I have a 46 1.5 ton. Kept original frame and straight axle. Basically used parts of a mid-90s Chevy 3500HD. Used a dana 80 out back to swap out the 2 speed rear and keep it 10 lug. Used the front disc brakes and a custom machined kingpin to attach to the original straight axle. The rims are the 19.5" 10 lug.
I found a place in Michigan to make new king pin bushings to fit both diameters so didn’t have to make any intermediate steps, $60. for 5(I made a spare) so I could fit the 3500 HD knuckles directly on the early(‘55 GMC) axle.
You didn’t say if your truck is a Chevy or GMC, I found a set of factory GMC, ‘42-‘47.2 wide front fenders to fit one of my trucks so the tires will not stick out from the front fenders.
I’m going to use 19.5’s on my ‘55 since tubeless 22.5’s are getting hard to find.
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.
What truck you using these for again Ed? I'm trying to figure out disc brakes on my 2ton 6400 for the front. Had a hard time in the disc break sticky thread, I need fresh pics,step by step, and a part list lol. I read that thread for an hour and developed a headache. No pun intended, I know the thread means we'll.
Normally others have made a steel sleeve to fit original bushings in a spindle with larger kingpin bore, however this saves that step.
I did this on my ‘55 GMC, 19,000 gross, I guess it is at least a two ton, perhaps 3. This should work for your 2 ton Chevy. P3500HD and P30 front axles are getting hard to find, though. Pretty much have to see one in person, most yards don’t take the time.
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.
46 Chevy. Wish I had only paid $60 haha. Paid a couple hundred for a local truck shop to do it, but happy with the results. The 19.5 fit perfectly with the fenders, so pretty happy with that. Well be running a hydroboost setup.
Normally others have made a steel sleeve to fit original bushings in a spindle with larger kingpin bore, however this saves that step.
I did this on my ‘55 GMC, 19,000 gross, I guess it is at least a two ton, perhaps 3. This should work for your 2 ton Chevy. P3500HD and P30 front axles are getting hard to find, though. Pretty much have to see one in person, most yards don’t take the time.
Ed
I haven't wrapped my head around what's going on with the bushings for this swap. Hopefully it will click in my brain soon lol. I need pics and step by step instructions at this point
At this point you can start looking for a P3500HD or P30 front axle, they are starting to be hard to find. Need to be 10 bolt wheels, get the 19.5 wheels, too. They will keep for a long time. One can also get 10 bolt wheels off non-P truck. You can use your axle, so you only use spindles out, so if you find one with a hurt axle, OK.
If you find two axles, I need some additional parts for mine. I can send pix when you are ready.
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.
At this point you can start looking for a P3500HD or P30 front axle, they are starting to be hard to find. Need to be 10 bolt wheels, get the 19.5 wheels, too. They will keep for a long time. One can also get 10 bolt wheels off non-P truck. You can use your axle, so you only use spindles out, so if you find one with a hurt axle, OK.
If you find two axles, I need some additional parts for mine. I can send pix when you are ready.
Ed
Sounds good buddy, thank you. I'll keep my eyes peeled ðŸ‘ðŸ‘
