1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**texassquarebodies** · 01-19-2010, 11:30 PM

I really want a single cab 1987 1 ton dually, with a 350 and auto. Having a hard finding one with these options. I can find 1/2 ton 1987 trucks all day. Does anyone see any major difficulties in changing a 1/2 ton to a 1 ton? I have all the parts plus some. I plan on a 6/8 drop while I am at it.

kelgar50 · 01-19-2010, 11:35 PM

Find a longbed 1/2 ton put the dually rear in with the dullay bed and for the front put the 1 ton a-arms and hubs on.
The easiest would be a long bed if it is a short bed truck then you have to stretch the frame.

**texassquarebodies** · 01-19-2010, 11:42 PM

I know how to do the swap. I have been working on squares for 20 years. Got my first ticket in a square. I have never done the 1/2-1 ton conversion. Just checking if there might be a hickup or two on the way.

79gmcc15 · 01-19-2010, 11:55 PM

I don't see a reason why not. As long as you don't use it as a one ton because the frame is smaller and iirc thinner.

**texassquarebodies** · 01-19-2010, 11:59 PM

Just going to drive it. If I start with a 1/2 ton, it will already have a 700r4. Won't be doing any towing.

RuralRoute C-30 · 01-20-2010, 12:14 AM

Saw this 1-ton single cab 4x4 with the dually bed for sale recently not too far from here. Nice...but more than I can afford. Wife would not be pleased to see that added to the fleet!

**texassquarebodies** · 01-20-2010, 01:00 AM

I don't have a wife anymore. I can buy what I want.

RuralRoute C-30 · 01-20-2010, 01:24 AM

LOL!!! Been there done that too! Now I just keep the shed locked. Wondering if she will notice when I put a cowl hood on the 1-ton this spring?

The "new" guy...Mark

blazinzuk · 01-20-2010, 01:56 AM

How far are you willing to travel for one. I have seen a couple of those in the last couple months. I think one was an 87 but the other was an 84 so no fuel injection, both 2wd

ghettoluxury · 01-20-2010, 08:51 AM

The spring pad width is different between 1/2 and 1 Ton

CHEESE · 01-20-2010, 11:58 AM

there is one being built at the shop right now for Jimmy D of JDGlassworks. Itstarted life as a 1/2 ton short bed and is being turned into a static dropped short bed dually! Here is the rendering by JDurant @ eastsidedesignlab!

justpball · 01-20-2010, 12:29 PM

do it tony that will be a cool ride!

71swb4x4 · 01-20-2010, 01:36 PM

Tony, I believe the one ton frame is beefier than the 1/2 ton frame. It may not be an issue for you, just thought I would point it out. I am sure you already know it, but didn't want you to get into the swap and realize it then.

**texassquarebodies** · 01-20-2010, 03:15 PM

Hopefully I won't run into any major problems. I have about 25 or so part trucks. I will make it work. I plan on running 3/4 ton springs for a better ride.

DropTopZ28 · 01-21-2010, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texassquarebodies

I don't have a wife anymore. I can buy what I want.

my mom keeps telling me that if it wasn't for my wife i wouldn't have half the stuff i have. i tell her no, if it wasn't for my wife i would have twice the stuff that i have.

**Captkaos** · 01-21-2010, 12:12 AM

Tony,
You shouldn't run into any gotcha's, especially if you have the parts to convert. Crossmembers are virtually the same, so you can actually just put the 1T on there. Rear you will have to use the 1T mounts/springs/Axle.

**N2TRUX** · 01-21-2010, 12:14 AM

What about the spring hangers? Will they be to tall for the 1/2t frame?

joe231 · 01-21-2010, 12:47 AM

If your gonna flip the rear axle you could just use the 1/2 ton hangers and move the axle perches outboard

**texassquarebodies** · 01-21-2010, 10:15 AM

I know the front is a simple swap, but the rear i am unsure of.

Patriot · 01-21-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texassquarebodies

I know how to do the swap. I have been working on squares for 20 years. Got my first ticket in a square. I have never done the 1/2-1 ton conversion. Just checking if there might be a hickup or two on the way.

