Difference in 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton Spindles - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WB72 · 06-17-2003, 09:55 AM

I would like to lower my 1972 3/4 ton 3 - 4", but I would like to keep my 8 bolt pattern.

Will the 1/2 ton spindles hold 3/4 ton rotors? (I will not be using this as a 3/4 ton truck any more, just a grocery getter)

I thought that someone posted there is a way to do this by changing ball joints to different year (73 up). Is there any truth to this?

I would like to be able to find out from someone who has access to both spindles. to measure the spindle part.

If the axle part is different dimentions, would it be possible buy different bearings and races for this application? Someone in the bearing busness may be able to check this out if I could get the dimentions.

Thanks for your help.

crazy4chevs · 06-17-2003, 11:12 AM

I dont think you can use 1/2 ton spindles. ECE sells 3/4 ton spindles, with a 2.5 drop or without.

**COBALT** · 06-17-2003, 12:22 PM

This is just sort of a guess but I think you'll have to:

1. Convert to 3/4 ton lower control arms.
2. Convert to 3/4 ton lower ball joints.
3. Convert to 3/4 ton upper ball joints.

I know for a fact that the ball joints aren't as strong in the 1/2 ton for obvious reasons. Since the lower control arms are a press fit the lower control arms will have to be swapped to accomodate the heavier ball joint. They should bolt up to the cross member the same way as the 1/2 ton though (center bars? Any issues with those? What about the U bolts?). Also, from what I understand the upper control arms are "iffy". I've heard both that you must swap them, and you can get away with not swapping them. I think it depends on whether or not the upper ball joint will bolt in. I assume it will.

From there you'll have to verify the tie rods and drag link are the right diameter and taper from 1/2 ton to 3/4. I thought they were thicker, but I could be wrong.

Finally, check the differences between the pitman and idler. I doubt there's a difference with those, but again I could be el-wrong-o.

Your best bet will probably be swapping in a 3/4 ton front suspension wholesale from either a newer model, or from a 3/4 ton '72.

Good luck.

crazy longhorn · 06-17-2003, 01:38 PM

you can swap 1/2 ton pcs onto your 3/4 ton truck, but then you have 5 lug wheels on 1 end. I dont think I would try to adapt the 3/4 ton rotors to the 1/2 ton spindles. Dropped spindles are available for the 3/4 ton trucks, but they are a little pricey as compaired to the 1/2 ton pcs. If you want to swap to 1/2 ton(5 lug wheels), I have done this, just drop a PM, & i can get you started in the right direction. Good luck, crazyL

WB72 · 06-18-2003, 01:22 AM

I would like to know if anyone in Canada has ordered the spindles from ECE, what would the Tax and Duty be on them. as well as the price of the spindle. I am on a budget, and if they arre too much, the truck may stay the stock hieght.

special70gmc · 06-18-2003, 07:18 AM

www.classicperform.com just installed em

slam33 · 06-18-2003, 09:44 AM

Just get the 3/4 ton drop spindles. the car and truck shop has them in there cataloge

Andrew68c10 · 06-18-2003, 10:06 AM

Hey SPECIAL70--

Do you know anything about tire size and clearance. I'll be doing the same thing. Need to know.

special70gmc · 06-18-2003, 10:35 AM

not yet still a frame but i got the 2.5 drop spindals/2'' drop springs and a home made flip kit in the back 4.5/6 to my measurements so im gonna ask what the 4/6 guys are running on there half tons. heres a pic of it now -kyle

06-17-2003, 09:55 AM	#1
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	Difference in 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton Spindles I would like to lower my 1972 3/4 ton 3 - 4", but I would like to keep my 8 bolt pattern. Will the 1/2 ton spindles hold 3/4 ton rotors? (I will not be using this as a 3/4 ton truck any more, just a grocery getter) I thought that someone posted there is a way to do this by changing ball joints to different year (73 up). Is there any truth to this? I would like to be able to find out from someone who has access to both spindles. to measure the spindle part. If the axle part is different dimentions, would it be possible buy different bearings and races for this application? Someone in the bearing busness may be able to check this out if I could get the dimentions. Thanks for your help. __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

