The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1/2 ton axle on 3/4 ton truck

I have a 3/4 ton truck and want to keep a solid front axle. I was thinking of using a 1/2 ton axle and springs. This way I can add front disk brakes. I read on a different post that the 1/2 ton axle will bolt up if you open up the Mtn. holes. But will the 1/2 ton springs bolt up to a 3/4 ton frame? I also have a co worker that has a 1/2 ton axle he will sell me. He wants me to make an offer but I have no idea what to offer. Any ideas what a 1/2 ton axle is worth.
Thanks.

What year truck?

1952

co-workers front axle is a 48.

The springs in the front are supposed to be the same between 3100 and 3600 in the AD series trucks. Just use the correct u-bolts for the 3100 and your good as gold.

The 3100 axle will bolt directly up you your 3600 truck.

The 48 axle is going to have "Huck" Style brakes though, rather than "Bendix" style on your 52.

There were some slight differences between tie rod ends and the steering linkages, but I don't think it'll be a problem.

The 48 is going to have knee action shocks, so you'll want to use the lower shock bracket from your 52.

As far as, what's it worth. Well, what's it worth to you? It doesn't have much value. See if he'll trade for a case of beer.

With all the choices for 8-lug disc brakes out there, why hasn't somebody come up with a decent conversion package to fit the 3/4 ton front axles? It should be a pretty simple setup, even if a custom caliper bracket or some adapting of bearings might be involved. I'll bet a capable machinist/welder could fabricate something workable in a matter of days.
Jerry

Jerry, there are a couple setups out there. They just don't seem to be that popular off hand. Everyone wants to do a 1/2 ton conversion or IFS. Not to mention the vast gearing options for the Eaton rear.

I have setup I've been working on for several years now. (Yes, I said years) The problem I've had around here is finding a machine shop will to cut the brackets out for me.

Another problem I ran into, was finding rotors with a shallow offset.

A rear rotor off a GM van is about the best I've came up with. Ford has a rotor for the early 90's F350 that looked to be the key, but as it turns out, it wont't fit over the GM hub without machining the outside edge of the hub off.

Right now, I'm guessing that'll I'll need about a 3/8 spacer between the hub and rotor to make it work.

Thanks for the help guys. I found a 1/2 ton front axle for $40. Now I just need a find a rear end.

On the rear I used the complete rear out of a 1958 1/2 ton; Still six lug and worked fine with my stock 3/4 ton springs (with some springs removed).
Tim

for my swap (1 ton to 1/2 ton) I swapped the all the front springs and hangers too...rear end came out of a 1985 K5 Blazer...it fit under the rear fenders with ease...had to lose the 1 ton springs tho...went with 1990's Chevy truck rear springs...