The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Chassis Identification

Hello All,
A basic (probably dumb) question, probably covered before.
I looked at John Millerman's article in Tech Tips on identifying different models of Advanced Design trucks.
I want to be able to tell a half, 3/4, one ton chassis from each other. I notice the lengths of the chassis are different, except there are
one tons and 11/2 tons of the same length. I want to find a chassis which will fit with a 14 bolt rear end, and Grigg's articles on using a
14 bolt specify a 3/4 or one ton frame, not a 1/2 ton or 11/2 ton frame. If I was looking at two bare rolling chassis, one and 11/2, next
to each other, it would probably be easier to tell, but I have never seen that before. Just trying to avoid buying something I can't use.
Also, will the "forward control" chassis be obviously different than a standard frame of the same size? So, how do I I.D. a one ton vs. a
one and a half ton of the same length, to try to get something to match up with a 14 bolt rear end? Thank you for any info. on this issue.
Love this whole discussion group! Mike Stone.

The position of the steering gear and the angle of the steering column on the forward control chassis will be noticeably different (much closer to the front and more vertical). That's because of the radically different position of the driver's seat. A 3/4 ton and a 1 ton chassis will have 8 lug bolts on the wheels, and 17", 18", or 19.5" tires- - - -1 1/2 ton and bigger rigs will have 20" or 22.5" wheels and a different number and diameter of lug bolts- - - -5,6, or sometimes 10 lugs, depending on the specific build sheet for the truck.
Jerry

The Factory Assembly Manual has detailed drawings showing the dimensions of the various frames. Take a tape measure with you when you go shopping.

Thank you for the replies! I will gather a set a the various assembly manual diagrams.