Help! 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton conversion

[SquareBodyStallion]

Hi guys, I’m relatively new to this whole forum thing. I’ve got a 1982 Chevy c10 with the optional 6.2 diesel. I recently bought a beefer version of the stock motor with a old style banks sidewinder kit. The truck is lowered with cut coils in the front and a flip kit in the rear. Ima high school kid looking to get my truck done before college so buying used parts instead of new is always on my mind. I love/hate the half ton suspension as I would like to be able to throw some stuff in the back but at the same time I want it to ride decent unloaded. I also want to run the new wheels Detroit steel cane out with which are the 8-lug style 20x8 smoothie wheel. Ultimately my thoughts were to change the front spindles and rotors along with the 1 piston calipers to a 3/4 ton pattern and 2 piston calipers, and then just swap the rear axle for a semi or full floater and then do an Air lift 5000 series for a leveling kit in the rear to maintain the 1/2 ride unloaded and then have the 3/4 loading capability when I need it. I dont pull anything crazy, it would be nice to load it down with stuff and just use it for truck stuff. Any and all info you guys have would be awesome! Thanks a ton in advance!

[D13]

1/2 and 3/4 frames are not the same strength.
Since you have the 6.2 it probably has the big brakes, check the brake code on the SPID in the glove box. It also will have the heavy half spring package. Light 3/4 parts will not gain you much capacity, and after that the frame is the issue.

If by 'stuff' if you just mean 'stuff', run it as is. If by stuff you mean 4000# of cement, you need more frame.

3/4 stuff isn't cheap. Seems like a lot of $$ to get to a ceratin type of wheel. You might look to see if something similar is available on a 5 bolt pattern (I bet there is..)

[Dead Parrot]

Max total weight is set by that GVWR plate in the driver's doorway. If you have any combo of truck, passengers, fuel, and stuff in the back that causes the TOTAL weight to exceed that number, your ass is crap if you get stopped and the LEO thinks to check weight. Same if you are in an accident, even if not your fault. If the resulting investigation reveals you being overweight, you are screwed.

Adding a 3/4 ton axle to a 1/2 ton truck doesn't create a 3/4 ton truck. Ironically, you will likely LOWER your Legal cargo capacity as the 3/4 axle + suspension + tires will be heavier then the 1/2 ton parts. Plus you still have the 1/2 ton frame.

Before you spend anymore money, check the GVWR plate then have your truck weighed with you in it and fuel tanks full. GVWR - truck weight = legal cargo capacity. Keep in mind your 300lb buddy counts as cargo.

At least you are considering the stopping issue. A lot of folks don't.

If you have the stock bench seat especially the low trim bounce-o'matic version, you can get a lot better ride by switching out to bucket seats. Lots of threads here on the subject.

[SquareBodyStallion]

Do bucket seats really make that much of a difference? I’ve looked into it, and if I’m going to change my seating I was planning on going with a buddy seat style out of an older style c10. So how much of a difference would swapping the 1/2 suspension to 3/4 be realistically? I’m starting to realize the amount of swapping probably wouldn’t be worth it, but just for ****s and giggles, what would it really change? And would it just be worth it to swap the rear leafs for a set of 3/4 ton springs instead of the 1/2 ton leafs?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by SquareBodyStallion

Do bucket seats really make that much of a difference? I’ve looked into it, and if I’m going to change my seating I was planning on going with a buddy seat style out of an older style c10. So how much of a difference would swapping the 1/2 suspension to 3/4 be realistically? I’m starting to realize the amount of swapping probably wouldn’t be worth it, but just for ****s and giggles, what would it really change? And would it just be worth it to swap the rear leafs for a set of 3/4 ton springs instead of the 1/2 ton leafs?

Seating position & comfort is subjective. What's comfortable to a </=180lb/5'10" person prob won't feel the same to a >180lb/6' person. You have to find seats that YOU find comfortable based off of input/recommendations from others & testing.

Originally Posted by SquareBodyStallion

The truck is lowered with cut coils in the front and a flip kit in the rear. Ima high school kid looking to get my truck done before college so buying used parts instead of new is always on my mind. I love/hate the half ton suspension as I would like to be able to throw some stuff in the back but at the same time I want it to ride decent unloaded.

A 3/4 ton suspension is not going to ride as good as a 1/2 ton set-up; especially when lowered. You can stick w/your current & paid for set-up & add some air bags to the rear (AOL set-up) to manage any additional capacity needs.

Originally Posted by SquareBodyStallion

Ultimately my thoughts were to change the front spindles and rotors along with the 1 piston calipers to a 3/4 ton pattern and 2 piston calipers, and then just swap the rear axle for a semi or full floater

You can upgrade your 1/2 ton brakes w/dual piston calipers & better rotors/pads or be even more aggressive if you go to larger diameter wheels (larger diameter rotors). A GM 12bolt will handle most typical loads & have HD brake options from GM as well as aftermarket support (disc swap kits). You'll have to research what's adaptable & if it's actually any better vs what you already have.

Originally Posted by SquareBodyStallion

I also want to run the new wheels Detroit steel cane out with which are the 8-lug style 20x8 smoothie wheel.

The Detroit Steel Smoothie comes in 5, 6, & 8-lug options. You already have the right bolt pattern for the 5-lugs w/o the need to swap to the 8-lug parts.

[Tom]

Just adding helper air bags in the rear will keep the ride and add more capacity then the truck is rated to handle for weight in the bed. Doesn't help with your wanting the 8 lugs rims I know.