Hi All,
I have a 48 - 3/4 ton that I use as a daily driver, and I was wondering about switching out the 3/4 ton axles for 1/2 ton components. Has anyone here done that? I have a 48 - 1/2 ton parts truck that has all the parts ecxcept the tourque tube. Some benifits I see are:

- I go from from 4:56 gears to 4:11 and the ability to go even higher
- I get rid of the expensive 3/4 ton huck brakes
- I get to loose the 8-hole, 15 inch safety wheels that they charge me $16.00 to repair
Some problems that I forsee are:

- The torque tube from the half ton will not swap over because the 3/4 ton has a tube from the tranny half way back to the pumpkin and then is a exposed shaft from the bearing back to the diff.
- possible spring/perch issues
- possible steering/linkage issues

I have some other options; leave things alone and enjoy, I have a 77 GMC 3/4 ton with a good running gear (unknown rearend ratio)that I could swap in, convert to bendix style brakes and aftermarket wheels (if available) and fix the 1/2 ton and use it as the daily driver.

I would be interested in any ideas or comments that the wise ones may have considering this modification. Hope others will benifit from this post.
Ralph

rtlopez@shipleysystems.com
48 Chevy 3600 w/235
48 Chevy 3100 w/235:
You cant see the smoke on a dirt road.