3/4 ton springs on a 1/2 ton

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Are the 3/4 ton springs interchangable onto the 1/2 tons for a 72? I cant see any reason they shouldnt but wanted to double check. I'm thinking about this swap since my truck will see alott of towing after I get it rebuilt.

[70rs/ss]

yep, and it will make it ride rough. you will want to upgrade to th 3/4 ton suspension pieces other than just the springs.

[jacobs]

I replaced my 1/2 ton rear coil springs with heavy duty 3/4 ton coils. I also replaced my shocks with the 3/4 ton custon camper shocks which are valved 50/50. It made a BIG difference, espically if I was carrying any kind of load. It was a bolt on - no mods. I later converted it to 4x4 and threw out all the old parts - wish I hadn't thrown them out now. Btw, as a 4x4, it rides stiffer that 2x4 with 3/4 ton rear springs.

[Aarons72s]

I love the 3/4 ton HD springs on the rear of my o\green and white 72. It is a little rougher ride but then again if I wanted a smooth ride I would drive a car. Those springs sure can hall. I ahve loaded the back of my truck with scrap and had a trailer full of scrap and the truck was about leveled out when in this situation ( it usally has a good rake unloaded with the rear a bit higher than the front) and rides really nice when loaded. Hope this info helps you in your selection of springs.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Yep they'll work and it's a good idea if you're gonna be pulling trailers or hauling heavy stuff in the bed. The 3/4 springs make one heck of a difference. I've driven a '69 C10 and the ride was a lot better in it than my truck. Mine has HD front and rear coils and I put spacers in the rear springs. It has a good rake and the spacers stiffen the springs up so it takes more weight to compress 'em. I hauled scrap iron for the last three days and I had the truck loaded down till the springs couldn't compress any more. They held up good but the front end got lifted up from the weight in the back.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

How would these affect the ride height? do you think its better to replace front as well with 3/4? or keep it the 1/2 ton? I'll also be replacing the shocks, but not sure with what yet.

Main hauling uses of this truck will be 4wheelers in the bed (4-500 lbs) and pulling a 16 ft trailer with either 3 fourwheelers or my other truck on it.

[jacobs]

I'd start with just the rear. As I recall (it's only been over 30 years since I replaced mine) it raised the rear about 2-3 inches. I never replaced the front (until I installed 4x4 under it) and was very satisfied. The only problem I had was I had a tendancy to load it too much and too often and the loads kept wiping out axles and wheel bearings. 1/2 tons just won't take a steady diet of heavy loads - that's why 3/4 tons had full floating axles.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

well I am planning on replacing springs front and rear at the same time. You think its better to go back 1/2 ton for the front instead of swapping? I geuss I can see that, should give a better ride.

I dont think I'd want ti change just the rear whithout replacing the front...with the fatique from 35 years there might be a pretty good height difference

[mark69]

My C20 custom camper has the "Helper springs" that do not come into play until the bed is really loaded (ie the camper). Here is a crappy picture but you'll get the idea.

I would check that out so you can preserve the ride of your 1/2 ton and still have load/tow capacity when you need it.

Just my 2 cents.

[Aarons72s]

Look at my avatar. It is the truck with 3/4 ton hd springs on the rear and stock 1/2 ton springs in the front.

[gizmo1]

Many years ago I put air bags on my 66 sub ,front and back ,kept the ride nice and when I would race it in gymcanas I would air up the bags

[jacobs]

Originally Posted by Chris4x4Gill2

well I am planning on replacing springs front and rear at the same time. You think its better to go back 1/2 ton for the front instead of swapping? I geuss I can see that, should give a better ride.

I dont think I'd want ti change just the rear whithout replacing the front...with the fatique from 35 years there might be a pretty good height difference

Why not just replace the rears and see how you like it and then if you think you need to replace the fronts, go for it. If you decide you are satisified after just replacing the rears, you have saved the expense and time of changing out the fronts.

[dallas71]

not to steal the thread but JACOBS how did you do the 4x4 conversion????

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Originally Posted by jacobs

Why not just replace the rears and see how you like it and then if you think you need to replace the fronts, go for it. If you decide you are satisified after just replacing the rears, you have saved the expense and time of changing out the fronts.

true...I have considered that. It wont be much harder to do them later than now (motors out now)

[jacobs]

Originally Posted by dallas71

not to steal the thread but JACOBS how did you do the 4x4 conversion????

I used a rusted out 73 Blazer with a blown engine as a donor. I used the 73 transmission, transfer case, front differential, and rear differential. The engine in the 70 was left in it’s stock location compared to the factory 4x4 location although clearance between the front differential and the engine oil pan is tight. I welded the Blazer spring hangers onto the 70 frame and used the Blazer springs. The 73 4x4 front springs are longer than the 67-72 front springs but they fit ok. The 2 piece rear driveshaft was retained although shortened. The frame width is the same as the Blazer so there wasn’t any changes in spring perches. I removed the factory front crossmember and fabricated a new crossmember from scratch.

Would I do it again? Probably not, but I don’t regret doing it either.