I think I've heard something about a "heavy 1/2-ton" option on early '60s trucks, where the 1/2-ton trucks were given heavier duty suspension bits.
I'm wondering, because I've got a '62 Suburban 1/2-ton that was originally ordered by the California Parks and Services division, with 283/4spd granny tranny. It seems like it would be the PERFECT candidate to come with a stiffer, more rugged suspension.
Why I'm wondering, specifically, is because the rear springs, even after all these years, are very stiff. The torsion bars take rail road crossings and the like very nicely...the rear suspension jars your teeth lose.
I'm wondering if this could be because the rear has stiffer springs from the factory.
Throwing more into the matter, it has a later (non-adjust brakes) Dana 44 under it, that was a bolt in. I'm thinking perhaps if this truck originally came with 3/4-ton springs, the pinion angle might have been different, which might explain the highway speed vibration I have.
Any info on a "heavy Half-ton" option would be greatly appreciated.
-Brad
