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Old 01-07-2012, 02:34 PM   #1
tc4x4
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So converting to a half ton.

So i can get a hold a 12 bolt axle cheap here in town, and i know that that is just a matter of swapping the rear axles to make it a half ton in the rear end, and also removing some leaf springs, but are the differences in my 2wd front end and a half ton 2wd front end. What would i need to change out to make it a "half ton" front end?

Once its a half ton, i have a lot more options i can do to it.

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Old 01-07-2012, 04:41 PM   #2
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Converting a 1 ton to a 1/2 ton.

Ok reading around, i can just unbolt my entire front end, and bolt in a 12 ton front end right in its place. And then i can just bolt i a half ton axle, and take out some springs, once i do both of these, im assuming i will have a lot more options to choose from with lowering kits.

What im saying about the front bolting in and changing the rear axle out, does all this sound correct?

When i unbolt the front end, what happens with the engine? Will it have to be supported because i appears that the engine mounts are tied in to the front end?

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Old 01-07-2012, 09:04 PM   #3
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Re: So converting to a half ton.

You can change out the entire front crossmember or just the lower control arms spindals and springs.

What you are saying is correct.
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Old 01-07-2012, 09:19 PM   #4
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Re: So converting to a half ton.

x2 "You can change out the entire front crossmember or just the lower control arms spindals and springs.

What you are saying is correct."
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Old 01-07-2012, 09:42 PM   #5
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Re: So converting to a half ton.

Ok can someone point me to some websites where i can buy a lower control arm, spindal, and new springs.

I want to drop this so i dont want to buy stock parts. Also I don't really know how much i want do drop it, how much have you guys lowered your rigs, and if you have pics of what it looks like post them up.

Also what do i need to have 5 lugs nuts instead of 8.
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Old 01-08-2012, 08:03 PM   #6
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Re: So converting to a half ton.

check this thread out, see if this helps
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=286975
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Old 01-08-2012, 08:41 PM   #7
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Re: So converting to a half ton.

(regarding the previous post)

So can i order the LMC 2 inch drop for a 3/4 ton even though mine is a 1 ton. LMC does not sell anything for one tons, but a lot is the same. Does anyone know if the 3/4 ton 2 inch drop springs fit on my truck?

Also if i get the 2 inch drop springs, plus a 3 inch drop spindle from westernchassisinc.com, will they work together thus adding a total 5 inch drop to the front.

Thinking ahead, is 5 inch drop way to much for a front? What will need to be modified? Will the tires rub when i turn?
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Old 01-08-2012, 09:29 PM   #8
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Re: So converting to a half ton.

Ok now that i have read the entire link that was posted two posts above this, im strongly considering keeping it a 8 lug now. I like easiness of the idea of putting LMC 2 inch drop springs in the front and probably cutting a coil out of them that was its 4 inch drop in the front, and i would probably drop the rear end 5 inches also.

Just a side question, the term "rake" does that mean the rear end of the truck is higher?
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Old 01-08-2012, 09:43 PM   #9
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Keeping it a 1 ton, scraping the 1/2 ton idea and droping it.

Axle flip kit, should give me 5 inches lowered for the rear end.

http://www.gcustoms.com/7387-chevygm...4c1cf11a77ea63

2 inch drop springs for the front, cut out one coil should get me another 2 inch drop and trim the bump stop, should get me 4.5 inch drop.

http://lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=141

Does this sound like im on the right track. I'm pretty much doing it just like Charlsdur did.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=286975





One more question for the night, my wife wanted me to ask, couldn't i just cut a couple coils out of my stock coil springs up front and wouldn't that lower it about 4 inches? Instead of buying half ton springs?
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