3/4 ton axles or 1/2 ton axles on 72 Blazer

[72blazerCA]

Hello. This is my first thread post. I bought two 1972 Blazers with the thought of making one awesome Blazer from the two. One has 3/4 ton axels, the rear is a 14 bolt and the other one is a 1/2 ton axel. I do not know which way to go with the axels. Should I make it a 3/4 ton truck or a 1/2 ton truck? My plans are to make it a street driver. No off-roading. I heard the 3/4 has a rougher ride, but I am not sure. Any advice would be helpful. I am so excited to begin my restoration. Thanks.

[-Greg72]

Tire size is your guide....

36" is about the limit for 1/2 tons, anything larger and you'll want the beefier axles.


-G

[72blazerCA]

Great advice. I want to put 20inch rims with some thick tires, nothing too 4x4 looking. The concept of the Blazer is to have a 4x4 Blazer with the look of a dropped 2x2 Blazer. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for the response.

[coryalexander]

the 3/4 ton front is not any stonger axle/carrier wise, they are the same thing the only thing you gain is 8 lugs verse 6

the 14 bolt is a HELL of alot stronger than the 12/10 bolt on a half ton

if you are not planning on going off road i would run the 6 lug stuff. if you are going to run 15 inch wheels they are ALOT easier to find and tires are easier to find for 15in wheels.

on the ride , it doesnt matter what axle you have the ride is in the suspension.

[SeventyOne]

Stick with the 1/2 ton stuff.

[matthew79]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

Stick with the 1/2 ton stuff.

X2

Mine is 3/4 and I wish it wasn't.
Posted via Mobile Device

[72blazerCA]

Well it looks like I am going to stick with the 1/2 ton stuff and maybe build a 3/4 ton pick up truck with the other frame and axles. I think I can make a cool 4x4 pick up truck. Thanks for all the responses. I am excited to restore my 72 Blazer. God bless.

[SeventyOne]

Originally Posted by matthew79

X2

Mine is 3/4 and I wish it wasn't.
Posted via Mobile Device

Why is that? I only recommended him to stay 1/2 ton because of how he described the build. I myself am going with 3/4 ton axles to gain larger brakes and stronger components. Why do you wish you stayed 1/2 ton?

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

Why is that? I only recommended him to stay 1/2 ton because of how he described the build. I myself am going with 3/4 ton axles to gain larger brakes and stronger components. Why do you wish you stayed 1/2 ton?

X2 - curious about this one.

[matthew79]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

Why is that? I only recommended him to stay 1/2 ton because of how he described the build. I myself am going with 3/4 ton axles to gain larger brakes and stronger components. Why do you wish you stayed 1/2 ton?

Originally Posted by vtblazer

X2 - curious about this one.

Because I wanted to put on some rally wheels...

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by matthew79

Because I wanted to put on some rally wheels...

Hey, that makes perfect sense to me.

[72blazerCA]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

Why is that? I only recommended him to stay 1/2 ton because of how he described the build. I myself am going with 3/4 ton axles to gain larger brakes and stronger components. Why do you wish you stayed 1/2 ton?

I actually want to put on some 20 inch rims and a smaller tire. Like I said, I don't want this to look like a typical 4x4. I like what you said about the larger brakes and stronger components. It is a tough decision.

[SeventyOne]

while the 3/4 ton does offer more strength - the 1/2 should suffice for you. But....what will your drivetrain consist of? Going to have a powerful engine?

[72blazerCA]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

while the 3/4 ton does offer more strength - the 1/2 should suffice for you. But....what will your drivetrain consist of? Going to have a powerful engine?

It has the stock 350, I am going to increase the HP (I do not know how, but that is another thread). I am picking up both the 1/2 ton and the 3/4 ton this weekend. Maybe looking at them side by side it will be easier to decide. Thanks everyone for the post. God bless.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by 72blazerCA

It has the stock 350, I am going to increase the HP. I am picking up both the 1/2 ton and the 3/4 ton this weekend. Maybe looking at them side by side it will be easier to decide.

If it's a toss up when you see them, find out the gear ratio each has and then choose the better gear for your application.

[SeventyOne]

VT makes a good point - if the gearing is better in either setup for you, lots of money can be saved from not having to regear.

[72blazerCA]

I am new to the scene. What is a good gear ratio? I know the 3/4 ton gear ratio is 4:10. I do not know what the 1/2 gear ratio is. Thanks everyone.

[SeventyOne]

That's a tough question to answer.

Need to know the tire size you want to run, the transmission you want to run, and what is an acceptable RPM (in your opinion) for highway speeds, be that 55mph or 75mph or whatever.

You said you want 20" rims and low-pro tires - right? So would the tire height be 24" ( as a guess?) then 4.10 seems too high (numerically) for your application.

Most people with 4.10s will be running 33" to even 36/37" tires.

Once you know all these answers there are gear ratio calculators that can fine tune the right number for you.

I would guess a 3.08 might be right on the money for you.

[72blazerCA]

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

That's a tough question to answer.

Need to know the tire size you want to run, the transmission you want to run, and what is an acceptable RPM (in your opinion) for highway speeds, be that 55mph or 75mph or whatever.

You said you want 20" rims and low-pro tires - right? So would the tire height be 24" ( as a guess?) then 4.10 seems too high for your application.

Most people with 4.10s will be running 33" to even 36/37" tires.

Once you know all these answers there are gear ratio calculators that can fine tune the right number for you.

I would guess a 3.08 might be right on the money for you.

Thanks SeventyOne. This is great information. That makes sense. The 3/4 ton has 35 inch tires and it has a 4:10 gear ratio. Thanks again.