CCSB Conversion Method Pros & Cons

[smithja79]

I am currently looking for a crew cab as well as the parts to convert it to short bed. My question is what is the best method to shorten it? I understand the methods that people have used and read the threads about them. Not looking for a "how-to", just wondering what the advantage is to going one way or the other. Basically is it best to splice in the back half of a 1/2 ton frame or 'Z' cut the 1-ton frame and remove 14"? Assuming that I am capable of doing either one, which would you choose and why? As I understand it, back-halving with the 1/2-ton frame (like OJOE did) allows you to line up bolt holes between the two frames and bolt together prior to welding. This seems like it might make it easier to get square. But, is it better to just cut a section out and retain the taller 1-ton frame for strength? Sorry for the long-winded question, but I've seen plenty about how to do each method, but not much regarding why one is preferred over the other. Thanks! -Jake

[b454rat]

IMO it's easier to cut 14" out of the frame. But I don't have a welder or the place to do it, so I had to pay someone $150 to get it done. Took him not even a day to do it.

[lolife99]

Jake,...
I like OJOE's way of shortening with the 1/2 ton back half.

If you put a 1/2 ton rearend on the stock 3/4-ton/1-ton leaf springs,... You have to move the 1/2 ton rearend perches farther apart on the rearend.
(To work with the wider spacing of the heavier leaf springs).
I believe member bagged74 did this on his old crew cab.
If you're keeping the 8-lug rearend,... I would just shorten the original frame by 14".

[68 TT]

The overlapping sections method is by far the strongest way of doing it but the Z-method is not weak by any means. Both will hold up fine.

I like the simplicity and ease of alignment of the overlapping sections method.

[smithja79]

Thanks for the replies.

Keith - I wasn't aware of the wider spacing on the 3/4-ton / 1-ton springs, thanks for pointing that out. Can you install 1/2-ton leaf springs on the 1-ton frame (with 1/2-ton rearend)? I assume they would still be spaced too far apart if using a 1/2-ton rearend, but just asking.

[Pyrotechnic]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...crew+cab+frame

There's a third method. Uses a 1/2 ton Suburban frame the rear half of a SWB frame. Pretty cool method and looks very factory.

[ghettoluxury]

I have made 3 shortbeds and tha Z method is the way I do it. No reason to spend extra cash for another frame when you are just going to cut it up anyway.

[smithja79]

Ghetto - Makes sense to me, I was leaning toward the 'Z' method for the same reason; not wanting to spend more for another frame. What have you done as far as springs/rearend though? Just spread the perches on the rearend? Did you use 1/2-ton or the 1-ton springs? Thanks.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by smithja79

Thanks for the replies.

Keith - I wasn't aware of the wider spacing on the 3/4-ton / 1-ton springs, thanks for pointing that out. Can you install 1/2-ton leaf springs on the 1-ton frame (with 1/2-ton rearend)? I assume they would still be spaced too far apart if using a 1/2-ton rearend, but just asking.

I don't know what is wider,... the frame itself or just the hangers for the 3/4 leaf springs.
Maybe someone else will chime in.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

I have made 3 shortbeds and tha Z method is the way I do it. No reason to spend extra cash for another frame when you are just going to cut it up anyway.

The only reason I wanted the 1/2 ton rear frame rails is for extreme air ride drop components.
I wanted to be able to use a bolt in notch, or a bolt in rear suspension set up that is readily available for the 1/2 ton trucks.
(Porterbulit, KPComponents, RideTech, etc.)
Plus I had an extra frame.
If I keep my crewcab,... my '86 Dropmember truck will be donating its parts to the crew cab.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I don't know what is wider,... the frame itself or just the hangers for the 3/4 leaf springs.
Maybe someone else will chime in.

I think it is in the hangers because the trucks all share the same 34" frame rail spacing.

[Tow Me]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...crew+cab+frame

There's a third method. Uses a 1/2 ton Suburban frame the rear half of a SWB frame. Pretty cool method and looks very factory.

It just depends what you are looking to do with your CCSB. Like Keith, I wanted to have half ton suspension for future air ride and the lowest stance possible. I'd like to go with a Porterbuilt crossmember as some point too. The method we used worked well since we were able to get a 2wd Suburban for free if we hauled it off and the truck frame we used for the back half was in a friend's field. I could have simply swapped out the 1/2 ton arms, spindles and brakes but having a 3/4 ton frame just bugged me. Extra bulk for no reason.

Ojoes method seems to be the easiest method.

[ghettoluxury]

Originally Posted by smithja79

Ghetto - Makes sense to me, I was leaning toward the 'Z' method for the same reason; not wanting to spend more for another frame. What have you done as far as springs/rearend though? Just spread the perches on the rearend? Did you use 1/2-ton or the 1-ton springs? Thanks.

Are you going to use a 1/2-ton axle or keep the 1-ton?

If keeping the 1-ton than there is no need to change anything.

If you chose to go 1/2-ton or 3/4-ton than you will have to move the spring pads or use 1/2-ton hangers.

If you find a 3/4-ton crew than nothing has to be done to use a 1/2-ton axle due to the spring pads being the same width in 1/2 and 3/4.

[smithja79]

Thanks for the input guys. I guess it will depend on what truck I find, but I've got my eye on a 1-ton dually crew right now. I would plan to convert it to 1/2 ton rearend, mainly for the wheel choices. So you're saying the hangers are likely interchangeable? So, I could potentially pull the 1/2-ton rearend AND hangers from a donor truck to swap onto the 1-ton frame? That's the route I'm leaning toward if it will work.

[78swest]

hey there is a 3/4 cc in turner oregon its a longbed 2wd its blue looks straight

[ghettoluxury]

yes the 1/2-ton hangers will bolt up to the 1-ton frame