Crewcab?'s - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Joes69c10 · 01-27-2008, 09:21 AM

I've been looking for a crewcab for quite awhile and was wondering how hard it would be to change one from 3/4 ton to 1/2 ton. It's a dumb question i know, but I've found 2 both 3/4 tons lwb. Did they make a 3/4 ton swb, because one of the trucks looked like a swb compared to the other. I figured it looked shorter because of the distance it was away from me. I would like to see pics if anybody's got any of the trucks "Fixed Up" so to say. Thanks for the info in advance.

**Palf70Step** · 01-27-2008, 09:57 AM

The factory made no SWB crewcabs that I am aware of and far as I remember they were all 3/4 ton. Most folks buy the Long bed crews and have them shorted to fit a short bed.

Should be pretty easy to remove the 3/4 ton stuff and bolt on the 1/2 ton suspension components.

Joes69c10 · 01-27-2008, 10:14 AM

I didn't think they made them swb. I figured it would be a pretty easy swap from 3/4 to 1/2 ton, but haven't ever done this myself though. It don't bother me having a lwb, but curiosity got to me. Thanks

rotgg · 01-27-2008, 10:32 AM

we swapped mine over and shortened

Joes69c10 · 01-27-2008, 10:47 AM

That's the look I'm looking for. Is it hard to shorten these trucks down? I'm sure it's not a cut and reweld. Beautiful truck Rotgg.

**lolife99** · 01-27-2008, 10:54 AM

Joes69c10,... you are on the right page,... you just needed to scroll down a little. Check with member OJOE:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=272118

**lolife99** · 01-27-2008, 10:59 AM

And,... back to where this build started: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=218953

Joes69c10 · 01-27-2008, 11:08 AM

Thanks lolife, That's excatly the info I was needing.

**old Rusty C10** · 01-27-2008, 11:12 AM

why go from a 3/4 ton suspension to a 1/2 ton? is there a certain look youre going for? what is the plans when you purchase a truck?

Joes69c10 · 01-27-2008, 11:42 AM

One reason to go from 3/4 to 1/2 is because I already have a 3/4 ton. The only reason i wan't a crewcab is because of my twin boys. This is not going to be a show winning truck, but will be comfortable. Put it this way I'm tired of having to go everywhere as a family in the mommy mobile. Probably no hauling whatsoever, but just for leisure. I like the look of Rotgg's truck, but not that low "Road Purposes". Another thing 4 wheel disc brakes, etc. I'm not being a smart a$$, just letting you know what I would like. Thanks

rotgg · 01-27-2008, 02:34 PM

the 1/2 ton will ride much better for sure

D13 · 01-27-2008, 10:19 PM

They didn't make them in 1/2 ton because the suspension wouldn't hold up. Remember these were work trucks designed to tote 5-6 guys and a ton of stuff and pull a trailer! Which is why most are 1 tons.
You ought to be able to swap out the suspension to 1/2 ton if you find a 3/4. And the short beds are customs.
Has anyone tried crew cab on 1/2 ton Burb frame? Seems like it might work...

Joes69c10 · 01-27-2008, 10:57 PM

Not a bad idea with the 1/2 ton burb frame.

**N2TRUX** · 01-29-2008, 02:58 AM

Burb frame is different. There have been many built using a shortened 3/4 ton frame with 1/2 ton running gear. It's not "easy" but it can be done.

One thing mentioned above is keeping the 3/4 ton suspension. By using the proper springs, shocks, and tires the 3/4 ton suspension can be softened down to a 1/2 ton quality ride.

Whatever you do, use the hydroboost brakes if so equipped. If not, you might consider adding it since the stock brakes on these trucks are marginal at best.

BTW-There were a lot of single wheel 1 ton crewcabs built too. Just an FYI that the frame on a 1 ton is taller.

01-27-2008, 09:21 AM	#1
Joes69c10 Proud Father Join Date: May 2007 Location: Duff, Tn. Posts: 102	Crewcab?'s I've been looking for a crewcab for quite awhile and was wondering how hard it would be to change one from 3/4 ton to 1/2 ton. It's a dumb question i know, but I've found 2 both 3/4 tons lwb. Did they make a 3/4 ton swb, because one of the trucks looked like a swb compared to the other. I figured it looked shorter because of the distance it was away from me. I would like to see pics if anybody's got any of the trucks "Fixed Up" so to say. Thanks for the info in advance. __________________ 1969 Chevy C/10 "My dad's, May he rest in peace" 1988 GMC Suburban 1/2 ton 2wd 1952 Ford F-600 1989 Toyota P/U "The Beater" Last edited by Joes69c10; 01-27-2008 at 09:22 AM.

01-27-2008, 09:57 AM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,266	Re: Crewcab?'s The factory made no SWB crewcabs that I am aware of and far as I remember they were all 3/4 ton. Most folks buy the Long bed crews and have them shorted to fit a short bed. Should be pretty easy to remove the 3/4 ton stuff and bolt on the 1/2 ton suspension components. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 01-27-2008 at 09:58 AM.

