The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 58-59, how to determine 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton?

I'm going to look at a truck in a week. I've seen a picture of the front, and know that it is either a 58 or 59 (it has the dual front lights). I spoke to the seller and he tells me it is a 1 ton. From the picture I can tell it is not a 1 1/2 ton or bigger. He says there are no numbers on the side (i.e. 3400 or 3600). It has a wooden flatbed on the back. He thinks it is a dually. It's at his uncles house, and he doesn't recall what it looks like to well. It is a long since retired farm truck.

What should I look for to determine the 1/2, 3/4, or 1 ton rating? Wheel size? Wheel stud pattern (5, 6, or 8 stud)? Are there any differences in the leaf springs? Is there any difference in the frame? I would expect a 1 ton to have a full float rear, is that true for these years?

Thanks for any information you can give me. I hope to be a "bolter" soon!

3/4 ton and up will have your floating axels..doc

1/2 tons should have 6 bolt wheels and 3/4 and 1 ton should have 8 bolt wheels.

Once you get there you should be able to look at the serial number and get the model from that. Here is a link to decode a Canadian GMC as an example.

http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/canadavin.jpg


If this truck is an American Chevrolet take a look at this link.
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/series.htm

Or for a more detailed breakdown take a look at

http://www.chevytrucks.org/mikesgarage/1958.htm
http://www.chevytrucks.org/mikesgarage/1959.htm