1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dan42 · 05-03-2008, 07:08 AM

Jeez, you still have snow??!!

Charlesdur · 05-03-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan42

Jeez, you still have snow??!!

83 on Wednesday and snow of Thursday... Colorado weather is nuts

Charlesdur · 05-06-2008, 12:49 AM

I went over a bump really fast the other day and now it is the full 5 inch rear drop. I will for sure need to have 20's in the rear and 18's of front to have a little rake.

manimal · 05-06-2008, 04:47 AM

Performance Online sells drop spindles for 3/4t trucks. One of the board members here did it. Looks AWESOME!
-Lance

**nightmare** · 05-06-2008, 05:22 AM

You may want to double check all the bolts, just to make sure that they are still tight. the 3.5" original drop may have had something in a bind that the speed bump jarred loose.

Still, looks good.

ed2552 · 05-06-2008, 05:37 AM

I may want to do this to my grandpa's truck, subscribed

Steelawork'n · 05-06-2008, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlesdur

I also found out that it is a DANA 60 rear end!

That is cool. You make it look simple. Mine has the Eaton rear-end. Sure would like a Dana for mine.

Can't wait to see the finish project. What else do you have planned?

Charlesdur · 05-06-2008, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelawork'n

That is cool. You make it look simple. Mine has the Eaton rear-end. Sure would like a Dana for mine.

Can't wait to see the finish project. What else do you have planned?

I am waiting for the rear bed metal to replace the rusted out tool box. After a small break with the wife the truck is going the garage and getting torn apart for the new metal. The goal is to have it complete by late July or early August. This will not be a complete frame off, but everthing will come off except the cab to complete the body work. Going all black with all new chrome, real flames on the front, 18 inch rims up front, 20's in the back 3.73 gears in the read end, possibly swap out the tranny and new interior. I look at some of the trucks on here and get blown away with the work and time and want to save that stuff for my son when he is ready to get this truck given to him. I am hoping for some father son bonding like my dad did with me and his 53 5 window.

Charlesdur · 05-06-2008, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightmare

You may want to double check all the bolts, just to make sure that they are still tight. the 3.5" original drop may have had something in a bind that the speed bump jarred loose.

Still, looks good.

Yeah I freaked out and went back over everything and all is good. I didn't replace the shocks though so I was wondering if that had something to do with it.

Charlesdur · 05-06-2008, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manimal

Performance Online sells drop spindles for 3/4t trucks. One of the board members here did it. Looks AWESOME!
-Lance

I will be checking those out now. Thank you for the tip... this forum has been great and has helped out a bunch.

Charlesdur · 05-06-2008, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed2552

I may want to do this to my grandpa's truck, subscribed

I have spent less than $400.00 for the suspension and people are already turning their heads. Grandpa might not get it, but would laugh his arrrssss

off when I told him how much of a pain getting this apart has been.

ed2552 · 05-12-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlesdur

I have spent less than $400.00 for the suspension and people are already turning their heads. Grandpa might not get it, but would laugh his arrrssss

off when I told him how much of a pain getting this apart has been.

It is my dads, but my grandpa bought it new, and i'm gonna try to fix it up

Charlesdur · 07-05-2008, 11:05 PM

I was wondering what it would look like with white walls... so out came the sand paper to scuff it up a round template and some white spray paint. I also didn't like the stance so I cut one coil off of my 2" front drop springs and it lowered it two inches... the problem then was that it was bottoming out the A arm bumper stop "don't know the real name" so I took the angle grinder to it and removed the steel tower and the bumper.. 2 1/2" drop in front and it rides smooth and handles well still.

Total I have dropped the rear 5 inches and the front 4 1/2 inches... if you do this dont plan on it riding smooth unless you grind off the tower.. it was HORRIBLE until I did that...

Shyguy · 07-06-2008, 12:01 AM

Great looking truck, looks like good progress.

Don't mean to be a little off the thread but my son and I are converting a '67 long steeper 3/4 ton with a 4 speed to a '67 short steeper by using newer running gear and a swb frame.

I think I need a cross joint u-joint to go from the 3/4 ton driveshaft to the 1/2 ton yoke on the rear-end. Can any one tell me where I can find one and what to ask for.

Thank you.

Danny

sleepertruck72 · 07-06-2008, 02:41 AM

Charlesdur,
Nice truck ! I like the lowering of that truck, it takes about 2500 pounds in my bed to make the rear that low ! At least I know how to lower my truck. I would keep it 8 lug if I was you. They can carry alot and the Dana 60 is a good axle from what I have been told. I have the same one and it can handle some burnouts ! I like that toolbox in the bed, it is a sweet option.

LONGHAIR · 07-06-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Don't mean to be a little off the thread but ....

I think I need a cross joint u-joint to go from the 3/4 ton driveshaft to the 1/2 ton yoke on the rear-end. Can any one tell me where I can find one and what to ask for.

