1 ton suspension questions

[jonzcustomshop]

I have access to a good 66 133 inch wheelbase frame 1 ton.
I can get it but the rear axle and springs do not go with it, do any of you know what springs(leaf 1/2 or 3/4 ton) might bolt in?
also the front suspension is 8 lug 1 ton, is basically the only difference from 1/2 ton the springs and spindles/hubs?

[Captainfab]

I'm not sure but the springs out of a GMC might fit. I could take some measurements tomorrow and let you know. As far as I know from the front spindles out is the main difference between the C30 and C20, but with the C10's I think the LCA might be different for a larger ball joint as well as the spindle itself.

[jonzcustomshop]

thanks, the front has the 3/4 ton style wheels, but it is a 30.
I was hoping to do the 73-87 switcheroo, and use some dropped 3/4 ton spindles...
I am guessing it will be about the same as a 1/2 ton 73-87 swap?

[watahyahknow]

ive seen them use hummer rims in the front , makes the front tires look like terra rims (wider for muddy stuff)

[Captainfab]

Well I did some measuring and the GMC 1/2 ton springs are the same length, but are 1/4" narrower. Also the 1/2 ton GMC springs ('66) have rubber(?) bushings in the eyes with standard bolts whereas the C30 have a metal bushing with greaseable bolts in the center. So it doesn't look like there is an easy swap for springs unless you can find some similar C30 springs or some off of a 4x4....some of them have the greaseable metal bushings in the eyes.

If it were me, I'd just cut off the old spring hangers and install some '73-'87 C10 or C20 springs and hangers......just my .02


If you're talking about wapping the C20 crossmember and all, yes it is the same as doing a C10.

[jonzcustomshop]

thanks!
not positive the entire direction it will take, but I would like to stay 3/4 ton , or some kind of heavy half to be able to trailer...
I might see if he will let me keep the springs, but like you said probably my best bet is to use a 73-87 3/4 ton 2wd set up.

[RunninLo]

Jon,
Just a heads up. spindles for the 73-87 1ton squares are getting scarce. I talked to the guys at sport truck direct. they have been back ordered for a while and just convinced Wesern Chassis to build 15pair. 12 were for back order and I decided so snatch a set rather than waiting on my other deal. They had no idea when another batch would be made and they were filling back orders from the last 6 mos. Price was nearly double from what I used to pay too. Not sure about 3/4 ton but I thought they used the 1ton spindles
If you can find a sweet deal on a 92+ CC dually I would love to help you size it to length and fit the body on it.

Josh

[Captainfab]

I'm not sure about the single wheel C30's but I know the C30 dually spindles are different than a C20 spindle. Mainly the C30 dually has a different style caliper and mounting. The single wheel might be the same, just can't say for sure.

[jonzcustomshop]

I will have to look into a dropped c20 73-87 spindle... if it is not available
I will go with the 1/2 ton setup