1/2 ton to 3/4 ton questions

[1972]

I want to convert my 1/2 ton C10 to a 3/4 ton C20.

Will an Eaton (10 bolt?, it has the gears that come out the front and a bolt on rear cover w/ fill plug) swap in place of my 5 lug 1/2 ton axle? Is the u-bolt spacing in the control arms the same? Will my 1/2 ton panhard work with the eaton?

Will 3/4 ton ball joints work in my 1/2 ton a-arms or will I need 3/4 ton a-arms? Will '73 to '87 spindles work with my '72 1/2 ton control arms?

Would it be better to just sell the 1/2 ton and buy a 3/4 ton?

[Fred T]

Originally Posted by 1972

Would it be better to just sell the 1/2 ton and buy a 3/4 ton?

Yes.. To do what you want you need to swap out the front suspension and the rear differential. And there are a lot of 3/4 tons out there that are begging for an owner.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Even if you use the 3/4 ton suspension your frame is still a half ton frame, not the beefed up frame that came with C20s or C30s. It's easier to just buy a C20 than convert to one. Yeah you could do it but it would take a lot of time and $$$, especially if you have to chase the parts around. Also if you swap out the spindles from a 73-87 3/4 ton it will give you a lift in the front, which is a good thing. I wanted to do that but I also wanted to keep the stock front suspension. Has anybody done this swap with newer front running gear? If so how's the ride?