3/4- 1/2 ton frames the same? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1968vetL-71 · 10-30-2004, 09:54 AM

a friend of mine is wanting to build a diesel suburban 72. he was curious if the frames of a 3/4 were taller or heavier especially in the front. if anyone could shed some light that would be dandy. thanks. he's also looking for a 72 a/c suburban body. 2wd or 4wd. condition don't matter just as long as its an a/c truck. he has everything else. thanks.

crazy longhorn · 10-30-2004, 11:08 AM

1/2 & 3/4 are the same frame. When you get into a 1 ton, you will find taller rails(big beefy section under the cab). the rails behind the cab are also a little taller. If you need a measure, I can get that a little later today

chevy lover · 10-30-2004, 12:32 PM

wasn't frames up to 68 different between 1/2, 3/4, and one ton? I know my friend has a 65 wrecker and the frame was from a 3/4 ton pickup, modified for the wrecker body. It has taller rails than does a 66 half tonpickup I've seen.

Tx Firefighter · 10-30-2004, 02:21 PM

1/2 and 3/4 ton are different.

I spent several hours yesterday learning the differences the hard way. I was going to put 3/4 ton coil spring suspension onto a 1/2 ton coil suspension frame.

The rear of the 3/4 ton has several doubling plates to reinforce it.
Also, the panhard bar brackets are different in size and location.
Basically, the frame is much heavier duty overall back there.
In the front, it was the same between them though.

I have both frames next to each other. I can get you pictures to clarify if needed.

GMC AMI · 10-30-2004, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

1/2 and 3/4 ton are different.

I spent several hours yesterday learning the differences the hard way. I was going to put 3/4 ton coil spring suspension onto a 1/2 ton coil suspension frame.

The rear of the 3/4 ton has several doubling plates to reinforce it.
Also, the panhard bar brackets are different in size and location.
Basically, the frame is much heavier duty overall back there.
In the front, it was the same between them though.

I have both frames next to each other. I can get you pictures to clarify if needed.

How about a 3/4 ton 4x4 Chevy vs 1/2 4x4 GMC with leaf springs on both?
Thanks Tx.

Tx Firefighter · 10-30-2004, 03:05 PM

Mike, I don't know. I've only ever dealt with 2WD coil spring 67-72 trucks.

GMC AMI · 10-30-2004, 03:13 PM

Thank you for your reply, have a nice weekend, Mike

*Gee_Emm* · 10-30-2004, 03:39 PM

For pickups the body mount rubbers on 3/4 tons are at least twice as thick as the rubbers for 1/2 tons so that leads me to believe the cab mounts on the frame are different.

pritch · 10-30-2004, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

1/2 and 3/4 ton are different.

I spent several hours yesterday learning the differences the hard way. I was going to put 3/4 ton coil spring suspension onto a 1/2 ton coil suspension frame.

The rear of the 3/4 ton has several doubling plates to reinforce it.
Also, the panhard bar brackets are different in size and location.
Basically, the frame is much heavier duty overall back there.
In the front, it was the same between them though.

I have both frames next to each other. I can get you pictures to clarify if needed.

Pease do post those pics. The original question was about 'Burbs. Is that what you have? Does the same rule apply to trucks and 'Burbs? I am planning to use a 3/4 ton frame for my Panel project, which I have ready for the sandblaster, and then use the 1/2 ton front and rear ends. Will this work?

Tx Firefighter · 10-30-2004, 08:44 PM

Honestly, I didn't see the Suburban part of the equation the first time.

My parts and experience are strictly trucks, no burbs. I'll be happy to take the pictures and post them tomorrow when I get off work if you want truck frame pictures.

72 CustomCamper · 10-30-2004, 11:50 PM

The front coils will work. My uncle that gave me my truck pulled the 3/4 ton fronts out and put in ton springs. He then put the 3/4 ton springs in my other uncle's 72 1/2 ton...

Chuck

GM72K10 · 10-31-2004, 08:55 AM

Quote "How about a 3/4 ton 4x4 Chevy vs 1/2 4x4 GMC with leaf springs on both?
Thanks Tx."
My 72 K10 has a 70 K20 frame underneath, all I did was switch from 8 lug to 6 lug rears and change some brake lines in the front since the 70 had drums and the 72 has disc. If they're not the same there was no trouble converting.

GMC AMI · 10-31-2004, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gee_Emm

For pickups the body mount rubbers on 3/4 tons are at least twice as thick as the rubbers for 1/2 tons so that leads me to believe the cab mounts on the frame are different.

Thank you Gee_Emm for that info. Your vast knowledge on these trucks is impressive.

Thanks GM72K-10 for sharing.

