1/2 & 3/4 diffs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Boog** · 12-20-2008, 10:58 AM

While looking over some of these pics I got to wondering just what are the differences between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks.
Frames
Springs
Brakes
and so forth.

**special-K** · 12-20-2008, 11:10 AM

Same frame with heavier springs,brakes,and wheel bearings.The rear axles are bigger and full-floating.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 12-20-2008, 12:20 PM

Also wheels,lower ball joints,control arms (I think),plus 3/4 longhorns = stronger frame.
I think the front springs are the same.

MrGoodpliers · 12-20-2008, 12:42 PM

Aside from all of the obvious suspension stuff, the rear cab mounts on the 3/4 are thicker, thus placing the brackets lower on the frame.

Tx Firefighter · 12-20-2008, 05:10 PM

Frames are somewhat different.

**Boog** · 12-20-2008, 09:06 PM

The 3/4 should have beefier spindles, tierod linkage and sway bars wouldn't it? And I believe the brake shoes are about 1/2" wider than standard 1/2 ton shoes.
The 3/4 is actually better suited for towing and hauling. I just don't know if I'd like driving one everyday, ridewise.
I have seen some owners buy the 3/4 then swap in the 1/2 ton suspension for wheel choices and drop kits but that just makes them 1/2 tons then.
Are the custom wheel choices pretty slim for the 8 lug trucks?

Camper Power · 12-20-2008, 09:13 PM

i believe the 3/4 have befier springs and brakes all around, heavier control arms, and bigger axels. for the rims you cant really get street like rims, but there are some pretty nice off road rims that i wouldnt hesitate to buy.

jorgensensc · 12-20-2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

The 3/4 should have beefier spindles, tierod linkage and sway bars wouldn't it? And I believe the brake shoes are about 1/2" wider than standard 1/2 ton shoes.
The 3/4 is actually better suited for towing and hauling. I just don't know if I'd like driving one everyday, ridewise.
I have seen some owners buy the 3/4 then swap in the 1/2 ton suspension for wheel choices and drop kits but that just makes them 1/2 tons then.
Are the custom wheel choices pretty slim for the 8 lug trucks?

THe wheel choice for vintage looking 8 lugs is slim. Unless you are going for slots, vectors, stock steel wheels, wagon wheels, or centerlines. Everything else is made for the newer 8 lug vehicles, so they are a little Blingy. They don't have the same vintage feel that Torque thrusts or Hopsters do. We have a 3/4 ton '72 Burb that will be my wifes daily driver soon. It took us awhile to find new wheels that we felt kinda felt right. they were Dick Cepeks. They are close to what we want, but still not exactly right. I am installing air bags to elp with the suspension harshness issues. It will be well suited for towing though.
Don't forget the disc brakes up front are bigger also.
Shawn

12-20-2008, 10:58 AM	#1
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,535	1/2 & 3/4 diffs While looking over some of these pics I got to wondering just what are the differences between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks. Frames Springs Brakes and so forth. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

12-20-2008, 11:10 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: 1/2 & 3/4 diffs Same frame with heavier springs,brakes,and wheel bearings.The rear axles are bigger and full-floating. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-20-2008, 12:20 PM	#3
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,886	Re: 1/2 & 3/4 diffs Also wheels,lower ball joints,control arms (I think),plus 3/4 longhorns = stronger frame. I think the front springs are the same. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Last edited by WorkinLonghorn; 12-20-2008 at 12:21 PM.

12-20-2008, 12:42 PM	#4
MrGoodpliers Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Gainesville, Georgia Posts: 704	Re: 1/2 & 3/4 diffs Aside from all of the obvious suspension stuff, the rear cab mounts on the 3/4 are thicker, thus placing the brackets lower on the frame. __________________ We made Oklahoma a little after 3, Randy & his brother Bob & my old GMC...

12-20-2008, 05:10 PM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: 1/2 & 3/4 diffs Frames are somewhat different. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-20-2008, 09:06 PM	#6
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,535	Re: 1/2 & 3/4 diffs The 3/4 should have beefier spindles, tierod linkage and sway bars wouldn't it? And I believe the brake shoes are about 1/2" wider than standard 1/2 ton shoes. The 3/4 is actually better suited for towing and hauling. I just don't know if I'd like driving one everyday, ridewise. I have seen some owners buy the 3/4 then swap in the 1/2 ton suspension for wheel choices and drop kits but that just makes them 1/2 tons then. Are the custom wheel choices pretty slim for the 8 lug trucks? __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

12-20-2008, 09:13 PM	#7
Camper Power Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Grande Prairie Alberta Posts: 261	Re: 1/2 & 3/4 diffs i believe the 3/4 have befier springs and brakes all around, heavier control arms, and bigger axels. for the rims you cant really get street like rims, but there are some pretty nice off road rims that i wouldnt hesitate to buy. __________________ eh 1970 Chevy C20 daily driver 1975 GMC Jimmy 4x4 project 1966 GMC C10 Dad's project



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