You really should have started your own thread.....things like this get lost in the middle of another post.

To answer your question though........NAPA. They should be able to figure this out for you.

Charlesdur · 07-06-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepertruck72

Charlesdur,
Nice truck ! I like the lowering of that truck, it takes about 2500 pounds in my bed to make the rear that low ! At least I know how to lower my truck. I would keep it 8 lug if I was you. They can carry alot and the Dana 60 is a good axle from what I have been told. I have the same one and it can handle some burnouts ! I like that toolbox in the bed, it is a sweet option.

I am sticking with the 8 lug and the dana now after all. People are breaking their necks looking at the truck now. If people like this style like I do it is a blast.. This did start out with me wanting to convert over to 5 lug... but since I was able to tuck those 33inch tires it gives it a look that I really haven't seen. the kids on the block love it

.. it's just cool and only want to paint it now, if I get to that point.

Charlesdur · 07-11-2008, 08:48 AM

Should I relocate the rear shocks? I have it lowered 5 inches in the rear.

TotalChevy1 · 07-11-2008, 01:25 PM

You shouldn't have to. I actually dropped my the same way you did. I stuck with 8 lug and put street tires on. I took part of the leaf stack out and de-arched the springs. I lowered the who truck for less than 300, and that included shocks. I'm still considering putting drop spindles in the front. I went with 17" rims on all four. Tires I put 255 on the front and 275 60's on the back.

deputyd_0803 · 07-11-2008, 02:10 PM

Your truck looks sweet. I have a 72 c20 and possible 1/2 ton rolling chasis for free and have been trying to decide whether to convert over to the 1/2 ton or stay the 3/4 ton. This helps me decide on staying to the 3/4 ton, dana 60 leafs set-up.

**Tetdoeuf** · 07-12-2008, 04:57 PM

Nice truck Charlesdur.
I was gonna do the 3/4 to 1/2 ton conversion, but now I am also thinking about keeping my truck as a 3/4 ton.... TotalChevy1, what kind of wheels are those?

Charlesdur · 07-12-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TotalChevy1

You shouldn't have to. I actually dropped my the same way you did. I stuck with 8 lug and put street tires on. I took part of the leaf stack out and de-arched the springs. I lowered the who truck for less than 300, and that included shocks. I'm still considering putting drop spindles in the front. I went with 17" rims on all four. Tires I put 255 on the front and 275 60's on the back.

nice ride, did you do anything about your alignment camber and did you remove the entire A-arm bumper mount riser? I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who felt the need to drop a 3/4 ton.. Since I was looking to go cheap and it is not my daily driver it worked out.. a little rough sometimes, but still looks cool

souza777 · 04-22-2009, 07:32 PM

Did you C-Notch the frame on the rear? and did you end up changing out the rearend?

Charlesdur · 04-23-2009, 10:03 AM

I did not C-notch the frame. I did put air shocks in the back since I have such big rear tires. I didn't change out the rear end either, it's a Dana 60. I kept it with an 8 lug set up. I'm from Patterson Ca near Modesto so this truck is unusual out here in Colorado, but since you are from merced I understand you style.

souza777 · 04-23-2009, 10:48 AM

Cool I know where Patterson is!! small world!! what size tires do you have?? I also plan on doing the paint on white walls!!

that looks really cool!! I was planning on doing the same thing switching over to 1/2 ton 5 lug until I read your posts. So basically I'm following you step by step!! love the way yours sits thats the look I want also! Have you done anymore to your truck?? (pics)? thanks for your help!

05-03-2008, 07:08 AM	#26
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton Jeez, you still have snow??!! __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

05-06-2008, 12:49 AM	#28
Charlesdur Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 62	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton I went over a bump really fast the other day and now it is the full 5 inch rear drop. I will for sure need to have 20's in the rear and 18's of front to have a little rake. Attached Images __________________ Charles 1971 3/4 ton 454 cu.in. 4 speed manual 1966 Thunderbird 390 cu.in. Airride Roadster Last edited by Charlesdur; 05-06-2008 at 12:49 AM.

05-06-2008, 04:47 AM	#29
manimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 3,066	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton Performance Online sells drop spindles for 3/4t trucks. One of the board members here did it. Looks AWESOME! -Lance __________________ ------------------------------------------------------ -Lance 2000 Chevy C2500, 5.7, 4L80e 1999 Suburban K2500, 7.4, 4L80e 1980 Camaro..son's car...PROJECT

05-06-2008, 05:37 AM	#31
ed2552 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Charles City IA Posts: 1,626	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton I may want to do this to my grandpa's truck, subscribed __________________ '67 C20, Under the Knife!, LWB, Eaton HO-52, Rear Coil Springs 72' GMC C2500, 350, TH400(?), Dana 60 '67 K10 4-spd., 305, SM465, Dana 44, 12 Bolt, RUST! '65 C60 292, 4 spd, 2 spd Rearend, 15' Grain Box, MINT! 09 Yukon Denali 82k Miles 6.2L/6A

