1/2 Ton vs. 3/4 Ton

[USSkoval]

Originally Posted by esbstuff

Yes they are... Just look for the part numbers stamped in the frame rail, same number, same frame. 1/2 and 3/4 4x2 = same frame, 1/2 and 3/4 4x4 = same frame. The actual 'rails' are the same, just the hole punch is different and then stamped with different number. 1 ton frames are thicker thickness and taller hieght wise under the cab and front of bed.

FYI... Depending on what the factory was short/long with, it is not uncommon to see a 4x4 frame under a 4x2... I've seen that at least 5 frames 73-86 (never saw an 87-91...) that were under a 4x2 truck that had all the holes punched for the 4x4 hangers for the front axle. I was able to vin match 3 of the trucks and verified frame match.

BTW While we are on frames... After US production ended of the 91 R/V body style, GM (who still needed to produce and store replacmenet frames) began putting frames in boxes unassembled. Thats right unassembled. They did that because the frames stored and shipped easier. (My opinon is they were importing the frames from Mexico, but I was unable to verify that.) Anyway, the instructions stated to assemble the frame with grade 8 hardware.

Originally Posted by Dalaigh

X2
Some frames maybe thicker but it's more to do with inconsistencies in the thickness of the metal. They were all stamped from the same machine (or machines). The K20 I just sold had the same frame thickness as the K10 I have now. I parted out a K10 a few years ago that had a frame that was a bit thicker then my K20. 1/32 of and inch isn't a design difference, it's an inconsistency.

And I'll repeat, no. I've seen the GM spec sheets that list the different thicknesses. Also, not all year frames are stamped the same for 2x4 and 4x4. I've seen some conversions that the rail needs notched a bit for shackle clearance, for example.