Questions for the 1 ton/Dually owners

[Pappyx3!]

Been looking for threads to read on the 1 ton /dually trucks for the 1960-1966, found a few... is it as easy to upgrade the C30 as it seems to be on the C10?

If you know of any good threads on doing upgrades to brake, steering suspension on our series trucks, please share some links.

Doing some research before pulling the trigger on one...YES, that is a first for me!

Thanks,

Pappyx4!

[C10 - C90 Bill]

I'm a big fan of 1-Ton trucks. Have had 5 different ones through the years from '64 to '72. I still have 4 of them, but I won't be able to help much as I like them stock. Although I can answer your question though. It is not even near as easy to upgrade them in comparison to the C-10.

Keep us posted when you buy one though.

Bill

[Captainfab]

As far as front disc brakes, power steering and power brakes, yes it is just as easy as it is on a C10 or C20. You will just need parts for a '71-'86 C30 or '87-'91 R3500. Most of the '60-'66 C30's will have the Eaton HO52/72 which typically are low geared. I would recommend switching that differential for either a Dana 70 or a 10.5" 14 bolt, which will have a more highway friendly gear ratio.

My '66 C30 project has a late 70's front suspension and a Dana 70 from a '78 F350. I just had to move the spring pads inward a little.

[Pappyx3!]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm thinking that I want the truck to maintain the stock look but would like to upgrade the brakes steering and suspension probably use it most for pulling trailer... To bring other projects home��

Captan fab do you have a build thread on your c30 project?

[Captainfab]

No I do not have any build threads here....no time to work on any of my trucks, let alone keep up with a build thread.

[Mtl-Marc]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

As far as front disc brakes, power steering and power brakes, yes it is just as easy as it is on a C10 or C20. You will just need parts for a '71-'86 C30 or '87-'91 R3500. Most of the '60-'66 C30's will have the Eaton HO52/72 which typically are low geared. I would recommend switching that differential for either a Dana 70 or a 10.5" 14 bolt, which will have a more highway friendly gear ratio.

My '66 C30 project has a late 70's front suspension and a Dana 70 from a '78 F350. I just had to move the spring pads inward a little.

Ah. Cool. My 66 Dually has a 50MPH top speed. Yee Haw...

[OldGMJon]

[QUOTE=Pappyx3!;7139326]Thanks for the replies guys. I'm thinking that I want the truck to maintain the stock look but would like to upgrade the brakes steering and suspension probably use it most for pulling trailer...
To bring other projects home��

I have 64' C30 I am upgrading with parts from a donor 80' C30 using drivetrain and suspensions to bring a freeway friendly rear end, disk brakes, and a Hydroboost power brake system to the mix.
Finding a donor truck (73'-87') is the way to go since it is cheaper than the kits and Chevy parts are readily available. Although the original I230 purred like a kitten, I opted for the 350 sbc engine.
Within the cab upgrades are as easy as they are with the C10's but the rest..."forget-a-bout-it" unless you can spare an arm or a leg.
Check mine out...the last picture is really what I would like my dually to be but, alas...I'll hafta stop here for now as just this upgrade costs plenty.

[Pappyx3!]

Thanks for all the comments and info.

OldGMJon,

We must have had the same dream... that looks like an awesome truck you found to get started with. Please keep us posted on the build.

Pappyx4!

[ncoonen]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

As far as front disc brakes, power steering and power brakes, yes it is just as easy as it is on a C10 or C20. You will just need parts for a '71-'86 C30 or '87-'91 R3500. Most of the '60-'66 C30's will have the Eaton HO52/72 which typically are low geared. I would recommend switching that differential for either a Dana 70 or a 10.5" 14 bolt, which will have a more highway friendly gear ratio.

My '66 C30 project has a late 70's front suspension and a Dana 70 from a '78 F350. I just had to move the spring pads inward a little.

A slight but relevant hi-jack question. I have a '65 C30 with factory power brakes. I would like to upgrade to a dual circuit drum-drum master. Like a C10, is it as simple as as getting a drum-drum master from an early 70's C30? And of course revising the plumbing.

EDIT: I apologize. I asked this same question last year in a different thread and it was kindly answered by Captainfab. The answer is use a master from a 67-70 C30.

Thanks...ned.

[ncoonen]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Most of the '60-'66 C30's will have the Eaton HO52/72 which typically are low geared. I would recommend switching that differential for either a Dana 70 or a 10.5" 14 bolt, which will have a more highway friendly gear ratio.

I have a '65 C30 with a high ratio single wheel rear axle. Used Dana 70 rear axles are pretty common and easy to find. Can you share any tips about which ones would fit best? I would love to find a 3.55 rear so the truck isn't "all in" at 50mph!

Thanks...ned.

[Captainfab]

The Dana 70's are quite common in Fords and Dodge's. Although some Chevy dually's came with Dana 70's as well. The only conversion I have done is on my '66 C30 with which I used a Dana 70 from a '78 F350. I have to move the spring perches inward a little to line up with the '66 springs. That differential has 4.10 gears, which aren't really highway friendly unless you go with an OD trans which I will be doing in mine. It has been my experience that some Dodge vans came will taller gears than a typical 1 ton truck. However the van housings are a bit wider than a typical pickup differential. If you are going with a flatbed that wouldn't really be an issue. If you don't need the higher weight capacity of the Dana 70, a Dana 60 would work equally as well. Those are again easily found under Fords and Dodge's.

Originally Posted by ncoonen

I have a '65 C30 with a high ratio single wheel rear axle. Used Dana 70 rear axles are pretty common and easy to find. Can you share any tips about which ones would fit best? I would love to find a 3.55 rear so the truck isn't "all in" at 50mph!

Thanks...ned.

[63burban]

My brother has a 1988 1 ton Chevy that came with 3:42 gears, not sure what model rear it is though.