this option any time. I would have thought I may have had brake issue because of the difference in rear brakes but the brakes are as good if not better than before the conversion. You can check out my build thread titled "Charity Case" and it may have more info. Hope this helps. Oh and to answer the question of why not just buy a 1/2 ton in the first place? As for me, the chances of finding a 1/2 ton with the color, options, and condition that came with my 3/4 ton were slim to none so I grabbed it.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.