I have 2 1979 1 Ton regular cab duallys. One is a 4X4 and the other is a 2wd GMC. I need the frame off of the 2WD and will be putting all of my 4X4 stuff under the frame. I will be taking out the complete front suspension. Let me know if you need the front end.

**texassquarebodies** · 01-21-2010, 06:09 PM

Thanks for the offer, but I have 3 or 4 dually trucks for parts.

78-5.3 · 01-22-2010, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texassquarebodies

Just going to drive it. If I start with a 1/2 ton, it will already have a 700r4. Won't be doing any towing.

i blew a turbo 400 in my crewcab dooley and threw in a 700r4 and did some amazing hauling with that truck best tranny i ever had!!!!!!!!!! and i saved gas

larrystone · 01-22-2010, 08:52 AM

From your messages you just want the look of the dual wheel truck w/o any towing/hauling.

My take on this would be to add a set of dually fenders with just a set of wide rear wheels and tires.

DropTopZ28 · 01-22-2010, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHEESE

there is one being built at the shop right now for Jimmy D of JDGlassworks. Itstarted life as a 1/2 ton short bed and is being turned into a static dropped short bed dually! Here is the rendering by JDurant @ eastsidedesignlab!

i have been thinking of doing this also but it looks to me like the factory dually fenders will be to long for the short bed to look right. are you using the factory fenders or are ya making some shorter ones? have you got any pics of the bed with the fenders on?

CHEESE · 01-22-2010, 07:58 PM

Jimmy is using factory fenders. They are not too long. I will see if he has them mocked up yet!

01-19-2010, 11:30 PM	#1
texassquarebodies Truck Nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wills Point, Texas Posts: 407	1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? I really want a single cab 1987 1 ton dually, with a 350 and auto. Having a hard finding one with these options. I can find 1/2 ton 1987 trucks all day. Does anyone see any major difficulties in changing a 1/2 ton to a 1 ton? I have all the parts plus some. I plan on a 6/8 drop while I am at it. __________________ Tony Kee Texas Square Bodies

01-19-2010, 11:35 PM	#2
kelgar50 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bako,CA Posts: 64	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? Find a longbed 1/2 ton put the dually rear in with the dullay bed and for the front put the 1 ton a-arms and hubs on. The easiest would be a long bed if it is a short bed truck then you have to stretch the frame.

01-19-2010, 11:42 PM	#3
texassquarebodies Truck Nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wills Point, Texas Posts: 407	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? I know how to do the swap. I have been working on squares for 20 years. Got my first ticket in a square. I have never done the 1/2-1 ton conversion. Just checking if there might be a hickup or two on the way. __________________ Tony Kee Texas Square Bodies

01-19-2010, 11:55 PM	#4
79gmcc15 Gettin It One Pice At A Time Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: everett, washington Posts: 2,688	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? I don't see a reason why not. As long as you don't use it as a one ton because the frame is smaller and iirc thinner. __________________ RIP ELJAY Work In Progress 1979 GMC C1500 Trailering Special. Getting the truck done, one piece at a time. “You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”Ronald Reagan “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby

01-19-2010, 11:59 PM	#5
texassquarebodies Truck Nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wills Point, Texas Posts: 407	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? Just going to drive it. If I start with a 1/2 ton, it will already have a 700r4. Won't be doing any towing. __________________ Tony Kee Texas Square Bodies Last edited by texassquarebodies; 01-20-2010 at 12:02 AM.

01-20-2010, 12:14 AM	#6
RuralRoute C-30 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: East Central Illinois Posts: 511	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? Saw this 1-ton single cab 4x4 with the dually bed for sale recently not too far from here. Nice...but more than I can afford. Wife would not be pleased to see that added to the fleet! Attached Images __________________ 1985 Chevy C-30 Hydraulic Dump Bed 2001 Saturn SC2 (go to work car) 2010 PT Cruiser (wife's car) "Reality is just a hallucination brought on by lack of alcohol."

