A couple questions about frames - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sailed2japan · 11-19-2009, 09:19 PM

What are the differences between a 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton frame? I've been told that a 3/4 is the same as a 1/2 by on person and the same as a 1 ton by another. Just trying to get this right.

Also wondering if a suburban tank will fit behind the axle on a short bed?

b454rat · 11-19-2009, 09:23 PM

1/2 and 3/4 ton frames are the same, 1 ton are by themselves. 1 tons are thicker and aboot 2" taller. If you ever noticed a STOCK 1/2 and 1 ton next to each other, the 1 ton sits higher.

sailed2japan · 11-19-2009, 09:36 PM

Awesome, now I know I want a 1 ton frame if I rebuild my truck. I really want to put together a ccswb, though.

Desert1957 · 11-21-2009, 10:18 AM

Guys,
I have see this question alot on this forum and I agree , but here is something to think about. I own two trucks. 87 1/2 and an 83 3/4 , when I measure the frame thickness on the 83 its between .040 and .050 thicker everywhere.
only difference is the 83 has the camper special option and a stick shift. I'm guessing the frame is beefier because of this. Every hole , bracket , and bend are the same on both frames.

Any input on this would be appreciated....

Desert

68 TT · 11-21-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert1957

Guys,
I have see this question alot on this forum and I agree , but here is something to think about. I own two trucks. 87 1/2 and an 83 3/4 , when I measure the frame thickness on the 83 its between .040 and .050 thicker everywhere.
only difference is the 83 has the camper special option and a stick shift. I'm guessing the frame is beefier because of this. Every hole , bracket , and bend are the same on both frames.

Any input on this would be appreciated....

Desert

How thick is the steel of the two frames?

Desert1957 · 11-22-2009, 07:56 PM

Here are the measurements , I checked both my trucks at the front radiator support , the trans crossmember area , and the rear frame by the shock mount.

87 1/2 - .165
83 3/4 - .235

same frame lenth, width , and all the same bends and mounting holes?
Any body have a clue why there is a difference?

As stated before the 3/4 has a "Camper Special" option, and is a Silverado , the 87 is a 1/2 "Custom Deluxe"

Desert

TravisMartin · 11-22-2009, 10:50 PM

I've measured too; I find 3/4 ton frames are heavier than 1/2 ton frames. They look the same, but I'm pretty sure they aren't.

Travis

68 TT · 11-23-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert1957

Here are the measurements , I checked both my trucks at the front radiator support , the trans crossmember area , and the rear frame by the shock mount.

87 1/2 - .165
83 3/4 - .235

same frame lenth, width , and all the same bends and mounting holes?
Any body have a clue why there is a difference?

As stated before the 3/4 has a "Camper Special" option, and is a Silverado , the 87 is a 1/2 "Custom Deluxe"

Desert

Thicker metal in the top & bottom flanges make the frame able to handle more load without bending. Structurally the sides are pretty much just place holders to keep the flanges in place and contributes a small amount to the bending strength of the frame, think I-beam. Boxing gives torsional strength and a small amount of bending strength.

sailed2japan · 11-24-2009, 03:57 PM

Awesome info guys I really appreciate it. I pulled this thread back up just in time. I have been trying to find a 1 ton chassis, but haven't had any luck. i was about to go out and just grab a 1/2 or 3/4. Now I'm staying away from the 1/2.

Who's got an extra frame laying around?

sailed2japan · 11-24-2009, 04:22 PM

I came up with another question. how would one go about putting a regular axle under a cab and chassis? Is it as simple as changing the spring hangars?

TravisMartin · 11-24-2009, 07:27 PM

Got a rolling chassis but it's a single cab LWB; will that do you any good?

sailed2japan · 11-24-2009, 08:12 PM

Shot you a pm.

KQQL IT · 11-24-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailed2japan

I came up with another question. how would one go about putting a regular axle under a cab and chassis? Is it as simple as changing the spring hangars?

I believe the spring hangers are the same. The Ubolts may be differnt tho

11-19-2009, 09:19 PM	#1
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	A couple questions about frames What are the differences between a 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton frame? I've been told that a 3/4 is the same as a 1/2 by on person and the same as a 1 ton by another. Just trying to get this right. Also wondering if a suburban tank will fit behind the axle on a short bed? __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-19-2009, 09:23 PM	#2
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,469	Re: A couple questions about frames 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames are the same, 1 ton are by themselves. 1 tons are thicker and aboot 2" taller. If you ever noticed a STOCK 1/2 and 1 ton next to each other, the 1 ton sits higher. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 4” SAS 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 6" SAS

11-19-2009, 09:36 PM	#3
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: A couple questions about frames Awesome, now I know I want a 1 ton frame if I rebuild my truck. I really want to put together a ccswb, though. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-21-2009, 10:18 AM	#4
Desert1957 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Freedom Pa. Posts: 1,335	Re: A couple questions about frames Guys, I have see this question alot on this forum and I agree , but here is something to think about. I own two trucks. 87 1/2 and an 83 3/4 , when I measure the frame thickness on the 83 its between .040 and .050 thicker everywhere. only difference is the 83 has the camper special option and a stick shift. I'm guessing the frame is beefier because of this. Every hole , bracket , and bend are the same on both frames. Any input on this would be appreciated.... Desert

11-22-2009, 07:56 PM	#6
Desert1957 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Freedom Pa. Posts: 1,335	Re: A couple questions about frames Here are the measurements , I checked both my trucks at the front radiator support , the trans crossmember area , and the rear frame by the shock mount. 87 1/2 - .165 83 3/4 - .235 same frame lenth, width , and all the same bends and mounting holes? Any body have a clue why there is a difference? As stated before the 3/4 has a "Camper Special" option, and is a Silverado , the 87 is a 1/2 "Custom Deluxe" Desert

11-22-2009, 10:50 PM	#7
TravisMartin Curmudgeon of Poor Means Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 113	Re: A couple questions about frames I've measured too; I find 3/4 ton frames are heavier than 1/2 ton frames. They look the same, but I'm pretty sure they aren't. Travis

11-24-2009, 03:57 PM	#9
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: A couple questions about frames Awesome info guys I really appreciate it. I pulled this thread back up just in time. I have been trying to find a 1 ton chassis, but haven't had any luck. i was about to go out and just grab a 1/2 or 3/4. Now I'm staying away from the 1/2. Who's got an extra frame laying around? __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-24-2009, 04:22 PM	#10
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: A couple questions about frames I came up with another question. how would one go about putting a regular axle under a cab and chassis? Is it as simple as changing the spring hangars? __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-24-2009, 07:27 PM	#11
TravisMartin Curmudgeon of Poor Means Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 113	Re: A couple questions about frames Got a rolling chassis but it's a single cab LWB; will that do you any good?

11-24-2009, 08:12 PM	#12
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: A couple questions about frames Shot you a pm. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR



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