01-27-2008, 10:14 AM	#3
Joes69c10 Proud Father Join Date: May 2007 Location: Duff, Tn. Posts: 102	Re: Crewcab?'s I didn't think they made them swb. I figured it would be a pretty easy swap from 3/4 to 1/2 ton, but haven't ever done this myself though. It don't bother me having a lwb, but curiosity got to me. Thanks __________________ 1969 Chevy C/10 "My dad's, May he rest in peace" 1988 GMC Suburban 1/2 ton 2wd 1952 Ford F-600 1989 Toyota P/U "The Beater"

01-27-2008, 10:32 AM	#4
rotgg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: al Posts: 233	Re: Crewcab?'s we swapped mine over and shortened Attached Images

01-27-2008, 10:47 AM	#5
Joes69c10 Proud Father Join Date: May 2007 Location: Duff, Tn. Posts: 102	Re: Crewcab?'s That's the look I'm looking for. Is it hard to shorten these trucks down? I'm sure it's not a cut and reweld. Beautiful truck Rotgg. __________________ 1969 Chevy C/10 "My dad's, May he rest in peace" 1988 GMC Suburban 1/2 ton 2wd 1952 Ford F-600 1989 Toyota P/U "The Beater"

01-27-2008, 10:54 AM	#6
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,701	Re: Crewcab?'s Joes69c10,... you are on the right page,... you just needed to scroll down a little. Check with member OJOE:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=272118 __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 01-27-2008 at 10:56 AM.

01-27-2008, 10:59 AM	#7
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,701	Re: Crewcab?'s And,... back to where this build started: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=218953 __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

01-27-2008, 11:08 AM	#8
Joes69c10 Proud Father Join Date: May 2007 Location: Duff, Tn. Posts: 102	Re: Crewcab?'s Thanks lolife, That's excatly the info I was needing. __________________ 1969 Chevy C/10 "My dad's, May he rest in peace" 1988 GMC Suburban 1/2 ton 2wd 1952 Ford F-600 1989 Toyota P/U "The Beater"

01-27-2008, 11:12 AM	#9
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,316	Re: Crewcab?'s why go from a 3/4 ton suspension to a 1/2 ton? is there a certain look youre going for? what is the plans when you purchase a truck? __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

01-27-2008, 11:42 AM	#10
Joes69c10 Proud Father Join Date: May 2007 Location: Duff, Tn. Posts: 102	Re: Crewcab?'s One reason to go from 3/4 to 1/2 is because I already have a 3/4 ton. The only reason i wan't a crewcab is because of my twin boys. This is not going to be a show winning truck, but will be comfortable. Put it this way I'm tired of having to go everywhere as a family in the mommy mobile. Probably no hauling whatsoever, but just for leisure. I like the look of Rotgg's truck, but not that low "Road Purposes". Another thing 4 wheel disc brakes, etc. I'm not being a smart a$$, just letting you know what I would like. Thanks __________________ 1969 Chevy C/10 "My dad's, May he rest in peace" 1988 GMC Suburban 1/2 ton 2wd 1952 Ford F-600 1989 Toyota P/U "The Beater"

01-27-2008, 02:34 PM	#11
rotgg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: al Posts: 233	Re: Crewcab?'s the 1/2 ton will ride much better for sure

01-27-2008, 10:19 PM	#12
D13 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Memphis MI Posts: 1,851	Re: Crewcab?'s They didn't make them in 1/2 ton because the suspension wouldn't hold up. Remember these were work trucks designed to tote 5-6 guys and a ton of stuff and pull a trailer! Which is why most are 1 tons. You ought to be able to swap out the suspension to 1/2 ton if you find a 3/4. And the short beds are customs. Has anyone tried crew cab on 1/2 ton Burb frame? Seems like it might work...

01-27-2008, 10:57 PM	#13
Joes69c10 Proud Father Join Date: May 2007 Location: Duff, Tn. Posts: 102	Re: Crewcab?'s Not a bad idea with the 1/2 ton burb frame. __________________ 1969 Chevy C/10 "My dad's, May he rest in peace" 1988 GMC Suburban 1/2 ton 2wd 1952 Ford F-600 1989 Toyota P/U "The Beater"

01-29-2008, 02:58 AM	#14
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Crewcab?'s Burb frame is different. There have been many built using a shortened 3/4 ton frame with 1/2 ton running gear. It's not "easy" but it can be done. One thing mentioned above is keeping the 3/4 ton suspension. By using the proper springs, shocks, and tires the 3/4 ton suspension can be softened down to a 1/2 ton quality ride. Whatever you do, use the hydroboost brakes if so equipped. If not, you might consider adding it since the stock brakes on these trucks are marginal at best. BTW-There were a lot of single wheel 1 ton crewcabs built too. Just an FYI that the frame on a 1 ton is taller. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"



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