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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: texas
Posts: 3
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3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
I'm new to this body style and was wondering what are the main differences between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton? Is the body all the same and just different suspension and possibly frame? I have been trying to find a decent project truck and I talked to a guy that may have one and he said it is a 3/4 ton with a flat bed. If it is in pretty good shape i figured I could just pull off the flat bed and put a fleetside bed on it. I plan to bag the truck so am I barking up the wrong tree with this particular truck?
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#2 |
Cantankerous Geezer
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bel Aire, KS
Posts: 6,264
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Re: 3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
The frame is a little heavier. Big difference is the suspension. If you are willing to swap out the suspension, get 73-87 1/2 ton parts. The entire front crossmember is almost a bolt-in, which will give you 5 lugs and discs. The rear will have brackets for leaf springs, but you can use leafs or coils, just use the right brackets.
Your biggest problem will be locating a decent bed. Look in the classifieds section for used, and the links section for new. Be ready for some sticker shock, though.
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Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine. ![]() |
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#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Yukon Oklahoma
Posts: 2,647
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Re: 3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
I am putting a 3/4 ton chassis under my 1/2 ton c10. The body and bed is a direct fit. I want the heavier suspension for towing and hauling, should the occasion arise.
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Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) ![]() 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again ![]() 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car) |
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern Kalifornia
Posts: 3,066
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Re: 3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
I was under the impression that the frames are the same with the exception of a few crossmembers.But the longhorn is completely different.
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#5 |
King of Rust
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Posts: 359
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I have a 3/4 ton, finding rear suspension parts are tricky. About the only options are a few flip kits and re-done leafs. I think if your going to bag it you might do better with a 1/2 ton.
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: oklahoma
Posts: 10,670
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Re: 3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
It all depends some have coils and some have leafs as stated before. Coil 3/4 tons are easy to make into half tons. The only real difference in the 3/4 ton frames from 1/2 ton frames is that the rear cab bracket on the frame is lower ant there is 2 braces in the same area. The front supension just do what fred said. Oh and welcome to the board from Oklahoma.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: texas
Posts: 3
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Re: 3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
Thanks for the help. I hope to take a look at it tomorrow.
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#8 |
Sierra Grande Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Mexico USA
Posts: 2,433
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Re: 3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
FWIW there are no 3/4 ton short beds. Not sure if it’s a big deal or not, just letting you know.
__________________
1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe. ![]() |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: texas
Posts: 3
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Re: 3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
Good to know that. I don't anticipate much trouble in cutting it down to fit a short bed though. As long as i measure 5 times and cut once.
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#10 |
Sierra Grande Club
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Mexico USA
Posts: 2,433
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Re: 3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
A guy I know here shortened one the hard way. So yes it can be done.
s/t
__________________
1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe. ![]() |
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#11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Shelbyville, KY
Posts: 3,269
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Re: 3/4 ton Vs. 1/2 ton
Buying a 3/4 ton with the intent of converting it to a short bed 1/2 ton is ---well a lot of extra work so you need to make sure the body on the 3/4 ton is really nice and worth the effort. Well worn 3/4 ton suspension, axles, etc are not highly desired so selling that stuff might not work to your advantage. I would tend to look for a 1/2 ton with a solid cab first~~~. My .02 Huck
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