The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun chassis differences and IFS kits?

Hi everyone,

Are there many differences between the 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton frames? Aside from length of course.

I have a 3800 I'm trying to make a long term plan for. I'm considering all options at the moment and started to think about IFS. Lots of kits out there for our 1/2 ton brethren, but I'm wondering if they apply to the bigger trucks as well.

What has everyone done for front suspension on their trucks?

Thanks!

The lengths are indeed different.
The 3/4 and 1 ton frames differ from the 1/2 from the back of the cab to the rear stubs. They do not flare out to the sides. The run straight back parallel to each other. The 3/4 &1 and 1 tons also do not have the 'kick' up over the rear axle.

From the cab forward, I believe they are the exact same (frame wise). The have different springs and mounts but the frame rails are the same I believe.
If I'm wrong Bolters please correct me.
I'd check before you buy an IFS JUST TO BE SURE.

Hy fwmoon, please remember to include the year of the truck you are inquiring about in your questions, it makes answering them a little more specific.

whoops! 1952 Chev 3800

1/2 and 3/4 ton are much different from the rest and each other. from there on up they are similar in style and widths but each has different metal thicknesses, section height, wheelbase, and overall length.
one interesting commonality is that 1 ton and 1-1/2 ton frame are the same exact except for extensions they bolted on the front for the latter. i have a 1 ton but got a cab and from clip from a big bolt in amazing shape. i cant turn down using the front clip cause its so much better than what i had and i honestly like the proportion of the front clip to cab on big blts better. so im making mine basically into a 1-1/2 ton besides my suspension and axles will be a little different.

Don't quote me! check out the manual below for detailed frame dimensions.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/52index.html

Tj

To be more clear the 4100 frame is very much like the 3800. The longer 4400, also a 1.5 ton is different.

The 3800 frame is quite a bit different than the 1/2 and 3/4 ton counterparts.

The front of the 3800 frame is 1/2" narrower than the others. This is because it had 2" springs vs. 1.75 springs.

The rear of the frame essentially, is the same as the 3/4 ton, with the exception that it doesn't have the kickup above the rear axle. It's straight.

The frame itself is quite a bit more susbstancial also. It is taller in key areas and the metal is sligtly thicker.

I bought a 54 3800 a couple years ago as a parts truck. I was surprised at how beefy the frame was in comparison to my 3600.

At times I wish I hadn't gotten rid of it.

If I were ever going to do a Hot Rod or high horsepower build. I wouldn't think twice about the 3800 frame. I honestly think it is heavier duty than alot of trucks that came after it.

I would assume that some of the IFS kits have a cross member that fits the 1/2 Ton frame and that is where the problems would begin. You would want to keep that in mind.

Great info...I thought I'd read up on my truck and still found new info from you guys!