1968vetL-71 · 10-31-2004, 10:04 AM

the original ? was about suburban frames. especially up front. i'm not concerned about pick up frames. thanks for the info though. but still no light on the subject.

10-30-2004, 09:54 AM	#1
1968vetL-71 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Murfreesboro, Tn Posts: 1,092	3/4- 1/2 ton frames the same? a friend of mine is wanting to build a diesel suburban 72. he was curious if the frames of a 3/4 were taller or heavier especially in the front. if anyone could shed some light that would be dandy. thanks. he's also looking for a 72 a/c suburban body. 2wd or 4wd. condition don't matter just as long as its an a/c truck. he has everything else. thanks. __________________ 1969 impala conv 427 #s loaded. dad bought new 1969 "Judge" RA-3, rare warwick blue/white, #'s 1968 vet convertible #s 427/435 tripower (sold) 1968 belair 2door post #s 427/385 1936 ford 5w coupe dads 1st car 1969 camaro ss (17,xxx) miles Wanted: 69-72 suburban project, 69 camaro convertible. also any big block cars. 69-70 gto judge project.

10-30-2004, 11:08 AM	#2
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	1/2 & 3/4 are the same frame. When you get into a 1 ton, you will find taller rails(big beefy section under the cab). the rails behind the cab are also a little taller. If you need a measure, I can get that a little later today __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

10-30-2004, 12:32 PM	#3
chevy lover HMMMM Chevy Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Quakertown, Pa Posts: 203	wasn't frames up to 68 different between 1/2, 3/4, and one ton? I know my friend has a 65 wrecker and the frame was from a 3/4 ton pickup, modified for the wrecker body. It has taller rails than does a 66 half tonpickup I've seen. __________________ 68 Chevy C10 swb(under construction) 82 GMC K1500 6.2l diesel (daily driver) 77 Chevy K30 frame (only thing left is axles and trans/transfer)______________________________ Mike

10-30-2004, 02:21 PM	#4
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	1/2 and 3/4 ton are different. I spent several hours yesterday learning the differences the hard way. I was going to put 3/4 ton coil spring suspension onto a 1/2 ton coil suspension frame. The rear of the 3/4 ton has several doubling plates to reinforce it. Also, the panhard bar brackets are different in size and location. Basically, the frame is much heavier duty overall back there. In the front, it was the same between them though. I have both frames next to each other. I can get you pictures to clarify if needed. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-30-2004, 03:05 PM	#6
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Mike, I don't know. I've only ever dealt with 2WD coil spring 67-72 trucks. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-30-2004, 03:13 PM	#7
GMC AMI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Other Maine! Posts: 2,236	Thanx. Thank you for your reply, have a nice weekend, Mike

10-30-2004, 03:39 PM	#8
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	For pickups the body mount rubbers on 3/4 tons are at least twice as thick as the rubbers for 1/2 tons so that leads me to believe the cab mounts on the frame are different.

10-30-2004, 08:44 PM	#10
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Honestly, I didn't see the Suburban part of the equation the first time. My parts and experience are strictly trucks, no burbs. I'll be happy to take the pictures and post them tomorrow when I get off work if you want truck frame pictures. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

10-30-2004, 11:50 PM	#11
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	The front coils will work. My uncle that gave me my truck pulled the 3/4 ton fronts out and put in ton springs. He then put the 3/4 ton springs in my other uncle's 72 1/2 ton... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

10-31-2004, 08:55 AM	#12
GM72K10 Next! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Eastern Pa. Posts: 2,482	Quote "How about a 3/4 ton 4x4 Chevy vs 1/2 4x4 GMC with leaf springs on both? Thanks Tx." My 72 K10 has a 70 K20 frame underneath, all I did was switch from 8 lug to 6 lug rears and change some brake lines in the front since the 70 had drums and the 72 has disc. If they're not the same there was no trouble converting. __________________ 86 K30 CUCV M1028A1 86 K30 CUCV M1028a2 dually 86 K30 C&C 6.2 4:56s, 4M, 11,000 gvw, ex fire truck, now lowboy dump More square bodies and CUCVs than I care to admit to 2020 Silverado K3500HD Work truck

10-31-2004, 10:04 AM	#14
1968vetL-71 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Murfreesboro, Tn Posts: 1,092	the original ? was about suburban frames. especially up front. i'm not concerned about pick up frames. thanks for the info though. but still no light on the subject. __________________ 1969 impala conv 427 #s loaded. dad bought new 1969 "Judge" RA-3, rare warwick blue/white, #'s 1968 vet convertible #s 427/435 tripower (sold) 1968 belair 2door post #s 427/385 1936 ford 5w coupe dads 1st car 1969 camaro ss (17,xxx) miles Wanted: 69-72 suburban project, 69 camaro convertible. also any big block cars. 69-70 gto judge project.



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