Frames

[Car'n'Guitars]

Okay I know this has been asked a million times but what are all the differences in a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton? Basically I'm asking you guys to give me 1/2 vs 3/4. My frame will need to be replaced or repaired but I want to know which one will be the better choice for building a truck that can haul and support trailer weight and load if needed.

[PAWS 72]

Cars not trying to be smart but look around and see whats pulling up there. I used to run around alot my self up there.3/4 tons every where.

But I would get a 3/4 ton my self.

[Smallz72project]

1/2 tons (unless its a heavy half) will have a smaller 10 bolt 6 lug axles and smaller brakes where 3/4 have heavier 14 bolt 8 lug axles (unless its a light duty) with larger more heavy duty brakes. 1/2 tons will have lighter/narrower springs rated at lighter gross weights then 3/4. 1/2 tons can either be short wheel base or long wheel base, 3/4 tons only are found with long wheel base and I believe that 3/4 ton frames have taller frame channels (could be wrong there for the squares). Hands down a 3/4 ton is better equipped to handle the weight and task of pulling/hauling.

[andrewmp6]

Legally whatever the door tags say you can tow is the limit.Like if its a 1/2 ton cab on a 3/4 ton frame it can legally only tow what the 1/2 ton was rated.I would find a roller of a 1ton truck and put my drive train in it.

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

1/2 and 3/4 ton frame rails are the same, the one tons on larger though. The main differences b/t the 1/2 and 3/4 ton is the springs and axles. The front axles are basically the same but the 3/4 tons have 8 lug rotors and bigger calipers.

-Sam

[GM72K10]

Frames are different, pickups are model 10903 20903 30903. There is also a difference between a C10903 frame and K10903 for example (C10 and K10)

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

I meant b/t the K10 and K20 the frame rails are the same height. The cross members on the rear of the frame may be different depending on the drive train option.

The K10 and the C10 are "different" but it is due to the placement of the front axle mounts and engine mounts, but if you are looking a the bare frame rails they are the same shape and size.

-Sam

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

I also want to add that Suburban frames are completely different then a LWB truck.
-Sam

[GM72K10]

Originally Posted by SamsAutoParts73-87

I meant b/t the K10 and K20 the frame rails are the same height. The cross members on the rear of the frame may be different depending on the drive train option.

The K10 and the C10 are "different" but it is due to the placement of the front axle mounts and engine mounts, but if you are looking a the bare frame rails they are the same shape and size.

-Sam

The difference I'm talking about is only the Section Modulus and or width, Depth, thickness. Everything else is more obvious. Just saying . . .

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

Originally Posted by GM72K10

The difference I'm talking about is only the Section Modulus and or width, Depth, thickness. Everything else is more obvious. Just saying . . .

I'm just saying that going from a K10 frame to a K20 frame is not really going to add any strength expect for brake and axles.

A K30 Frame is more of an upgrade, b/c like you said it is thicker steel and the "C" is taller.

-Sam

[Car'n'Guitars]

Originally Posted by PAWS 72

Cars not trying to be smart but look around and see whats pulling up there. I used to run around alot my self up there.3/4 tons every where.

But I would get a 3/4 ton my self.

These trucks don't exist on the street up here anymore.

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Legally whatever the door tags say you can tow is the limit.Like if its a 1/2 ton cab on a 3/4 ton frame it can legally only tow what the 1/2 ton was rated.I would find a roller of a 1ton truck and put my drive train in it.

I have no door tags of tow ratings and all that.

[Car'n'Guitars]

As to the frames themselves there is no difference in the steel thickness, strength, or hardness to them? Do the K30 have the springs on the inside of the frame? And is it possible to find a K30 frame with a standard cab?

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

Originally Posted by Car'n'Guitars

As to the frames themselves there is no difference in the steel thickness, strength, or hardness to them? Do the K30 have the springs on the inside of the frame? And is it possible to find a K30 frame with a standard cab?

The springs are on the outside of the frame on 1 tons.

Single rear wheel, single cab K30s do exist, but they are rare.

As for the rest see the data sheet that GM72K10 posted, there is more difference b/t the K30 and K10 frame then the K10/K20 frames, but your K10 body will bolt right on.
-Sam

[Car'n'Guitars]

Originally Posted by SamsAutoParts73-87

The springs are on the outside of the frame on 1 tons.

Single rear wheel, single cab K30s do exist, but they are rare.

As for the rest see the data sheet that GM72K10 posted, there is more difference b/t the K30 and K10 frame then the K10/K20 frames, but your K10 body will bolt right on.
-Sam

I know the body will bolt on fine, I just need to know if it is worth finding a 3/4 frame and suspension, or just find a 1/2 ton frame and throw 3/4 ton suspension under it.

[SamsAutoParts73-87]

Originally Posted by Car'n'Guitars

I know the body will bolt on fine, I just need to know if it is worth finding a 3/4 frame and suspension, or just find a 1/2 ton frame and throw 3/4 ton suspension under it.

If your considering going that way, I would find a clean/rust free frame and stick the 3/4 ton suspension under it.

...of course if you can find a nice 3/4 ton frame that would work to, but I would not hold my breath on that.

-Sam

[Desert1957]

Originally Posted by Car'n'Guitars

As to the frames themselves there is no difference in the steel thickness, strength, or hardness to them?

OK, here is my own info with my trucks

87 R10 , (heavy half ) 1/2 ton / Frame thickness is .154

83 C20 , (camper special) 3/4 ton Frame thickness .224

Frame look and measure Identical in every way , same holes and stamping s , but over .070 thicker everywhere I measured.

I thought it was interesting...

Desert

[Car'n'Guitars]

Okay thanks everyone. I'll see what I can find around here.