3/4 ton & 1 ton frame differences?

[JTK20]

What, if any, are the differences between the 3/4 ton and 1 ton frames in the 73-87 trucks? I'm looking at getting a 3/4 ton frame with a 350 engine, SM465 transmission, NP208 t-case, axles, and wheels (all with 87k original miles) for $475. Frame is straight and any heavy rust has been removed. I want it to do a heavy diesel build (Cummins, Detroit, or IH) and will swap out the axles for 14 bolt ff rear and Dana 60 front. However, if the frame is heavier on the 1 ton then I'd rather hold out for that. Also, does $475 sound like a good deal for all that?

[manimal]

I have a 1 ton 4x4 gmc-1979. The frame is quite a bit bigger than a 3/4.If I not mistaken the 1/2t and the 3/4t share the same frame. The price isnt too bad as long as its a complete rolling chassis. I found my truck-drivable for 1800. I may also be getting a crewcab 1ton srw 4x4 with a 6.2 deisel for 350.00.

[JTK20]

Well, dangit, I'm all backwards. I thought the 3/4 ton and 1 ton shared the same frame and the 1/2 ton was smaller. Now I feel bad because I told the guy I'd buy his frame and now I have to back out on it because it's not what I want, and I don't feel like parting it out. It is a complete rolling chassis, also has front and rear bumpers, grill, and a grill guard. Oh well. Hopefully he can get a hold of the other guy who wanted it and sell it to him. Man I'm gonna feel like a jackass when I make that phone call tomorrow...

[Cadillac_Don]

There Are A Heavy Duty 8600 # Option 3/4 Frame and then the regular 7200#

[72C203503ONTHETREE]

My 76 3/4 ton 4X4 must have been the heavier duty frame, it had the SM465, NP 205 transfer, heavy duty front Dana 44, and the 14 bolt full floater rear along with no emmisions crap. I was thinking about swapping 3/4 ton suspension and rear into my 73 half ton to.

[edman87]

1/2 and 3/4 ton have less in common than 3/4 and 1 ton. I don't know for sure, but the heavy 3/4 and the 1 ton are same. the light 3/4 is closer to a half ton but still beefier. I might be wrong on this, but do knoe the heavy gvwr 3/4 ton is very stout and would be great for a heavy buildup and is much thicker and has taller channels than a half.

[89 crew]

It also depends on the year. the 74 3/4 ton's have a much bigger frame than the 82 3/4 ton. If you want a heavy frame find a 40, 50, or 60 series truck and add the lighter parts to it. if you choose the right one it will already have the mounts for the big diesel in place.

[magnethead]

My 10,000 pound 1 ton frame has something like 8" tall frame rails i thinketh?????

[JTK20]

Originally Posted by 89 crew

It also depends on the year. the 74 3/4 ton's have a much bigger frame than the 82 3/4 ton. If you want a heavy frame find a 40, 50, or 60 series truck and add the lighter parts to it. if you choose the right one it will already have the mounts for the big diesel in place.

Could you put a 10, 20, or 30 series body on a 40, 50, or 60 series frame without doing a lot of fabrication?