How much difference between 3/4 and 1 ton frames

[rs74]

I am thinking about building a one ton dually 4x4. Naturally I am thinking of looking for a 3/4 ton 4x4 frame since it would be the easiest to do. I think. But on the other hand would the C30 frames be built stronger. I have a title less 84 K30 that I am going to take out the Dana and the 14 bolt rear use. The 80's model one ton frames are a couple inches taller I think over the 3/4 ton frames.

If I were to use a 3/4 ton frame would I really lose that much in hauling capacity.

[SS Tim]

The later frame is not a direct swap. Most people doing a K30 convert the existing frame. As to the frames this will probably help.

C Blazer
C10 115
C10 127 6.04" height 2.53" flange width 0.156" thick 2.98 section modulus

C20 127 6.11" height 2.46" flange width 0.194" thick 3.71 section modulus

C20/30 133 (Longhorns) 7.20" height 2.77" flange width 0.194" thick 5.05 section modulus

C30 157 8.18" height 2.97" flange width 0.224" thick 7.29 section modulus


K Blazer
K10 115 6.02" height 2.71" flange width 0.141" thick 2.70 section modulus

K10 127
K20 127 6.09" height 2.75" flange width 0.186" thick 3.48 section modulus

[rs74]

Yeah i was just thinking of using the 67-72 frame and the 84 front and rear axle/suspensions. Just not sure which way to go towards yet. Either go with the 4x4 or convert a C30. I don't plan on using it everyday for heavy hauling but if I wanted to haul a load of rock or something I would want to make sure the 3/4 ton frame could handle it if that is the route I chose.

[gerfunken]

I guess a lot of it is what do you want to do on the back-end of the truck? The -30 is substantially longer than any of the K series trucks, so there's not a matching bed that you can just drop on it.

Not to say it couldn't be done... lots of guys have turned a long bed into a short bed... but I've never seen anyone lengthen a longhorn bed into a, ummm.... ultra-long-long bed? Looks like you'll need an extension....


Unless, of course, you decide to cut the frame...

[rs74]

I was thinking more along the lines of a flatbed whether it is on a 3/4 ton frame or a one ton. I don't plan on using it full time. I am getting rid of my 03 2500HD 4x4 crew and I just need a good ol heavy truck to do my hauling with. I also want something different and there don't seem to be to many people that have a 4x4 dually in the years between 60-72.