The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts My 1952 2 ton build

Well after having my 1952 2 ton for three years I think I finally have plan and parts gathered to do my conversion. As of right now the truck is a functional dump truck with @ a 13' bed powered by a 1955 261.

parts I have gathered. I have a complete 98 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 with vortec 350, nv4500 5 speed and transfer case. I have a set of 79 3/4 ton 4x4 axles and a mid 90s dually rear end. also have steel adapters to convert front axle to a dually wheel.

My plan in to transplant the engine, trans and transfer case in to the truck and install a pto on the trans to keep the dump bed functioning. swap the 2 ton axles and convert to one tone 16" wheels with a 315/75-16 tire which are about 35" tall. the front axle is too wide so I will also have to set up on fab table and narrow front axle. also the new model transfer case front drive shaft is on the driver side and the older front axle I have is on the pass side. so when I narrow I will have to swap tubes to put the pumpkin on the driver side. once I get running I am thinking of taking the bed down to about 10'.

I planning on taking plenty of pictures and posting. let me know what yall think or any other problems I may run into.

I don't understand what you are doing with the 90's dually rear...is that part of the project?

Mike B

Yes the 4x4 axles are only 3/4 ton i have the adapters for the front. Will use the one ton for the rear. Both the 3/4 and one ton are 14 bolt floaters so i should be able to take gear from 3/4 ton and put in the one ton rear axle if its not already the same.

End result will be a 4x4 dually

Sounds crazy cool Do you have pictures of your truck now ?

Yes, will have to figure out how to post them.

I didn't know the rear gears were interchangeable from 3/4 to 1-ton...learn something new every day.

You can't post pictures on the Stovebolt web page, you have to put your pictures in a photo host site like Photobucket or Flicker and then share the link with us. There's instructions on the bottom left of this page...

Mike B

I asuming they interchange. They are both 14 bolts and look the same other than one is wider than the other.

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/128870297@N08/16047915308/

Might have to move the steering box in front of the axle like in the donor.

Thanks, i will look at that. Prob wont hurt to have power steering either

Does anyone know if the engine mount kits they make for the half ton trucks to swap to the 350sbc engine will also work on my 2 ton.

They ought to. The front part of the frame is very nearly the same, same shape at least but some thicker metal.

Well after measuring and debating, I've decided to go in a little different direction. instead of pulling engine and trans out of donor truck I've decided to put my cab and fenders on the donor truck chassis. This is going to save a ton of work. the only thing I was really worried about was the front tires sticking out of the fenders too much. After setting in place I don't think it looks too bad.
this is a 98' k2500 4x4 I am converting to a Dually. I installed adapters to the front and have a rear axle to swap in the rear. will end up with a 8-9 ft. flat bed but undecided if I want to mount the dump bed of the original chassis yet. Pictures below,

https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8dLHV1

I guess its not a big bolt any more

Another concern I have is I was planning in mounting the pedals from the 98 into the 52 cab but am unsure if the fire wall is strong enough to hold the load.