I just bought a 1942 Chevy 1 ton truck. VIN buster says it's a 1 to 1 1/2 ton truck. It has a 134 inch wheelbase, 216, 4 speed, 6:17 rear gears, PTO and it was setup as a dump bed. Dual rams, Chelsea cables, but no dump bed. I don't plan on using the dump bed mechanics and will install a light weight flatbed (already have) and will be installing a 1957 235 inline six, dual carbs, Fenton headers and change the tranny to a fully syncro 1965 Chevy truck 4 speed granny trans, (maybe 4 speed Saginaw later). I already have those parts and want to change the rear out to maybe a 14 bolt with highway gears. I also have a 1953 Chevy 3/4 ton donor truck. Can I use the 3/4 ton suspension to replace the 1 ton front suspension so I can get rid of the 20" tires? My goal is to have a daily driver that I can drive on the freeway at 65-70 mph? I'm not too concerned with trying to tow heavy loads, just enjoy an old truck and attempt to get as much mpg out of it. I also have a 1966 GMC 6 lug Dana 44 3:54 power lock rearend that I thought about using, but I'm not sure what would be involved in changing from the 1 ton front suspension to a 1/2 ton front suspension. Just for info, a 1/2 ton front axle dimensions measure the same as my 1 ton, except for spring width (mine is 2" as oppossed to 1 3/4" on the 1/2 ton), and the frame is a lightweight frame unlike the 2 or 2 1/2 tonners. It seems that the only parts larger on my 1 ton compared to a 1/2 or 3/4 ton are the front fenders, longer hood. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
