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| | | Forums66 Topics128,012 Posts1,055,317 Members48,419 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 8 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 8 | Im sure this is probably a stupid question, but ive been searching like crazy all over and have not had any success. I have a 50 4400. I am tryi g to figure out an easier way to deal with my front axle. From near as i can tell the front spindle on the 3600,3800, and 4400 have the same or very close spindles and bearings. Would it be possible to swap out the enxs of the axle and derate the truck to a 3/4 ton without minor modifications and welding?. I would then just swap out the rear axle and change the ratio for the rear? Has anyone done anything lkke this?. I think that it would be a relatively simple swap as it would give me 8 lug options. I would be able to run a newer tire and wheel with more options. Any help and suggestions wkuld be appreciated
1950 Chevy 4403 due for some TLC
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 914 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 914 | You left out what the problem with your current front axle. For there are a lot of people here that may have a solution to your problem. Jeffrey | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | Being a 1.5 ton, and if not special ordered with the heavy axle, my understanding is you could swap hubs and drums and backing plates and shoes and stuff for 3/4 or 1 ton stuff. I've not tried it or heard of it being done. You'll still have pretty stiff springs all around, which might be ok.
You'll also have quite large openings for the front tires which can look strange with 3/4 or 1 ton size wheels and tires which likely won't be over 32".
Depending on your goals all that might not be necessary or desirable, what are your goals and or uses for the truck? | | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 914 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 914 | From what I remember when searching brake parts for my 1946 2 ton is that every model truck the front brake drum was an inch smaller then the rear drum. As the model line went up that rear drum would be the same size used on the next larger truck's front axle and the rear drum will be an inch then the larger then the front.
This process repeated itself. Jeffrey | | | | | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 8 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 8 | I guess i was thinking options of driveability. It would be more of a leisurely daily driver and more than Likley pull my camper. I plan on cutting the grain box down or removal all together. I have other pickups but if i can justify bringing it hone from the farm i have to use it as my house has limited storage space. Too many toys. I have also considered cutting it down to 4100 specs. There isnt a lot of miles on the motor. Mabye find a v8 and a nv 4500 to swap in as time goes on. I know it needs tires but finding someone to do those might be a challenge. Also maybe looking for super singles for the rear.
1950 Chevy 4403 due for some TLC
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | At some point if lots of changes are being considered to make it into a truck it isn't then instead consider starting with a different truck, the truck you really want. | | |
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