1947 Steering and such

[greasy58]

Howdy Howdy Howdy! New guy here, I've been cruising around the site and looking at all the awesome projects and cool ideas and I'm just blown away! Lots of good stuff here. I've got a 1947 chevy 3/4 ton i'm working on when I get time but mostly money! I was wondering who has swapped out the 3/4 ton axle to a 1/2 ton axle in these trucks and what needed to be done for steering linkage, springs, shocks etc. The front end is going to be stock other than the axle swap and what goes along with it and maybe a roller bearing upgrade. Any info would be much appreciated!!!

[Angryman117]

Just pull the ubolts and pull the cotter pin out of the steering linkage, loosen it and swap the axle. They should have the same mounting points. I know there are bearing upgrades for the 5 and 6 lug hubs out there. I could not find any for my 8 lug hubs so I went a different front end setup.
Any other plans for the truck?

[greasy58]

Thanks for the info Angryman. so the stock '47 3/4 ton steering linkage will work with the 1/2 ton axle? the donor axle is coming out of a '52 chevy by the way. I really wanted to stay with the stock 3/4 ton stuff but after I started looking for parts and lack of availability on brake drums and the price on some of the stuff I decided to go this route instead. I got plans of putting a 5 speed in it, need to find another motor, i'm gonna stay with the 6 cylinder and change out the rear end, funds permitting of course. Just checked out your build, that's looking pretty slick! what are your plans for your truck???

[Angryman117]

The steering linkage should be that same. When I first started on my truck is had the 6 lug front axle. My parts truck had the 8 lug and when I swaped them it bolted right up. I was going to use that setup until I changed my mind and went with a 77 3/4 ton front suspension setup.
The plans for my truck besides the engine, fransmission and front suspension are to leave it mostly stock. Will put updated seats, have a steering column from an 91 chevy 1500 and problally Dakota Digital instrument cluster in it, just to name a few things. Will have some more pics on my build soon. Almost done with my fuel tank install and exhaust system reconfiguration.

[mr48chev]

As Far as I know the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton steering boxes are the same or at least the same size outside. The big truck boxes are a lot bigger though.

If you are going to turn it into a half ton you will want to change springs an all. A side note if you haven't changed the springs in one of these. The back bolts in the springs are threaded into the hanger and after you take the jam nut off you have to unscrew the spring bolt. I've had to go behind a couple of guys who tried to drive them out with a sledge hammer with very poor results.

I'd also count on having to replace the spring bushings and bolts if you swap springs or even if you use the old springs. They are usually pretty well worn.

[greasy58]

Thanks for the input mr48, I have been known to not look far enough into things and run for the hammer as well, I will keep that in mind when I go to tear all that stuff apart.

[mr48chev]

There is no embarrassment in stopping and asking when working on one of these trucks. They are pretty simple but little things like that can be a challenge at times.

[Zach B]

It should fit right in there. Check Patricks for a rear end modification. See if they offer a rear end modification in half ton and 3/4 ton this will help in fuel a little.

[greasy58]

cool thanks Zach, its just nice to know some things ahead of time and ask some other folks what they think could be done and what route they have taken with their project, what are you workin on Zach???

[Zach B]

Ironically a 47 chevy half ton. I'm trying to restore it to original.
by the way when you switch axles your best bet is going to be one off a 47 or 48. They mount a little different but you can slide the mounts so it's not to big of an issue.