01-20-2010, 01:00 AM	#7
texassquarebodies Truck Nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wills Point, Texas Posts: 407	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? I don't have a wife anymore. I can buy what I want. __________________ Tony Kee Texas Square Bodies

01-20-2010, 01:24 AM	#8
RuralRoute C-30 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: East Central Illinois Posts: 511	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? LOL!!! Been there done that too! Now I just keep the shed locked. Wondering if she will notice when I put a cowl hood on the 1-ton this spring? The "new" guy...Mark Attached Images __________________ 1985 Chevy C-30 Hydraulic Dump Bed 2001 Saturn SC2 (go to work car) 2010 PT Cruiser (wife's car) "Reality is just a hallucination brought on by lack of alcohol." Last edited by RuralRoute C-30; 01-20-2010 at 01:25 AM.

01-20-2010, 01:56 AM	#9
blazinzuk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Afton Wy Posts: 77	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? How far are you willing to travel for one. I have seen a couple of those in the last couple months. I think one was an 87 but the other was an 84 so no fuel injection, both 2wd

01-20-2010, 08:51 AM	#10
ghettoluxury Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Waynesfield Ohio Posts: 1,991	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? The spring pad width is different between 1/2 and 1 Ton __________________ 1949 Five Window, 1973 Step Side, 2000 Z71

01-20-2010, 11:58 AM	#11
CHEESE The Cheesiest Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SHALLOWATER, TX. Posts: 986	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? there is one being built at the shop right now for Jimmy D of JDGlassworks. Itstarted life as a 1/2 ton short bed and is being turned into a static dropped short bed dually! Here is the rendering by JDurant @ eastsidedesignlab!

01-20-2010, 12:29 PM	#12
justpball Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Silverhill, Al Posts: 2,026	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? do it tony that will be a cool ride! __________________ Fuzzy Dice Club Member 87 Crew SWB Build for the crew http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=430082 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3232925 90 burb 2wd Build Thread For The Burb! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=383055

01-20-2010, 01:36 PM	#13
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? Tony, I believe the one ton frame is beefier than the 1/2 ton frame. It may not be an issue for you, just thought I would point it out. I am sure you already know it, but didn't want you to get into the swap and realize it then. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-20-2010, 03:15 PM	#14
texassquarebodies Truck Nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wills Point, Texas Posts: 407	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? Hopefully I won't run into any major problems. I have about 25 or so part trucks. I will make it work. I plan on running 3/4 ton springs for a better ride. __________________ Tony Kee Texas Square Bodies

01-21-2010, 12:12 AM	#16
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? Tony, You shouldn't run into any gotcha's, especially if you have the parts to convert. Crossmembers are virtually the same, so you can actually just put the 1T on there. Rear you will have to use the 1T mounts/springs/Axle. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com



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01-21-2010, 12:14 AM	#17
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? What about the spring hangers? Will they be to tall for the 1/2t frame? __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-21-2010, 12:47 AM	#18
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? If your gonna flip the rear axle you could just use the 1/2 ton hangers and move the axle perches outboard __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

01-21-2010, 10:15 AM	#19
texassquarebodies Truck Nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wills Point, Texas Posts: 407	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? I know the front is a simple swap, but the rear i am unsure of. __________________ Tony Kee Texas Square Bodies

01-21-2010, 06:09 PM	#21
texassquarebodies Truck Nut Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wills Point, Texas Posts: 407	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? Thanks for the offer, but I have 3 or 4 dually trucks for parts. __________________ Tony Kee Texas Square Bodies

01-22-2010, 08:52 AM	#23
larrystone Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: White Haven PA Posts: 59	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? From your messages you just want the look of the dual wheel truck w/o any towing/hauling. My take on this would be to add a set of dually fenders with just a set of wide rear wheels and tires. __________________ 1992 C1500 WT LWB 4.3TBI 700r4 4.10 limited slip= Work Truck 1986 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 4.3-4V TH350C 2.73 ac cruise tilt= Cowboy Cadillac

01-22-2010, 07:58 PM	#25
CHEESE The Cheesiest Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SHALLOWATER, TX. Posts: 986	Re: 1/2 to 1 ton dually ? ? ? Jimmy is using factory fenders. They are not too long. I will see if he has them mocked up yet!

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