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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jul 2017 Posts: 3 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2017 Posts: 3 | Hi All!
I have a question regarding a truck I am in the process of buying. It is a 1957 3600, and the seller has indicated that it is a 1 ton truck, whereas all of the information I am able to find seems to contradict this information. Can someone please provide consensus/confirmation one way or the other for me? Thank you!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2017 Posts: 16 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2017 Posts: 16 | Here is one source. 3/4 ton NADA Guides
Roger Burgoyne Member # 42,919
1948 Chevrolet 1-1/2 Ton Loadmaster w/Dump
Terre de Bourgogne Llama Ranch, Arizona | | | | | Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 693 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2006 Posts: 693 | i always thought the 1-ton was a 3800. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 | Do you have a Vehicle Serial Number (Vehicle ID)?
As tomctomc posted:
3100 is 1/2 ton
3600 is 3/4 ton
3800 is 1 ton
Doe it have a 123.25" or a 135" wheel base? | | | | | Joined: Jul 2017 Posts: 3 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2017 Posts: 3 | Thank you for the information. I don't have the wheelbase measurement, but the title definitely agrees with the information plate on the truck, that it is a 3600. The seller was pretty adamant that it is a 1 ton, and my plans for it require that it carry my welders, compressor, materials, etc. so it may not work for me like I thought it would. Thanks a bunch! | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,442 | 1. the seller changed out the rear end to 1 ton specs 2. the seller lied about the trucks size A 3600 is a 3/4 ton designation, no ifs, ands or buts period. If it was as you say, presented to you as a 1 ton you may have recourse for a return and refund of your money. For your stated purpose you might just want to consider a 4100-4400 series. Good luck with your project. Sounds like another one is going back to work. Can't beat that. 
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
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USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2017 Posts: 3 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2017 Posts: 3 | Thanks for the definitive info. I have the truck now, and have decided that I like it and can make use of it if I can change a few things. I have a couple of questions, though:
The engine has been swapped out to a 350. I like the way it sounds and drives, but it still has the 4 speed transmission. It appears to be original, and works just fine. It is incredibly slow, though, due to the rear end gearing, I presume. As far as I can tell, aftermarket gear sets are unavailable for the 3/4 ton axle, so I'd like to get a rear end from a modern truck.
I understand that the overall width of the assembly will be larger, but I can be OK with that if it's only by a few inches because I am putting a flatbed on it. Does anyone have a suggestion for which truck I can get this from at the junkyard? I'd like to keep the 8 lug wheels, and i'm hoping that by swapping this out, I can drive it around town without starting off in 3rd gear. Thank you!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | Look for a modern 14 bolt, ff rear axle, they are cheap, plentiful, and have modern ratios.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 232 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 232 | I put a Dana 60 under my '53 3600. It was the narrowest I could find. Out of a mid 60's F#@%d. 3:70 gears, but 3:55's are swappable. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 | Your truck should have a HO52 rear end with 4.57 gears. If you stick with the 4 speed, you could go with a 14 bolt with 3.73 or 3.42 gears. Much depends on your tire size. If you will be doing a lot of highway driving consider a 700R4 automatic, OD is .70. With that you could use rear gears of 4.10, 3.90 or 3.73 depending on you tire size and the power band of the engine. Again, the 14 bolt corporate rear. Your best friend will be the old man at the junkyard.
Fred
52 3600
69 C-10
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 85 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 85 | There is more to a 1-ton than the rear end. A major ones are springs and brakes. There are a lot of folks that "geared-up" to find out the truck handles poorly at higher speeds. The suspension and steering were not designed for much above 50 (my 1951 47 mph in the specs). Not trying to talk you out of it, might just think about buying a 1-ton wrecked donor and swapping a lot of parts if you are thinking loading it heavy and driving fast. | | |
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