06-17-2003, 11:12 AM	#2
crazy4chevs Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Des Moines WA. (Kent, area) Posts: 668	I dont think you can use 1/2 ton spindles. ECE sells 3/4 ton spindles, with a 2.5 drop or without. __________________ 70 chev c10 swb fleet 72 grill, sb 400, 2/4 drop. 68 chev c10 swb fleet Early classic 4/6 drop with 4wheel disc brakes 9"rear 67-8 buckets tilt and A/C Classic GM Truck Club of Washington .

06-17-2003, 12:22 PM	#3
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	This is just sort of a guess but I think you'll have to: 1. Convert to 3/4 ton lower control arms. 2. Convert to 3/4 ton lower ball joints. 3. Convert to 3/4 ton upper ball joints. I know for a fact that the ball joints aren't as strong in the 1/2 ton for obvious reasons. Since the lower control arms are a press fit the lower control arms will have to be swapped to accomodate the heavier ball joint. They should bolt up to the cross member the same way as the 1/2 ton though (center bars? Any issues with those? What about the U bolts?). Also, from what I understand the upper control arms are "iffy". I've heard both that you must swap them, and you can get away with not swapping them. I think it depends on whether or not the upper ball joint will bolt in. I assume it will. From there you'll have to verify the tie rods and drag link are the right diameter and taper from 1/2 ton to 3/4. I thought they were thicker, but I could be wrong. Finally, check the differences between the pitman and idler. I doubt there's a difference with those, but again I could be el-wrong-o. Your best bet will probably be swapping in a 3/4 ton front suspension wholesale from either a newer model, or from a 3/4 ton '72. Good luck. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

06-17-2003, 01:38 PM	#4
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	you can swap 1/2 ton pcs onto your 3/4 ton truck, but then you have 5 lug wheels on 1 end. I dont think I would try to adapt the 3/4 ton rotors to the 1/2 ton spindles. Dropped spindles are available for the 3/4 ton trucks, but they are a little pricey as compaired to the 1/2 ton pcs. If you want to swap to 1/2 ton(5 lug wheels), I have done this, just drop a PM, & i can get you started in the right direction. Good luck, crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

06-18-2003, 01:22 AM	#5
WB72 Before and After Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Leduc, Alberta CANADA Posts: 632	I would like to know if anyone in Canada has ordered the spindles from ECE, what would the Tax and Duty be on them. as well as the price of the spindle. I am on a budget, and if they arre too much, the truck may stay the stock hieght. __________________ Not Grandpa's C-20 anymore... 383 Stroker 425HP, 485Ft/Lbs Lowered 3.5" Front / 5" Rear 66,000 miles. Alberta, CANADA

06-18-2003, 07:18 AM	#6
special70gmc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: long island, new york Posts: 1,333	www.classicperform.com just installed em Attached Images __________________ 1986 c-10 swb 5/7 drop 20'' coys 1958 belair 2door

06-18-2003, 09:44 AM	#7
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	Just get the 3/4 ton drop spindles. the car and truck shop has them in there cataloge __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

06-18-2003, 10:06 AM	#8
Andrew68c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Paso Robles, CA Posts: 178	Hey SPECIAL70-- Do you know anything about tire size and clearance. I'll be doing the same thing. Need to know.

06-18-2003, 10:35 AM	#9
special70gmc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: long island, new york Posts: 1,333	not yet still a frame but i got the 2.5 drop spindals/2'' drop springs and a home made flip kit in the back 4.5/6 to my measurements so im gonna ask what the 4/6 guys are running on there half tons. heres a pic of it now -kyle Attached Images __________________ 1986 c-10 swb 5/7 drop 20'' coys 1958 belair 2door



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