"Heavy half" front suspension

[62stepside longbox]

Hi there, I'm looking at buying a 78 gmc "heavy half" as a parts truck. Does anybody here know if the front suspension is the same as the regulator half ton? Also any other differences? Thanks

[SkinnyG]

As far as I know, it's one ton coils.

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by SkinnyG

As far as I know, it's one ton coils.

Thanks for the response, so the front crossmember should be the same? That is one of the main things I'm buying this parts truck for. I see your from B.C., I live in Kelowna.

[GM72K10]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=576988

[62stepside longbox]

Thanks for the link, one thing that wasn't clear is if the brakes are different. One guy in that thread said he thought they came with thicker rotors but couldn't say for sure. Any idea?

[SkinnyG]

Wow. I didn't even notice that - yes, I am in Kelowna.

I see you have a '62. When I finish up a couple of other car projects I want to restore a 64-66 as the truck I sail into retirement with.

My truck came with heavy leafs, and heavy brakes front and back. It is not a "Big 10," but I've since added the 1-ton coil springs (trimmed).

[slotard]

Originally Posted by 62stepside longbox

Thanks for the link, one thing that wasn't clear is if the brakes are different. One guy in that thread said he thought they came with thicker rotors but couldn't say for sure. Any idea?

I believe the heavier duty brakes were available with or without the Big 10 package. 1" thick vs 1.25" thick (I think).

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by slotard

I believe the heavier duty brakes were available with or without the Big 10 package. 1" thick vs 1.25" thick (I think).

Correct. 1" rotors were for manual brakes and the lightest duty power system (JB3).

Everything else got the 1.25" rotor.

K

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 62stepside longbox

Thanks for the response, so the front crossmember should be the same? That is one of the main things I'm buying this parts truck for. I see your from B.C., I live in Kelowna.

Yes - the front suspension crossmember and attachment to the frame are the same as any other 1/2 ton.

I recall there are three vertical bolts and three horizontal bolts per side, in the area of the motor mounts (fore/aft).

K

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by SkinnyG

Wow. I didn't even notice that - yes, I am in Kelowna.

I see you have a '62. When I finish up a couple of other car projects I want to restore a 64-66 as the truck I sail into retirement with.

My truck came with heavy leafs, and heavy brakes front and back. It is not a "Big 10," but I've since added the 1-ton coil springs (trimmed).

Thanks for the info. If you ever have any questions on 60-66 trucks when you get one just pm me.

[62stepside longbox]

Originally Posted by slotard

I believe the heavier duty brakes were available with or without the Big 10 package. 1" thick vs 1.25" thick (I think).

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Correct. 1" rotors were for manual brakes and the lightest duty power system (JB3).

Everything else got the 1.25" rotor.

K

Thank you both, I should be picking the truck up soon, just need to get the paperwork figured out.

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Yes - the front suspension crossmember and attachment to the frame are the same as any other 1/2 ton.

I recall there are three vertical bolts and three horizontal bolts per side, in the area of the motor mounts (fore/aft).

K

Thanks for the response. Looks like it'll work out well. I'm actually going to be using the front suspension, steering box and pump, rear end, wheels and power brake booster w/ master cyl all on my 62 c10