Need heavier truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Lug · 05-12-2004, 12:44 PM

I have this posted on the engine & drivetrain board. It was suggested that I post it over here. Since I don't know how to move the origonal the question is asked twice. Sorry.

I have a 67 CST K10 and have need of either a heavy 3/4 ton or 1 ton. I am wondering if it is possible to swap out the axles and springs for the 3/4 or 1 ton. As the drought continues I am considering putting a together a tank and pump on it in case the fire season gets to close for comfort. Also maybe install a dump bed to use around the green house and gardens for moving dirt and "fertilizer". Figured converting might be as easy and cheap as trying to find something similar. Will these be a doable swap? What years of axles fit under the 67?

Justin

**JIMs70GMC** · 05-12-2004, 08:19 PM

Look for 71 to 86(91 blazer/sub) the 3/4 ton front (8 lug) will be a dana 44 or the "10 bolt" for the rear a 71/72 3/4 ton would bolt right in. 73 and up there might be some spring perch issues and/or shock mount relocating to be done.
You may have to shorten your rear driveshaft. No rear lift springs available.

**kwmech** · 05-13-2004, 12:51 AM

You will not be able to haul much water on that frame at almost 8lbs to a gallon. In a fire 2-300 gallons of water wont do much. Buy a REAL water truck if that is your goal. You can however swap 3/4 or 1 tons axles without too much of a problem.

Lug · 05-13-2004, 02:06 PM

Not after a "real" fire truck, just an initial attack sort of rig. Something with 300 gallons would be enough to take care of smoker caused highway fires and close by lightning strikes. Anything bigger than that and I plan on backburning the neighbors pasture, loading up the family and guns and head out. Besides sometimes it is a better use of water in a small grassland fire situation to use soaked burlap sacks or soaked up staw brooms to beat the fire out. This is an old prairie settler technique. If you live in an area that has a fire problem it doesn't take much room in your rig to carry 5 gal. of water and a burlap sack. Works great to stop a cigarette fire alongside the highway.

Most of the wildland fire trucks around here appear to be 4x4 tonners, either srw or drw. A friend of mine at work is on a volunteer fire crew and they have 2 HMMRS with tanks. I am wondering if a set of axles out of an old army 5/4 ton Chevy pickup would fit?
Justin

05-12-2004, 12:44 PM	#1
Lug Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Roundup, MT Posts: 31	Need heavier truck I have this posted on the engine & drivetrain board. It was suggested that I post it over here. Since I don't know how to move the origonal the question is asked twice. Sorry. I have a 67 CST K10 and have need of either a heavy 3/4 ton or 1 ton. I am wondering if it is possible to swap out the axles and springs for the 3/4 or 1 ton. As the drought continues I am considering putting a together a tank and pump on it in case the fire season gets to close for comfort. Also maybe install a dump bed to use around the green house and gardens for moving dirt and "fertilizer". Figured converting might be as easy and cheap as trying to find something similar. Will these be a doable swap? What years of axles fit under the 67? Justin

05-12-2004, 08:19 PM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Look for 71 to 86(91 blazer/sub) the 3/4 ton front (8 lug) will be a dana 44 or the "10 bolt" for the rear a 71/72 3/4 ton would bolt right in. 73 and up there might be some spring perch issues and/or shock mount relocating to be done. You may have to shorten your rear driveshaft. No rear lift springs available. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

05-13-2004, 12:51 AM	#3
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,628	You will not be able to haul much water on that frame at almost 8lbs to a gallon. In a fire 2-300 gallons of water wont do much. Buy a REAL water truck if that is your goal. You can however swap 3/4 or 1 tons axles without too much of a problem.

05-13-2004, 02:06 PM	#4
Lug Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Roundup, MT Posts: 31	Not after a "real" fire truck, just an initial attack sort of rig. Something with 300 gallons would be enough to take care of smoker caused highway fires and close by lightning strikes. Anything bigger than that and I plan on backburning the neighbors pasture, loading up the family and guns and head out. Besides sometimes it is a better use of water in a small grassland fire situation to use soaked burlap sacks or soaked up staw brooms to beat the fire out. This is an old prairie settler technique. If you live in an area that has a fire problem it doesn't take much room in your rig to carry 5 gal. of water and a burlap sack. Works great to stop a cigarette fire alongside the highway. Most of the wildland fire trucks around here appear to be 4x4 tonners, either srw or drw. A friend of mine at work is on a volunteer fire crew and they have 2 HMMRS with tanks. I am wondering if a set of axles out of an old army 5/4 ton Chevy pickup would fit? Justin



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