07-05-2008, 11:05 PM	#38
Charlesdur Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 62	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton I was wondering what it would look like with white walls... so out came the sand paper to scuff it up a round template and some white spray paint. I also didn't like the stance so I cut one coil off of my 2" front drop springs and it lowered it two inches... the problem then was that it was bottoming out the A arm bumper stop "don't know the real name" so I took the angle grinder to it and removed the steel tower and the bumper.. 2 1/2" drop in front and it rides smooth and handles well still. Total I have dropped the rear 5 inches and the front 4 1/2 inches... if you do this dont plan on it riding smooth unless you grind off the tower.. it was HORRIBLE until I did that... Attached Images __________________ Charles 1971 3/4 ton 454 cu.in. 4 speed manual 1966 Thunderbird 390 cu.in. Airride Roadster

07-06-2008, 12:01 AM	#39
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton Great looking truck, looks like good progress. Don't mean to be a little off the thread but my son and I are converting a '67 long steeper 3/4 ton with a 4 speed to a '67 short steeper by using newer running gear and a swb frame. I think I need a cross joint u-joint to go from the 3/4 ton driveshaft to the 1/2 ton yoke on the rear-end. Can any one tell me where I can find one and what to ask for. Thank you. Danny

07-06-2008, 02:41 AM	#40
sleepertruck72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Turlock California 95380 Posts: 2,075	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton Charlesdur, Nice truck ! I like the lowering of that truck, it takes about 2500 pounds in my bed to make the rear that low ! At least I know how to lower my truck. I would keep it 8 lug if I was you. They can carry alot and the Dana 60 is a good axle from what I have been told. I have the same one and it can handle some burnouts ! I like that toolbox in the bed, it is a sweet option. __________________ 72 C20 Longbed 05 1500 Z71

07-11-2008, 08:48 AM	#43
Charlesdur Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 62	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton Should I relocate the rear shocks? I have it lowered 5 inches in the rear.

07-11-2008, 01:25 PM	#44
TotalChevy1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 175	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton You shouldn't have to. I actually dropped my the same way you did. I stuck with 8 lug and put street tires on. I took part of the leaf stack out and de-arched the springs. I lowered the who truck for less than 300, and that included shocks. I'm still considering putting drop spindles in the front. I went with 17" rims on all four. Tires I put 255 on the front and 275 60's on the back. Attached Images __________________ 1972 c-20, 350/350, dana 60 w/456 gears(no Posi)

07-11-2008, 02:10 PM	#45
deputyd_0803 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: St. George, UT Posts: 77	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton Your truck looks sweet. I have a 72 c20 and possible 1/2 ton rolling chasis for free and have been trying to decide whether to convert over to the 1/2 ton or stay the 3/4 ton. This helps me decide on staying to the 3/4 ton, dana 60 leafs set-up. __________________ The ONLY way to go. 1972 C20 Custom Deluxe: Rebuilt 402 hopped up a bit, th400 with shift kit, Dana 60(wanna have posi), New solid, no cancer, cab. B & M Starshifter floor shifter.

07-12-2008, 04:57 PM	#46
Tetdoeuf Invest in Gold! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: OC, CA Posts: 69	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton Nice truck Charlesdur. I was gonna do the 3/4 to 1/2 ton conversion, but now I am also thinking about keeping my truck as a 3/4 ton.... TotalChevy1, what kind of wheels are those? __________________ John Gold 1970 Chevy LWB Fleet

04-22-2009, 07:32 PM	#48
souza777 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: merced, ca Posts: 42	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton Did you C-Notch the frame on the rear? and did you end up changing out the rearend? Last edited by souza777; 04-22-2009 at 07:34 PM.

04-23-2009, 10:03 AM	#49
Charlesdur Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 62	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton I did not C-notch the frame. I did put air shocks in the back since I have such big rear tires. I didn't change out the rear end either, it's a Dana 60. I kept it with an 8 lug set up. I'm from Patterson Ca near Modesto so this truck is unusual out here in Colorado, but since you are from merced I understand you style. __________________ Charles 1971 3/4 ton 454 cu.in. 4 speed manual 1966 Thunderbird 390 cu.in. Airride Roadster Last edited by Charlesdur; 04-23-2009 at 10:05 AM.

04-23-2009, 10:48 AM	#50
souza777 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: merced, ca Posts: 42	Re: 1971 3/4 swap to 1/2 ton Cool I know where Patterson is!! small world!! what size tires do you have?? I also plan on doing the paint on white walls!! that looks really cool!! I was planning on doing the same thing switching over to 1/2 ton 5 lug until I read your posts. So basically I'm following you step by step!! love the way yours sits thats the look I want also! Have you done anymore to your truck?? (pics)? thanks for your help!



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