'48 3800 front suspension question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**rustytruck50** · 04-07-2016, 10:43 PM

I have a 1/2 ton front suspension from a '52 Chevy. Has anyone tried to swap this over to a 1 ton? I'm aware of the frame width being different, which could complicate things, but don't know what else may pose a problem.....any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!

dwcsr · 04-07-2016, 10:50 PM

What are you trying to accomplish by swapping axles?

**rustytruck50** · 04-08-2016, 05:03 PM

Honestly, I'm trying to go from work vehicle to hotrodded. I dislike the way it rides in its current stock form.

dwcsr · 04-08-2016, 05:19 PM

I don't think you'll get much better with a 1/2 ton axle. You could go with a less stiff spring if you want to keep the straight axle or an IFS coil spring front end. But a straight axle hitting a pot hole is rough 1/2 ton or 1 ton. IFS is better

**rustytruck50** · 04-08-2016, 05:36 PM

I was just sure you were gonna tell me that...lol
Thank you for the input....I do prefer if for sure. Just have to figure out the keep or upgrade question.

Coach529 · 04-08-2016, 07:18 PM

The only real advantage to the 1/2 ton is you can upgrade to disc brakes easier....

dwcsr · 04-08-2016, 10:42 PM

Not anymore. We make a 3/4 and 1 ton disc conversion that a bolt on like the 1/2 ton but with 8900lb GVW brakes

whitedog76 · 04-09-2016, 03:48 PM

The front frame of a 3800 truck is slightly narower than that of a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck. With that being said, the 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks use a 1.75" spring vs. a 2" spring.

As long as the center pins on the 1 ton and 1/2 ton are the same, I can't see why it wouldn't work. You may have to clearance the holes in the 1/2 ton axle to use with the 2" u-bolts.

Just my $.02 worth.

Chris

04-07-2016, 10:43 PM	#1
rustytruck50 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Papillion, Ne Posts: 897	'48 3800 front suspension question I have a 1/2 ton front suspension from a '52 Chevy. Has anyone tried to swap this over to a 1 ton? I'm aware of the frame width being different, which could complicate things, but don't know what else may pose a problem.....any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help! __________________ -Doug '05 RCSB Sierra 2WD '71 Sierra 2WD Longbed '98 Silverado K1500 Xcab...sold '72 Highlander"Raymond"...sold

04-07-2016, 10:50 PM	#2
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: '48 3800 front suspension question What are you trying to accomplish by swapping axles?

04-08-2016, 05:03 PM	#3
rustytruck50 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Papillion, Ne Posts: 897	Re: '48 3800 front suspension question Honestly, I'm trying to go from work vehicle to hotrodded. I dislike the way it rides in its current stock form. __________________ -Doug '05 RCSB Sierra 2WD '71 Sierra 2WD Longbed '98 Silverado K1500 Xcab...sold '72 Highlander"Raymond"...sold

04-08-2016, 05:19 PM	#4
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: '48 3800 front suspension question I don't think you'll get much better with a 1/2 ton axle. You could go with a less stiff spring if you want to keep the straight axle or an IFS coil spring front end. But a straight axle hitting a pot hole is rough 1/2 ton or 1 ton. IFS is better

04-08-2016, 05:36 PM	#5
rustytruck50 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Papillion, Ne Posts: 897	Re: '48 3800 front suspension question I was just sure you were gonna tell me that...lol Thank you for the input....I do prefer if for sure. Just have to figure out the keep or upgrade question. __________________ -Doug '05 RCSB Sierra 2WD '71 Sierra 2WD Longbed '98 Silverado K1500 Xcab...sold '72 Highlander"Raymond"...sold

04-08-2016, 07:18 PM	#6
Coach529 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Posts: 1,757	Re: '48 3800 front suspension question The only real advantage to the 1/2 ton is you can upgrade to disc brakes easier.... __________________ 1949 Chevy 3600 "Adventures of Henry" http://smu.gs/QOlhWY

04-08-2016, 10:42 PM	#7
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: '48 3800 front suspension question Not anymore. We make a 3/4 and 1 ton disc conversion that a bolt on like the 1/2 ton but with 8900lb GVW brakes

04-09-2016, 03:48 PM	#8
whitedog76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 1,450	Re: '48 3800 front suspension question The front frame of a 3800 truck is slightly narower than that of a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck. With that being said, the 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks use a 1.75" spring vs. a 2" spring. As long as the center pins on the 1 ton and 1/2 ton are the same, I can't see why it wouldn't work. You may have to clearance the holes in the 1/2 ton axle to use with the 2" u-bolts. Just my $.02 worth. Chris



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