Convert 3/4ton to 1/2ton??

[danpomeroy]

So, I bought a 69 GMC 3/4 ton. Got a heck of a deal and I was trying to figure out my plans.

Is it possible to convert the 3/4 ton to a half ton? I was thinking it would be as simple as changing out the suspension, rear axle, and front spindles.

I was wanting to do that anyhow but is there anything else I would be missing?

Thanks for any help.

[Jondotcom]

I almost bought a 3/4 ton as well. Since the 3/4 ton stuff is beefier (and often the rear end is a factory posi), my 1st question is why in the world would you want to go through that trouble?

If you are going to slam the truck, aftermarket front lowering spindles along with replacement springs would take care of the front (of course along with getting the correct hubs, bearings, etc).

Rear would entail rear end, springs, and driveshaft replacement afaik.

But that brings me back to why you'd bother? You can lower a 3/4 ton without making it frail.

[danpomeroy]

That's kinda my thought about the beefy part. I do want the better handling and wider wheel selection that the 1/2 ton would give me though.

[shelby987]

I say keep it 3/4t. This of course depends on your final plans for the truck, but there is a lot of aftermarket for 8 lug wheels these days, and there is something to be said about having a HD truck.
I guess if your plans are to slam it to the weeds, this doesn't really matter anyway, because the truck will never again see a heavy load or a car trailer....but I prefer the beefy stance of a HD suspension!

[danpomeroy]

I will drop it a little 3-4 inches and I already have a work truck. I want a nice truck that I can go fast, look good, and the price was right on this truck.