1972 3/4 Ton Rear Suspension

[Redbone One]

I am traveling to look at a 1972 Stepside pickup for an upcoming project. The owner thinks it is a 1/2 ton but is not sure. He provided me with the vin number which revealed that it is a 3/4Ton. I am looking for a 1/2 ton and want the trailing arm suspension.

My questions are before I drive for 8 hours:
Does the 3/4 ton have the trailing arm suspension or is it leaf springs?
Are the front spindles different between 3/4 and 1/2 ton vehicles?
Are 8 lug wheels the quick and easy way to identify a 3/4Ton?

I have asked for pictures but they seem slow in coming. I do appreciate any information that will help me identify the truck.

[sleepertruck72]

5 or 6 lug=1/2 ton, 8 lug= 3/4 ton , they did make 3/4 ton with trailing arm suspension, but I think more common would be the leaf spring for the 3/4 ton ask him if there is any badges on the fenders that would indicate C/10 or C/20 C/20 would be 3/4 ton C/10 would be 1/2 ton. Being thats it is a stepside, it is most likely (one would hope) a C/10 shortbed, or it may be a 3/4 ton longbed stepside .....

[geremy]

i got a donor 70 1/2 ton short beb fleet side

[Redbone One]

Thanks for the input. I will check badging Sleepertruck 72 and also keep you in mind geremy should things work out and I need any parts.

[Lugnut64052]

..

Originally Posted by Redbone One

My questions are before I drive for 8 hours:
Does the 3/4 ton have the trailing arm suspension or is it leaf springs?
Generally speaking, if it's a Chevy it'll be trailing arm, if it's a GMC it'll be leaf springs, regardless of the tonnage. You could order either make in either suspension though. There are lots and lots of 3/4-ton trailing arm trucks out there. One-tons were all leaf spring.
Are the front spindles different between 3/4 and 1/2 ton vehicles?
Yes
Are 8 lug wheels the quick and easy way to identify a 3/4Ton?
Yes

[stueber68]

Many 3/4 ton have a coil/trailing arm suspension.

[Shyguy]

My '67 C-20 was a long bed stepside with trailing arms and coil springs when I bought it. It also had the over-load leaf spring behind the rear axle.

Normally Chevys had coil springs and GMC had leaf springs, any thing different were optional.

Danny

[ed2552]

3/4 tons have way heavier duty trailing arms, too. They're better for hooking up, and withstanding the abuse.

[Longhorn Man]

Normally Chevys had coil springs and GMC had leaf springs, any thing different were optional.

Not entirely true, but 99% of the people on here think it is.

Most likely it has a coil rear.
The frame is the same as a 1/2 ton.
Very easy to convert

[Redbone One]

I thank you all for the information. I am encouraged that this potential purchase might just work out. I know I want to end up with a 72 Chevy Shortbed with Trailing Arm Suspension. Hearing that a 3/4 ton has stronger trailing arms is icing on the cake.

I have inquired of the current owner for badging, and confirmation of trailing arms. If the vehicle meets my requirements and a price can be agreed upon, I will post some before pictures.

Again, thank you for the information.